Borrowing Comfort From This World
Hopeful lessons from nature, culture and the goodness that exists in the world.
I started writing this newsletter because I felt guilty for skipping last week’s post on Tuesday. (If you noticed, thank you. It means the world to me!)
When I published my first-ever newsletter in 2022, I felt like writing might not be something I would pursue for long. Maybe it was the fear of people judging how my mind works, or perhaps it was a strong belief that I wasn’t relatable enough in a sea full of content on the internet. I could never figure it out. But one thing I know for sure is that I have always fallen back to writing for comfort in the happiest and saddest moments of my life. So here I am again, a week later than you expected to see me, searching for hope and comfort in this world like I always aim to do.
This week, I felt triggered by how unsafe this world can be, especially for women. The downside of living in a complex society overpowered the beauty and joy of little things. I know that a single person cannot change the world alone, but we, as a collective, can spread kindness. We can be hopeful. Our actions can serve as an example that goodness still exists in this world. It is the least we can do. There is endless power in doing something rather than not doing anything at all. Let this be your reminder to show up for yourself and the people around you, for we all deserve to live in a world that feels like home.
I have been taking inspiration from nature, culture and all the positive happenings around the world to comfort my soul as life (and the world) continues to move at a rapid pace, sometimes towards darkness. Below are a few that resonated with me. Feel free to take what you need. :)
Rainbows that exist at night are called ‘Moonbows’. It feels like an indication that light can, in fact, be seen in darkness.
The fact that somewhere in this world, someone is already living a life that you imagine for yourself. It means that this is possible for you as well.
The fact that four different seasons combined make a whole year serves as a reminder that even if you sit still, the world around you will keep changing. This might mean that seasons of calm are likely to be followed by seasons of chaos, but it also holds true the other way around.
The Dutch embrace a practice called "Niksen", which translates to doing nothing. It is a practice where people step away from their to-do lists and allow their minds to wander. In a world that glorifies speed, finding time to do nothing might be the best thing you’d do for your well-being.
There is a simple concept in Economics- When the demand for a good increases, the buyer is willing to pay more to the seller, who, as a result, may increase the production of that good. The ripple effect of kindness is no different. When you practice it, the one who receives may be inspired to pass it on to others.
Butterflies stay inside their cocoons for most of their metamorphosis. They are slowly growing, but their growth may not necessarily be visible. The same thing applies to our lives. Trust that you are growing, even when you can’t notice it yet.
THIS WEEK’s RECOMMENDATIONS
Summer without scrolling and all-or-nothing thinking by
. A reminder of how beautiful life can be when you are not scrolling on your phone.- . A reminder that quitting does not equate to failing.
- . The love a simple reminder presented to me in a visually appealing way. To anyone who needs to slow down, here is your reminder to do it now.
Another thoughtful essay that I can relate to.
I’m glad you took a break. And the world didn’t fall apart! 😊 Instead, you honoured what your body and mind needed. 💕
Your writing is beautiful Mansi. I so enjoyed reading this, and thanks for the recommendations too