"To hide in order to become something new is not only natural; it’s necessary." You have no idea how much permission you give all of us to just be ourselves. Thank you, Cate! P.S. As an OG podcast listener of yours, LOVED hearing your voice on this :)
On my third reading of this essay, the idea of a 'hide' for birdwatchers, and the words 'hiding in plain sight' came to mind. Instead of a sabbatical (not currently possible) I thought that perhaps, within my busy days, I'm able to cultivate a part of me that sits quietly in a 'bird hide' to watch, listen for and take fascinated (non-judgemental) note of my patterns, slowly assembling a more coherent, integrated, thorough expression of what I'd like to say. Perhaps, instead of 'writing in my journal', I should think of it as 'taking field notes'. And maybe I should wear a pith helmet while doing it.
Oh Heather, I love this! If I were to write a Part 2 of this piece, I'd highlight all the ways we can hide that don't involve going away for large swaths of time, and I'm so grateful that you've spoken to that here. In true you form, this whole comment is a brilliant yes-and. Also, I'd never heard of a bird hide! What a fantastic and relevant metaphor. And I love how you wrote: "listen for take fascinated (non-judgemental) note of my patterns" — BIG yes!!!
"To hide in order to become something new is not only natural; it’s necessary." You have no idea how much permission you give all of us to just be ourselves. Thank you, Cate! P.S. As an OG podcast listener of yours, LOVED hearing your voice on this :)
BRB wiping my tears! 🥹 Thank you much, Alicia — and I love knowing that you're here from the human Venn diagram days!❣️
On my third reading of this essay, the idea of a 'hide' for birdwatchers, and the words 'hiding in plain sight' came to mind. Instead of a sabbatical (not currently possible) I thought that perhaps, within my busy days, I'm able to cultivate a part of me that sits quietly in a 'bird hide' to watch, listen for and take fascinated (non-judgemental) note of my patterns, slowly assembling a more coherent, integrated, thorough expression of what I'd like to say. Perhaps, instead of 'writing in my journal', I should think of it as 'taking field notes'. And maybe I should wear a pith helmet while doing it.
Oh Heather, I love this! If I were to write a Part 2 of this piece, I'd highlight all the ways we can hide that don't involve going away for large swaths of time, and I'm so grateful that you've spoken to that here. In true you form, this whole comment is a brilliant yes-and. Also, I'd never heard of a bird hide! What a fantastic and relevant metaphor. And I love how you wrote: "listen for take fascinated (non-judgemental) note of my patterns" — BIG yes!!!
I find that "hiding" can be restorative. I wish more people would encourage this message Cate!
So restorative! I’m so happy to hear it, Lala. I feel like baking is full of wonderful metaphors for this, too! ❤️