One of the things I'm noticing recently, both for myself and for my students, is the challenge to stay focused and committed to our own creative work when there are so many other things happening in the world and in our lives.
I have students grieving the loss of close family members. I have clients going through divorce. I have dear friends with loved ones on both sides of the conflict in Israel and Gaza. I know many who are living in the hot zones of the climate crisis, who are struggling to survive under poverty in our unequal society, and who are facing violence right now – on a national level or right inside the home.
I also have students who are having new babies, clients who are falling in love, and dear friends who are enjoying other wonderful life-changing experiences, like traveling the world or arriving at new levels of freedom and understanding. I know many who are helping to reverse the decline of our ailing planet, who are coming into more financial abundance, and who are finally beginning to heal from past violence.
And here I am, in the midst of it all, bringing a new book into the world.
I often have students ask me: how do I write when so many other things are happening? Is it self-indulgent? Dare I attend to my own creative voice?
Those were questions that used to trouble me–and even stop me from writing. How be one tiny voice amid so much suffering and also so much beauty?
And yet, as I’ve gotten older and worked with thousands of students, I’ve come to really feel that all we can do is be ourselves, and all we can offer is what we have to offer, and it is our job to do this with openness and generosity to those who might benefit from it.
I think of my book’s cover image of the little grape hyacinth, with its bulb and its roots stretching down to the earth and its green leaves pushing their way up through the earth, with the little multi-part flower at the top, pointing to the sun:
Each of us, like this delicate, singular plant, has our own journey through this complex world. And each of our offerings—whether they are poems or teachings, medicine, legal aid, or dance—makes its way into the world on its own journey towards someone else.
My hope is that the poems in I Say the Sky can both represent and share my own personal journey of grappling with what it means to be this particular human–Nadia–in this particular world, a journey that has been–and continues to be–one of healing, of mothering, and of transformation through rage, joy, and acceptance.
And I hope that by sharing my journey, it can meet you wherever you are on your own journey and serve as companion and consolation, friend and, perhaps, even, inspiration.
I hope, too, that in sharing my journey towards writing and publishing poems, I encourage you in your unique journey of rooting and growth through all of life’s seasons.
If you’re interested in engaging with I Say the Sky, I’m excited to share some happy news with you:
- If you pre-order the book now, it will arrive in time for the holidays! So I hope you’ll pre-order a copy for yourself and then consider gifting a copy to those you love. 🙂 You can pre-order on Amazon here or on the publisher's website here!
- If you pre-order the book, I’m happy to offer a special holiday gift for you: Free entry to my upcoming 7-Day New Year 2024 Meditation and Writing Challenge! (Otherwise priced at $30) Just fill out this brief form to let me know you’ve placed your order. 🙂
I’m grateful to be sharing time, space, and story with you.
with love and gratitude,
Nadia