"The main thing is this, when you get up in the morning you must take your heart in your two hands. You must do this every morning."

— Grace Paley

In the quiet moments of dawn, as the world begins to stir, Grace Paley's words uttered decades ago echo through time, resonating like a clarion call to the essence of our being.

In this delicate idea lies a profound truth, one that can change the course of our lives and the destiny of our species.

Self-love

the love of the flesh

and the reverence for our own sentience

These are pillars upon which the edifice of freedom

and the survival of our species firmly stand.

It is not a self-indulgent act; rather, it is the very essence of our humanity. To care for oneself is not an act of selfishness; it is a declaration of our worthiness, a commitment to preserving the sanctity of our existence.

In a world relentlessly marred by strife and discord, where the systems we have built can feel like shackles rather than stepping stones, it becomes crucial to recognize that our individual freedom is intrinsically tied to our collective survival. The more we nurture our own well-being, the more resilient we become in the face of adversity.

When we take our heart in our two hands every morning, it is not just a ritual of self-compassion; it is an act of defiance against the forces that seek to confine us, oppress us, and render us acquiescent to slavery, whether it be physical or psychological. It is an affirmation that we are sentient beings with the capacity for reason, empathy, and resilience, and we will not allow ourselves to be reduced to mere pawns in someone else's game.

It is through self-love that we awaken to the beauty of our own existence, the potential within us, and the interconnectedness of all life on this planet. In nurturing our own well-being, we learn to extend that love and care to others, creating a ripple effect that has the power to transform societies and heal the wounds of our world.

So, as you rise each morning, take your heart in your two hands, not just as a personal ritual, but as an act of rebellion against all that seeks to enslave the human spirit. Embrace the profound truth that freedom and the survival of our species begin with this feeling, this act of self-love, with an unwavering commitment to the sanctity of your own existence. In doing so, you contribute to the collective awakening, and together, we can shape a world where love and freedom reign supreme.

your heart