how to survive

Hello, reader.  How are you doing?  I’m thinking about how to survive.  I hope you feel my love through the computer.  It’s a good time for love.  I saw this meme that really spoke to me, though I don’t know its origins.

If you think you love “freedom” but you don’t care if it applies to everyone, what you actually love is “privilege.”.

It reminds me of an idea I’ve been chewing on for a few years, that liberation is only possible when it’s shared.  Intersectional liberation, or not at all.

There’s a meme I made a month or two ago about disability justice and intersectionality.

Anyway, people I love are freaked out about current events.  Even my darling Ming who is 58 years old and has seen a lot.  It’s hard to rattle a nurse.

how to survive

We made a list this morning of what helps me feel more secure.  I need to feel secure so I can keep doing the work of love and building a better culture.

• my relationship with Ming
• chosen family
• touch
• growing food
• Disabled Resilience Permaculture
• knowing resources for food pantries and where to forage
• knowledge in books and zines–first aid, herbal abortion, natural inks, chicken care
• knowledge Ming has and knowledge within others I love
• the support of radicals
• knowing how to cook, especially foods others don’t enjoy as much like beans and lentils
• knowing about plants
• understanding my own body and needs
• radical mental health
• radical physical health
• sunshine, rest, sleep
• herbal knowledge
• keeping myself apart from mainstream distractions
• spirituality
• prayer and ritual
• tarot
• nature
• enough resources like clothing and salt
• community
• gratitude practice
• home with low sensory

Many parts of life are scary and sad.  I’m glad many parts of life are joyful and strengthening also.

questions for discussion

What makes you feel secure?

What are your ideas of how to survive?

How much do big political events shake you up?

Do grief and rage fuel your actions?  If so, how do you direct the feelings into behaviors?

How responsible do you feel for culture and widespread values?

Why are you here on earth?

what I’m up to

Regardless of who the current rulers are, I’m working for a better world.  I’ve been helping run a radical mental health collective for many years, and I love cooking for Food Not Bombs.

Continually learning about water, plant life, history, culture, and how the world works is important to me.  In relationship, I love my friends and family.  Like Ming, I’m a bridge builder, looking for ways to connect and include.  Liberation is for all of us.  I want to bring everyone in.

Yesterday and tomorrow and next year, I stay true to my values.  My ancestors put me here to cultivate the fruits of the spirit.  Thank you for building a better world with me.

Halloween night, Ming and I made art.  I made this fat goddess.

I’m looking to her and all the bitches, goddesses, fat people, disabled people, freaks, lunatics, radicals, and lovers to get us through.

Did you think systems were going to hold you in safety?  The people who need it most are held the least.  So we learn how to survive, being there for ourselves and one another, in messy, vulnerable, naked style.