Incisive and insightful writing, Liza. Thank you for sharing your experience of heartbreak and, like others, I'm taken by this idea of the ways experiencing awe and wonder can heal. The physical experience of heartbreak is akin to grief, though of course no two people will experience these seismic shifts in the same way. Hmm. Seismic shifts. You managed the earthquake with aplomb... tectonic plates grinding against one another under your city. Now I'm off thinking about that in relation to those other human experiences, of course! It was an utter delight working with you and the others this past few weeks, and I can't wait to see how your work across two publications, no less, evolves.
Hi Liza, you’re such a beautiful, calm writer despite what may be going on underneath. And such an interesting subject- who knew awe could be a route to healing! I agree it has been wonderful sharing everyone’s work at MIM. Great writers, all so unique..
This is such a beautiful piece Liza 💕Not only have you fed my love and need for beautiful mugs and tableware, and books that go literally to the heart, you’ve also taken your own deep pain and fear and moulded them into words that offer us greater insight and healing.
You’ve experienced the awe inspiring and terrifying power of nature this week, (that is shouting louder and louder at us it seems) yet have shared the power of beauty, nature and community you found helped in that experience, offering comfort and greater connection for us too.
I’m so glad you found support in your home community and on here, during the earthquake, and I’m looking forward to continuing to share our Memoir in a Month space too, this year and next 💕x
What a fine piece of writing. I had a moment of being awestruck reading Lindsay Nocholsons memoir 'Perfect Bound' I learnt from a scene in her book that we are only safe when we are in our bodies, and that horses know when humans are in their heads or really present. They respond accordingly. Mind blown!
Like Margi said, this is such a calm but beautifully worded and structured piece of writing Liza. So interesting to hear that the science backs up what I’ve done instinctually in some experiences of heartbreak - tried to focus my attention outwards on the world.
Thank you Kristin! And yes, there are new mug, bowl and plate designs out and they are gorgeous. But I already have 8 Marimekko mugs, which way more than lagom for a single woman :-)
Liza, thank you for this beautiful and vulnerable piece. I can so relate--it took me until fairly late in life to experience the kind of heartbreak it seems you are enduring and I truly didn't know how I'd heal. My life's path has long been guided by what sets my heart on fire, and my predilection is for water, wilds, art, adventure and travel, so wonder and awe have been trusty friends. They were powerful medicine on my journey and I'm certain they will be for you. 🩵
I love your insight that deep sorrow can increase our ability to feel awe and joy in noticing the simple, beautiful parts of life. I deeply relate to this in my own experience with heartbreak. Walking barefoot in the woods, noticing the birdsongs, the patterns of sunlight in the tree canopies, the hush of the wind, the soaring of a hawk far above in the infinite sky....the rustling of a turtle in the grass by my feet, a slithering snake, a happy dog with its human walking by with a smile....when I get out of my head and present with all these sensations, I feel awe and a deep wellspring of natural, quiet joy, even in a time of simultaneous heartbreak. Thank you for your beautiful writing here!
I really do believe community is so so important. I'm trying to cultivate it in my local area by volunteering and attending events at local businesses. I also have writer friends scattered around the US, and we try to plan a trip to see each other at least once a year.
Love this post! On heartbreak: I actually developed a condition called "heartbreak syndrome" -- and then found a way to write the grief, to find awe here: https://marytabor.substack.com/p/lifeboat
Heartbreak. I never want to go there again. Heartbreak led me into depression. I was probably too naive. I thought that love, understanding, empathy, and affection could fix everything. But I believe I had encountered a vulnerable narcissist—someone who constantly evaded me, refusing any help, yet never missing a chance to belittle me.
Later, I had another narcissist in my life who made me even more petite. I had to understand what I was doing to myself and that I was in charge of protecting myself from any harm. Today, I have drawn a final line under being in a committed relationship. I am working on being enough for myself. Sometimes, I feel lonely. But the loneliness within a so-called relationship is far more painful. I don’t need anyone for that.
I hope you feel better soon. Give yourself the time you need, and focus on your inner well-being. Look at everything you achieved and make room for self-love.
I am sorry to read about your suffering, Silke. Taking time to heal is key and also self exploration to understand the negative love patterns that we carry with us. Unlocking that secret is probably the answer that will lead us to true well being.
Yes, you are right. We carry all the answers in ourselves. Some of us need to suffer so they understand. I was one of them. I was not aware of the fact, that I should treat myself as good as I treated others.
Liza, sorry for what you are going through and thanks for this rich post of yours that made me learn a lot and sparkled some awe here and there, lightening my day! it makes some good to be reminded that there is beauty around us... take care Liza
Incisive and insightful writing, Liza. Thank you for sharing your experience of heartbreak and, like others, I'm taken by this idea of the ways experiencing awe and wonder can heal. The physical experience of heartbreak is akin to grief, though of course no two people will experience these seismic shifts in the same way. Hmm. Seismic shifts. You managed the earthquake with aplomb... tectonic plates grinding against one another under your city. Now I'm off thinking about that in relation to those other human experiences, of course! It was an utter delight working with you and the others this past few weeks, and I can't wait to see how your work across two publications, no less, evolves.
Thank you Lindsay for this thoughtful reply, and for the guidance and inspiration you provide.
Hi Liza, you’re such a beautiful, calm writer despite what may be going on underneath. And such an interesting subject- who knew awe could be a route to healing! I agree it has been wonderful sharing everyone’s work at MIM. Great writers, all so unique..
Thank you Margi! Glad to be part of MiM group with you.
This is such a beautiful piece Liza 💕Not only have you fed my love and need for beautiful mugs and tableware, and books that go literally to the heart, you’ve also taken your own deep pain and fear and moulded them into words that offer us greater insight and healing.
You’ve experienced the awe inspiring and terrifying power of nature this week, (that is shouting louder and louder at us it seems) yet have shared the power of beauty, nature and community you found helped in that experience, offering comfort and greater connection for us too.
I’m so glad you found support in your home community and on here, during the earthquake, and I’m looking forward to continuing to share our Memoir in a Month space too, this year and next 💕x
Thank you Jaimie 🩵
What a fine piece of writing. I had a moment of being awestruck reading Lindsay Nocholsons memoir 'Perfect Bound' I learnt from a scene in her book that we are only safe when we are in our bodies, and that horses know when humans are in their heads or really present. They respond accordingly. Mind blown!
Thank you Donna. I love having my mind blown by new insights into human and animal psychology.
Like Margi said, this is such a calm but beautifully worded and structured piece of writing Liza. So interesting to hear that the science backs up what I’ve done instinctually in some experiences of heartbreak - tried to focus my attention outwards on the world.
Thank you Ellen!
"...people who are capable of experiencing awe tend to recover more quickly from heartbreak" – I love this!
Beautiful post, Liza! 🥰
And omg, there's a new Marimekko crockery collection?! 😍
Thank you Kristin! And yes, there are new mug, bowl and plate designs out and they are gorgeous. But I already have 8 Marimekko mugs, which way more than lagom for a single woman :-)
Liza, thank you for this beautiful and vulnerable piece. I can so relate--it took me until fairly late in life to experience the kind of heartbreak it seems you are enduring and I truly didn't know how I'd heal. My life's path has long been guided by what sets my heart on fire, and my predilection is for water, wilds, art, adventure and travel, so wonder and awe have been trusty friends. They were powerful medicine on my journey and I'm certain they will be for you. 🩵
Thank you Wendy. I love that water sets your heart on fire.
Beautiful Liza, thank you!
Thank you, Samara.
I love your insight that deep sorrow can increase our ability to feel awe and joy in noticing the simple, beautiful parts of life. I deeply relate to this in my own experience with heartbreak. Walking barefoot in the woods, noticing the birdsongs, the patterns of sunlight in the tree canopies, the hush of the wind, the soaring of a hawk far above in the infinite sky....the rustling of a turtle in the grass by my feet, a slithering snake, a happy dog with its human walking by with a smile....when I get out of my head and present with all these sensations, I feel awe and a deep wellspring of natural, quiet joy, even in a time of simultaneous heartbreak. Thank you for your beautiful writing here!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Ellen, and thank you for reading.
Loved your post. Will send to my eldest also experiencing heartbreak... again.
Thank you. I hope your eldest will find some solace and inspiration in it. Heartbreak is a recurring feature of human experience...
I know, mine is ongoing, as in the present. My husband is slowly but surely evanescing. Vascular Dementia. A little less here every day.
This is so lovely. Thank you.
Thank you, Erin.
I really do believe community is so so important. I'm trying to cultivate it in my local area by volunteering and attending events at local businesses. I also have writer friends scattered around the US, and we try to plan a trip to see each other at least once a year.
I agree Sarah and volunteering is a great way to connect with people while doing sth that is meaningful.
Love this post! On heartbreak: I actually developed a condition called "heartbreak syndrome" -- and then found a way to write the grief, to find awe here: https://marytabor.substack.com/p/lifeboat
Thank you Mary, I will check out your post.
Beautiful connections. One of your best pieces I've read so far!
Thank you Ana, I am glad you liked it.
Heartbreak. I never want to go there again. Heartbreak led me into depression. I was probably too naive. I thought that love, understanding, empathy, and affection could fix everything. But I believe I had encountered a vulnerable narcissist—someone who constantly evaded me, refusing any help, yet never missing a chance to belittle me.
Later, I had another narcissist in my life who made me even more petite. I had to understand what I was doing to myself and that I was in charge of protecting myself from any harm. Today, I have drawn a final line under being in a committed relationship. I am working on being enough for myself. Sometimes, I feel lonely. But the loneliness within a so-called relationship is far more painful. I don’t need anyone for that.
I hope you feel better soon. Give yourself the time you need, and focus on your inner well-being. Look at everything you achieved and make room for self-love.
I am sorry to read about your suffering, Silke. Taking time to heal is key and also self exploration to understand the negative love patterns that we carry with us. Unlocking that secret is probably the answer that will lead us to true well being.
Yes, you are right. We carry all the answers in ourselves. Some of us need to suffer so they understand. I was one of them. I was not aware of the fact, that I should treat myself as good as I treated others.
Liza, sorry for what you are going through and thanks for this rich post of yours that made me learn a lot and sparkled some awe here and there, lightening my day! it makes some good to be reminded that there is beauty around us... take care Liza
Thank you Silvia!