35 Comments
User's avatar
Dave Birren's avatar

Another touching post. Thanks.

If you like Pema, you might also like Tara Brach. For the times we're in - really, any time - her approach to acceptance is spot on. If you're interested, I'll share with you a talk she gave that sums up a very useful strategy.

And of course, self-love is always in season. I have some good stuff from Kristin Neff if you're interested.

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Hi Dave! Pema saved me during my divorce, and a few other things, so have practically memorized her audiobooks. But would love some recommendations for Kristin Neff. With thanks for your kind words and all your support, Susanna

Expand full comment
Dave Birren's avatar

Pema and Thich Nhat Hanh helped me in similar circumstances. My heart goes out to you and all divorced people (I used to be a post-divorce coach).

Check out this page. https://codabone.net/dharmatalks.htm

You'll find several short meditations by Kristin Neff as well as a link to her website. There's also a link to Tara Brach's talk on Radical Acceptance.

Expand full comment
ClaireBlue's avatar

Your lovely piece fits neatly into my Sunday in DC, where temperatures were in the 60s today and we're expecting between "1 and 78 inches of snow, possibly maybe" as a local restaurant tweeted :)

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

I feel like we're in some sort of Truman Show sequel sometimes, the whiplash... feels like some weather producer doing it on purpose for drama. (And thank you...)

Expand full comment
Susan roman's avatar

If I could only brand your elegant words onto my brain to sustain me, to walk in that light, I would exist as we were meant to be. Thank you. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Oh, Susan, your words are so stunning and kind. A million thanks right back at you. xx

Expand full comment
Dave Birren's avatar

Thanks for posting the talk by Susan Davis. Over the years I've learned the truth of her words. Again, thank you.

Expand full comment
Johnny's avatar

Wise words, indeed. The only problem for me leaving my comfort zone is that everywhere else is uncomfortable. I'd much rather snuggle under a comforter, getting up only to eat comfort food. I think the turtle has the right idea: slowly move out of comfort zone but stay in a comfy home.

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Good point, just going to get bagels is kinda getting out of everyone's comfort zone. Mostly we've been staying in or taking park walks... :)

Expand full comment
Theresa Mongrandi's avatar

Dear soul, I wrote you a message but my ole hands deleted it.

Shame on me!

Susanna, thank you for my lifetime sub.

Susanna I'm going to live till 97 -- and with all my faculties. Smiles and giggles.

Expand full comment
Aaron Zimmerman's avatar

Such beautiful writing, as always! I got misty!

When Things Fall Apart helped me so much when my things fell apart.

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Aw thanks Aaron for writing and saying so. And yes, Pema... divorce, kid stuff, work, she saved me.

Expand full comment
Dawna Stromsoe's avatar

Last week it was 46 degrees here in the LA hills with almost 4” of rain in 24+ hours…as Kodiak Alaska was 67, even trust in the weather is questionable! Love Pema, who’s wisdom helped me thru cancer. Loved your WP piece about magic, stones and yes! making New Years wishes not resolutions. It’s much gentler, which we can all benefit from. Is that a dog or cat on a sofa and looking out the window?

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Thanks Dawna. And yes, my god, 46 in LA? Rainy? Wonder what it's going to be in 10 years? I've been watching a British series called Years and Years on HBO which is kind of a family story, that starts in 2019 and goes to 2030 and they show a little of the predictions for climate and tech. And that lump looking out the window is Luna the dog. He keeps watch, well, all he does is watch. But he's cute.

Expand full comment
Dawna Stromsoe's avatar

It seems like everyone but politicians are aware and concerned with the climate crisis. I’ll look for that HBO series.

All that matters is that anyone seeing adorable Luna stare out the window thinks he is a ferocious guard dog!

Expand full comment
Linda Fisher's avatar

Your words of encouragement during this time of uncertainty (winter/not winter; relief/not relief; normal/not normal; etc.) are needed and appreciated. Now I want to read more of Pema's wisdom, too. Please keep writing, Susanna.

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Thanks so much Linda I so appreciate the encouragement and support.

Expand full comment
Dianne Snyder's avatar

Ahh…so very fresh and alive! Your writing touches on the textures of so many sparks that light us right now. And on this new forum I hear an extra burst of glee (even when reflecting on our predicaments). Thank you dearest Susanna :) God winks to you.

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Dianne! Great to see your name here. Thanks for the kind (and beautiful) words and for reading. And yes, I'm a little more... free here. ;)

Expand full comment
Theresa Mongrandi's avatar

Because of your sane/insane way of viewing life, yes, I'll subscribe. But, but, this 82 year old woman will wait until she finds a year's subscription for $10 or 12.

Smiles

Theresa Mongrandi

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Sane/insane! This comment is better than a paid subscription! I'll figure something out for you Theresa... :)

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

p.s. Send me your email address Susanna.notjustyou@gmail.com or reply to the newsletter email and I'll hook you up.

Expand full comment
Theresa Mongrandi's avatar

Italiana7980@yahoo.com and my old fingers keep deleting my message

Smiles

Expand full comment
Dave Birren's avatar

Theresa, if money's an issue, let me know. I'm a huge fan of Susanna's, and I'd gladly enable your subscription.

Expand full comment
Theresa Mongrandi's avatar

You beautiful soul, thank you. I am just, well, cheap.

Smiles ar David's kindness

Expand full comment
Dave Birren's avatar

I'm cheap, too, but some things are worth it. This is about paying it forward, so don't be a stick-in-the-mud.

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

Aw Dave, You are so kind to offer to pitch in. I can also add Theresa to the paid list via magic, I now have immense power over this list thing. It's heady. :)

Expand full comment
Theresa Mongrandi's avatar

Awwww. All I can say is that you both reinforced my strong belief that this world is filled with magnificent souls.

And, yes, I truly am a stick in the mud.

Suzanna, David. May all your dreams come true.

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

They already have! Will get you on the VIP list Theresa

Expand full comment
Dave Birren's avatar

Magic, shmagic. Don't get carried away.

Just send me the bill for Theresa. If you have immense power you'll be able to do it with your little finger. Just wave it. You should know how. :-)

Expand full comment
Susanna Schrobsdorff's avatar

I'm on it! :) I always wanted to be Samantha on Bewitched, of course.

Expand full comment
Theresa Mongrandi's avatar

Dear dear Dave,

I have a lifetime sub.

Smiles and shakes head.

Today has been a gift.

Everything amazed me and blah, blah.

Dave, blah, blah is code for Theresa's going to get mushy...

Enjoy your benefits!!!

Expand full comment