Welcome to The Porch - a community of transformative storytelling in a slow conversation about beautiful, and difficult things. We offer our writing here at no cost to read, but if you can afford it and want to support meaningful work on how to live in challenging times and call forth the best in ourselves, we gladly welcome your support. And if you like what you see here, please share this newsletter with others.
As always, I appreciate your positive words and encouragement, Gareth. Reading this reminded me of a quote that appears at the end of the beautiful film, “A Hidden Life,” which you’ve probably seen. “…for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts, and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life and rest in unvisited tombs.” (George Eliot)
I agree that no matter how quiet or “unseen” our lives, we can’t know the positive impact we have.
Thanks Pauline - I was deeply moved by "A Hidden Life" - The Porch/Movies & Meaning hosted a screening in Asheville and it was profound to be with 100+ people thinking about what we might learn from such a life.
Hey Gareth, this made so much sense me. Not only did it remind me that there is inherent value in the act of creation, but to recognize that value in others is also part of the process. After reading this I felt nourished and seen, and inspired to see the stardust in those around me. Thank you for sharing!
This was so moving and meaningful to me, Gareth, and full of Spirit synchronicities. Thank you!! I'm reminded of both a Parker Palmer interview I heard recently in which he talked about his life-long wrestling match with the idea in American culture that the aim of our lives is an effective (or "successful") outcome, as well as a portion of Madeleine L'Engle's book "Walking on Water" where she shares how every written creation "feeds the lake." Your writing—and I felt this way with "How to Not Be Afraid" — really liberates people. Including me.
As always, I appreciate your positive words and encouragement, Gareth. Reading this reminded me of a quote that appears at the end of the beautiful film, “A Hidden Life,” which you’ve probably seen. “…for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts, and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life and rest in unvisited tombs.” (George Eliot)
I agree that no matter how quiet or “unseen” our lives, we can’t know the positive impact we have.
Thanks Pauline - I was deeply moved by "A Hidden Life" - The Porch/Movies & Meaning hosted a screening in Asheville and it was profound to be with 100+ people thinking about what we might learn from such a life.
Hey Gareth, this made so much sense me. Not only did it remind me that there is inherent value in the act of creation, but to recognize that value in others is also part of the process. After reading this I felt nourished and seen, and inspired to see the stardust in those around me. Thank you for sharing!
This was so moving and meaningful to me, Gareth, and full of Spirit synchronicities. Thank you!! I'm reminded of both a Parker Palmer interview I heard recently in which he talked about his life-long wrestling match with the idea in American culture that the aim of our lives is an effective (or "successful") outcome, as well as a portion of Madeleine L'Engle's book "Walking on Water" where she shares how every written creation "feeds the lake." Your writing—and I felt this way with "How to Not Be Afraid" — really liberates people. Including me.
Thank you Arianne - the lake needs feeding, and your encouragement matters.