Red Sky in Morning
Today’s Winter Storm Warning was displayed in the crimson sunrise spanning the northeastern horizon. From the first glimmer of light, (when I wished I was still asleep) I knew it was coming. Something about the dense golden glow and how the clouds sat above it… I watched the stunning fanfare unfurl from my bed.
Before getting up, I asked myself, Why do I write to you? The answer came quickly: Because I think you are seeking a deeper, richer understanding of the wild-west-like cult dynamics that are galloping across the globe today. Me too. If I’m wrong, it’s ok to unsubscribe. Every time I write I aim to articulate at least one key aspect of how control is revealing itself in my life today or how I witness it happening in the world around me. And I offer it to you, hoping it helps.
I also write to you because my livelihood centers on supporting folks like me to find their voice through the written word. It’s what I love. It’s what I’m here for—holding space for words to form. Words. Words that reveal and sing and stomp and rant about what otherwise might remain unspoken. Trapped. Week after week, I listen to these words and am awed. Week after week I witness f’in miracles unfold through words being born and shared in a safe space. It’s what I love. It’s what I’m here for.
So, I also use these weekly newsletters to inform you about writing opportunities even though it bugs one of my best friends. “Who is your audience, anyway?” she asked “I like to read your newsletters but the salesy stuff really turns me off.*” Thank you, my friend. So many different conversations were stirred by the stirred pot I dished out a week ago. I cannot tell you how deeply I appreciate your questions, your thoughtful and affirming comments, and your criticism. (I prefer the constructive kind.) THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. Because every time you reply, my heart and my mind grow. Your opinion is welcome. Your words matter to me.
As respectful, conscientious citizens of this beautiful and broken-up world we all live in, we get to do and speak many things - unless we are in a cultic relationship. When trapped under the thumb of indoctrination, bound by invisible cords that mute our voice and clip our wings, we don’t express our thoughts because so often, we can’t access them. I hear your freed voice sing like the wind running through trees. I’m honored and grateful and awed whenever you let it sail free.
The freedom of expression makes us more beautiful and more human. Yes, it's vulnerable, but the more we do it, the more we integrate. The more our prefrontal cortex comes online, the more likely we are to notice warning signs and the more likely we are to practice discernment. It's allll about discernment, as Dr. Ramani said in a must-listen-to ALBC podcast.
In the cult recovery space, there’s a lot of talk about the red flags we missed. I’d LOVE to hear about warning signs you noticed - that woke up your discernment powers. What warnings have you heeded?
This morning's red sky didn’t tell me the timing of the approaching storm. I used my phone weather app for that and hope to be home by the wood stove before it hits. Hopefully, it’s the last one of the season. Winter storm that is. Red skies will come as they will. But I hope for clear skies on Monday, April 8th when I will sit in our blueberry field, taking in the solar eclipse, within the path of totality. Come what may.
Warmly,
Gerette
PS: I'm curious...Where will you be for the solar eclipse? What does it mean to you? Are there triggers from your past? This, my friends, would be a really good thing to write about. For a prompt, feel free to incorporate 'path of totality' into your writing and see what happens. And share if you want to!
*If you are like my beloved friend and are bothered by announcements, please know that I’m working towards being able to have you opt out of segments. Don’t hold your breath. It’s something I’m learning about. Hang in there. Or just unsubscribe. You can re-subscribe anytime.
*** If you missed it above, Sarah and Nippy's second interview with Dr Ramani, a leading expert on Narcissistic People is even better than the first one! Who amongst us has not been impacted by someone who is a narcissistic personality type? If you haven't already, listen to this!
PPPS Are you overwhelmed, numb or angered by the rollercoaster of American politics? Consider participating in a Writing to Reckon series for conscientious, concerned citizens that starts in May. I’m collaborating with my friend and respected colleague Esther Friedman, author of The Gentle Soul’s Revolution. I have a hunch that the power of your written words, expressed in a supportive, safe environment can anchor and orient you in the turbulence. I've witnessed again and again how resilience can be discovered through the reckoning process and am STOKED to bring you this new opportunity. Watch for more info in the coming weeks or hit reply with your questions and ideas!
Although you are already subscribed to my newsletter, you can add your email address here and receive my FREE pdf of Writing Prompts. I'm really proud of this. Check it out and let me know what you think - or better yet, share your writing inspired by the prompt! I can't wait to read it...
