The closest thing you’ve come to political that I’ve read of yours. I thought I really needed it from you, to pin you down in blue or red but now I realise I don’t, you’ve expressed enough, thank you for this post.
Perfectly stated. Personally, I’ve always feared the act of retreat. That it would make me feel weak, or when I cared what others thought of me, look weak. But I have found a much needed quiet in making that involves ignoring 90% of the news.
Thank you for the well crafted words letting all of know it is ok to shut up and tend to our hearts and minds.
I know exactly what you mean. I have felt and still feel the same way sometimes. Silence is a necessity. It is essential. A basic need. Something as equally important, as air, water, food, shelter, clothing. We are not good to ourselves or to others without it. “Silence is not a deprivation",” Thich Naht Hanh says. It is neither a void, a vacuum, or an absence. “The more space we make for stillness and silence,” Hanh says, “the more we have to give both to ourselves and to others.” It’s what refills the again and again, endlessly.
It's hard to know when to speak up and when to shut the fuck up sometimes. But for sure, the first, mandatory thing is to take care of ourselves, be kind to ourselves, so that our words and deeds are kind too.
The problem today, is that our media system is completely sick.
Were humans better before mass media? Mmm.. not sure. But for sure things have gone really too fast and too wild in the last decades.
So yes, we need to plug off and return to human connexion and to mother earth, for our and our children's health sake.
(I know, it's ironic as I 'm writing this on my phone on Substack. 😅)
And yes to little acts of kindness to create a ripple effect, just as you do, Duane, by demonstrating your immense generosity and loving kindness through your words and artworks. Thank you. 💖
Thank you for this reply Emily! I think you’re absolutely right. I think it’s really difficult to when to lean into which. I think sometimes teh best we can do is to do our best to listen to our bodies. To pay close attention to what we feel there. Sometimes the push to say something is overwhelming and we know that if don’t we’ll regret it. But equally we can often feel when we know that saying something would be a mistake. Or when we can deeply feel that we need to find teh quiet space to refuel and recharge. Thanks again for all you insight and kindness here! I appreciate you!
There’s comfort in being reminded that “insurrection” doesn’t always mean noise and disruption—it can mean quietly reclaiming your own heart from the overwhelm. Thank you for offering permission to step back, make, heal, and just be. Your words always feel like a gentle rebellion against despair. Grateful for this today.
Just wow! There several lines in your response that with such a profound poignance that I hardly know how to respond myself. In just a few sentence you said more eloquently what I hoped to convey. Insurrection is “quietly reclaiming your own heart from the overwhelm” - So, so, much this!! Thich Nhat Hanh says that “Living from a place of silence doesn’t mean never talking, never engaging or doing things”, instead what it actually means is that “we are not disturbed inside”. I have a long way to go in learning to live my life from a place of silence, but there are moments in the process of making, in writing, in conversations like this, where even amidst the noise and clamor there is what Hanh would call a thundering quiet, it surrounds your deepest truths, your most sacred calling, and your highest purpose; to gently rebel against despair. Grateful for your reply Thank you!
I completely connect with these words. It's overwhelming to be aware of everything everywhere; there are days when I completely disconnect. I need it, and instead of trying to save the world, I prefer to take small actions in my immediate surroundings; it's a more practical way to try to improve things a little. And, of course, always keep creating art.
“Small actions” - Yes! I agree with you whole-heartedly. It’s about doing what we can from where we are. Little things done with big hearts and great intention!
I just heard something about the effect of hearing about tragedies through TV and social media—it can mess you up worse than experiencing the traumatic event first-hand. You get no closure when hearing about it online—there’s nothing for you to do, and sometimes, you can’t even share your feelings with others. Some will criticize your empathy and tell you that you have no right to feel that way because you weren’t involved. As a result, it can take longer for viewers to get over traumatic events than the folks who were directly impacted by it. To me, that's incredible enough to reconsider just how good it is for us to "stay informed."
I suppose I now believe that like you, it’s absolutely alright not to take in every tragedy peddled by the news. I used to think that the information was helpful. Turns out it really depends.
That makes so much sense! Perfectly encapsulates and explains that sense of powerlessness that so easily overcomes and overwhelms us.
I think it really is a tricky balancing act. I do think that it is good and important to be informed but, I also think it's imperative to consistently reconnect with the quiet at our centers so that we can better engage with the state of the world.
I think so, too. And some kind of formal plan should be in place for engaging in this sort of information. How are we going to handle it? What are we going to do? It’s important to take our reactions seriously and not let them fester in the dark. (Although this whole is probably new to most of us so a lot of practice is likely to be needed.)
Wow, that's really an insightful perspective! Yes! I think we need rituals of engagement and recuperation. Practices that allow us space to feel the feelings, to sit with them and unpack them, as well time to recover from the process.
I know exactly the letter that you are referring to by Nick Cave, probably have read it 20 times, I loved it so much. Yes, sometimes, I believe, it is "our sacred duty to shut the fuck up."
Also, yes to all of it. I am trying to stay informed, I am trying to do what I can, but the truth is, most of the time, I am just trying to stay healthy, mentally, emotionally and physically, and that requires to tune out and tune into my creative life, my private life, my family etc...
Yes! For me, Nick cave is among a core collection of makers that I call Soul Doctors; people whose work and presence provides a salve to soothe the burn of daily living.
“Presence” is the greatest and most impactful gift we can give. This I believe makes the most difference in the well-being of the world around us. And in order to be able to provide the most that our presence has to offer there are times when we will need temporarily “tune out” the clatter and “tune in” to precisely the kind of quiet touchstones you mention that keep us energized and refilled.
Such a great book! It's gorgeously heartbreaking in the best way! I read it the year before last and I intended to reread it this year, but I've fallen way behind in my reading. Will definitely be making it a priority to reread it in the new year!
Duane, I always enjoy your posts for the beauty and the meaning. This posts really hit my heart. Thank you for that! I love you with all my everything, too! I just ordered a beautiful collage from your store. I was wondering if you still had any of the space helmet collages from your show and if so are they for sale? Martha
Hi Martha! Thank you so much for this reply! You’re so kind! Giving all that love right back at you too! I’ll be sending out your collage today! Thank you so much! The pieces from my show are on their way back to me. Once, I get them back I’ll be sure to add them to my shop and let you know!
The closest thing you’ve come to political that I’ve read of yours. I thought I really needed it from you, to pin you down in blue or red but now I realise I don’t, you’ve expressed enough, thank you for this post.
Emily! Thank you so much! It’s always so great hearing from you! Can’t thank you enough for all your support!
Perfectly stated. Personally, I’ve always feared the act of retreat. That it would make me feel weak, or when I cared what others thought of me, look weak. But I have found a much needed quiet in making that involves ignoring 90% of the news.
Thank you for the well crafted words letting all of know it is ok to shut up and tend to our hearts and minds.
🧡
I know exactly what you mean. I have felt and still feel the same way sometimes. Silence is a necessity. It is essential. A basic need. Something as equally important, as air, water, food, shelter, clothing. We are not good to ourselves or to others without it. “Silence is not a deprivation",” Thich Naht Hanh says. It is neither a void, a vacuum, or an absence. “The more space we make for stillness and silence,” Hanh says, “the more we have to give both to ourselves and to others.” It’s what refills the again and again, endlessly.
Exactly. Ryan Holiday’s “Stillness Is The Key” discusses this from a Stoic perspective. Hopefully we all are able to find the quiet we need.
Awesome! That book has been on my list for a while, I’ll have to make it point to get to it soon!
I've enjoyed all of his books. The similarities between Buddhism and the Stoics are interesting.
I’ve only read one of his books, but i have a couple that I keep meaning to get around to. Looking forward to it even more now!
It's hard to know when to speak up and when to shut the fuck up sometimes. But for sure, the first, mandatory thing is to take care of ourselves, be kind to ourselves, so that our words and deeds are kind too.
The problem today, is that our media system is completely sick.
Were humans better before mass media? Mmm.. not sure. But for sure things have gone really too fast and too wild in the last decades.
So yes, we need to plug off and return to human connexion and to mother earth, for our and our children's health sake.
(I know, it's ironic as I 'm writing this on my phone on Substack. 😅)
And yes to little acts of kindness to create a ripple effect, just as you do, Duane, by demonstrating your immense generosity and loving kindness through your words and artworks. Thank you. 💖
Thank you for this reply Emily! I think you’re absolutely right. I think it’s really difficult to when to lean into which. I think sometimes teh best we can do is to do our best to listen to our bodies. To pay close attention to what we feel there. Sometimes the push to say something is overwhelming and we know that if don’t we’ll regret it. But equally we can often feel when we know that saying something would be a mistake. Or when we can deeply feel that we need to find teh quiet space to refuel and recharge. Thanks again for all you insight and kindness here! I appreciate you!
There’s comfort in being reminded that “insurrection” doesn’t always mean noise and disruption—it can mean quietly reclaiming your own heart from the overwhelm. Thank you for offering permission to step back, make, heal, and just be. Your words always feel like a gentle rebellion against despair. Grateful for this today.
Just wow! There several lines in your response that with such a profound poignance that I hardly know how to respond myself. In just a few sentence you said more eloquently what I hoped to convey. Insurrection is “quietly reclaiming your own heart from the overwhelm” - So, so, much this!! Thich Nhat Hanh says that “Living from a place of silence doesn’t mean never talking, never engaging or doing things”, instead what it actually means is that “we are not disturbed inside”. I have a long way to go in learning to live my life from a place of silence, but there are moments in the process of making, in writing, in conversations like this, where even amidst the noise and clamor there is what Hanh would call a thundering quiet, it surrounds your deepest truths, your most sacred calling, and your highest purpose; to gently rebel against despair. Grateful for your reply Thank you!
May all be well
Absolutely this!
Duane, this could be the heart of an artist in dire times (and they are dire). Your work is extraordinary at expressing it here..🙏
Patris! You are always uplifting! I appreciate you!
Duane, you are an artist in the truest sense.
👏👏
Thanks brother!
❤️🩹
Much appreciated Lisa!
358 / 5.000
I completely connect with these words. It's overwhelming to be aware of everything everywhere; there are days when I completely disconnect. I need it, and instead of trying to save the world, I prefer to take small actions in my immediate surroundings; it's a more practical way to try to improve things a little. And, of course, always keep creating art.
“Small actions” - Yes! I agree with you whole-heartedly. It’s about doing what we can from where we are. Little things done with big hearts and great intention!
Well said, Duane. I fucking love Nick Cave. His music, the Red Hand Files... everything. Thanks for sharing this. Needed to hear it today.
Yes! Right there with you Dan! Can’t get enough of the Red hand files! Nick Cave is such a gift to the world! Thanks so much!
"Fragile Adoration" brought back memories of the incredible Sandman comic book covers in the 90s.
Scott! Thank you! It’s hard to think of a better compliment to receive!! Thanks again my friend!
I just heard something about the effect of hearing about tragedies through TV and social media—it can mess you up worse than experiencing the traumatic event first-hand. You get no closure when hearing about it online—there’s nothing for you to do, and sometimes, you can’t even share your feelings with others. Some will criticize your empathy and tell you that you have no right to feel that way because you weren’t involved. As a result, it can take longer for viewers to get over traumatic events than the folks who were directly impacted by it. To me, that's incredible enough to reconsider just how good it is for us to "stay informed."
I suppose I now believe that like you, it’s absolutely alright not to take in every tragedy peddled by the news. I used to think that the information was helpful. Turns out it really depends.
That makes so much sense! Perfectly encapsulates and explains that sense of powerlessness that so easily overcomes and overwhelms us.
I think it really is a tricky balancing act. I do think that it is good and important to be informed but, I also think it's imperative to consistently reconnect with the quiet at our centers so that we can better engage with the state of the world.
I think so, too. And some kind of formal plan should be in place for engaging in this sort of information. How are we going to handle it? What are we going to do? It’s important to take our reactions seriously and not let them fester in the dark. (Although this whole is probably new to most of us so a lot of practice is likely to be needed.)
Wow, that's really an insightful perspective! Yes! I think we need rituals of engagement and recuperation. Practices that allow us space to feel the feelings, to sit with them and unpack them, as well time to recover from the process.
I know exactly the letter that you are referring to by Nick Cave, probably have read it 20 times, I loved it so much. Yes, sometimes, I believe, it is "our sacred duty to shut the fuck up."
Also, yes to all of it. I am trying to stay informed, I am trying to do what I can, but the truth is, most of the time, I am just trying to stay healthy, mentally, emotionally and physically, and that requires to tune out and tune into my creative life, my private life, my family etc...
Yes! For me, Nick cave is among a core collection of makers that I call Soul Doctors; people whose work and presence provides a salve to soothe the burn of daily living.
“Presence” is the greatest and most impactful gift we can give. This I believe makes the most difference in the well-being of the world around us. And in order to be able to provide the most that our presence has to offer there are times when we will need temporarily “tune out” the clatter and “tune in” to precisely the kind of quiet touchstones you mention that keep us energized and refilled.
I definitely agree with you regarding Nick Cave! Soul doctor is such a good word. Have you read the book “Faith, Hope, and Carnage?”
I am currently reading it and there are so many beautiful lines in that book, I have to really take my time to take it all in.
Such a great book! It's gorgeously heartbreaking in the best way! I read it the year before last and I intended to reread it this year, but I've fallen way behind in my reading. Will definitely be making it a priority to reread it in the new year!
Duane, I always enjoy your posts for the beauty and the meaning. This posts really hit my heart. Thank you for that! I love you with all my everything, too! I just ordered a beautiful collage from your store. I was wondering if you still had any of the space helmet collages from your show and if so are they for sale? Martha
Hi Martha! Thank you so much for this reply! You’re so kind! Giving all that love right back at you too! I’ll be sending out your collage today! Thank you so much! The pieces from my show are on their way back to me. Once, I get them back I’ll be sure to add them to my shop and let you know!
Great read. Enjoyed it