How I Forgot 2023
Going back through my 2023 date book to add recurring appointments to the 2024 book was eye-opening. It made me see how I forgot 2023. I could easily remember some wonderful new developments in my life in 2023. The Contemplative Writing Group, for one. My informal group of NOLA women asking the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana to own up to its founding by slave traders for another. And a writing friend who meets me at a local coffee shop where we…write.
I was also well aware of the continuation of that which I love. Such as the Writing Room at 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis. My small writing group of four incredible writers. The Justice group at the School for Contemplative Living. Our incredible group of facilitators on the Mississippi Episcopal Diocese’s Becoming Beloved Community team.
But What I Forgot
I had forgotten about the talk on creativity that I gave for Mississippi Free Press. Also slipping from my mind were the book studies I led with the amazing Loretta Hulin. One was prep for a Lenten retreat and the other for our Beloved Community’s summer book study. While I remember doing a creativity talk at the Hancock County Library, I would’ve said it was earlier than last year. It was embarrassing how I forgot 2023
Why I Forgot 2023
My life last year was dominated by three trips. One to Europe, one to the Canadian Rockies, and a trip to Breckenridge. For folks like us who rarely travel, these were major. We also reestablished a presence in Memphis. First, we moved into an apartment in March then successfully bought a condo in June. I also cut my year into “before and after” when I hurt my back in June and took my first ambulance ride to the hospital because I couldn’t move. These big events nudged out of my memory the other happenings, which were crucially important to me at the time, and now.
If nothing else entered my life, 2024 would be full.
Yet, I know new things are on the horizon. For one, Tom and I have signed up for Sacred Ground training. That will be every other week through the spring. I’ve signed up for a new School of Contemplative Living group with the wonderful Ed Bacon to study his book The Eight Habits of Love. I’ve read the book and can’t wait to discuss it with a group. I also expect my volunteering with PEN America on their prison writing mentoring will increase.
I’m feeling some sort of way about looking at such a full year. It’s what I want, yeah? But it’s also a bit intimidating to have so much of my year already decided. I guess this tells me how much I view the future as an uncharted adventure. How much I depend on that. Of course, I can still do uncharted things. Like making more Thumb Prayers for women experiencing domestic violence. Being someone who practices Tai Chi. Swimming. And…who knows!
Contemplative Writing, How I forgot 2023, Looking back at 2023, Mississippi Free Press, The Eight Habits of Love, The Writing Room at 100 Men Hall
emma
Good morning Ellen! I hope all this “busyness” does not keep y’all away from Waveland!! Love the pic, but I want to see a small smile at least under that scarf, even a Mona Lisa one would do.
One of my goals for ’24 is to write more. I was so involved in art for the past few years I’ve almost given up my art of writing – sometimes lamenting that I am trying to cram too much into living.
All your endeavors coming up appear to me to be very positive for the universe – I applaud you – and Tom!
The tiny gnawing irritant in my heart at the moment is the amount of anger and rage in the world. I hurt over it. So do we as writers address it and reflect it back on the world? We certainly do not need more of it. Or do we adopt the pollyanna-ish stance of ignoring it and pouring forth love and caring – so much of it that the hate and anger is drowned out like squealing rats down a drain? I’ve always believed that prayer works to raise the level of love in the world, but that seems too personal and private a thing to do when the anger is so loud.
But I do believe that’s what we must do – make ourselves the opposite of rage and make ourselves love. I look forward to seeing what all your plans produce in that department.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
A Mona Lisa one. 🙂 I think about you and your writing often. Like Suzanne and others in my life, you have a surfeit of riches when it comes to choices you have on how to express yourself. I can see it feeling like a hand pressing on your back. Maybe this Contemplative Writing Group would be a toe back in, no pressure, no homework, just relaxing into it. We will visit soon.
We’ve been reading “Dear White Peacemakers” in the Contemplative Justice Group. By Osheta Moore. She refuses to blame, shame, and chastise. She does not refuse to engage, discuss, and speak her truth. She comes at conversations from a place of love, which has been my prayer for a while now. I have seen other people in my life do it. I’m so far from it. Glad we are walking this road together.
Luanne
I wish I could forget 2023. it’s brought sadness to me. But looking ahead to 2024 when my first grandchild is due to arrive (in less than 4 weeks). That’s a great author photo–you look marvelous. Happy New Year, Ellen.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I grieve the sadness in your life. I rejoice for the coming of a grandchild! I hope that delight sets the vibe for 2024. And Happy New Year to you as well!
Mary Lowry
I love the picture! Steady and serious. There is a sadness there, too, which may not be what you want to convey. The warm clothes feel right now but maybe not so much when the weather gets hot again. I am excited that you are training to facilitate the Sacred Ground program and put in my bid that you run it in New Orleans.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
That is so interesting. My older sister says there has been sadness in my “resting face” ever since I was a little girl. So I guess that’s me. My current photo is on the beach, so perhaps I’ve inadvertently created winter and summer author photos?
Ha, ha–I will let you know how it goes tomorrow at that training–Liz said almost everyone signed up is clergy (except for me!)