We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives. — Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize acceptance speech 1993. How complex of a statement? How profound of a consideration, to assess the way in which we fix our mouths. A probing, if not to be examined — deeply, intensely, with our all. Reading those words got me thinking. How do I do language? Where does my language take me? How does it shape me, and others whose ears it falls upon? Where do I go when the language around me hurts? How do I lean into language, into vulnerability, into the truth of my tongue?
I begin each of my English classes with this quote from the same speech as one of our ethos - “We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.”
it is in language that we find our ability to connect and take action. thank you for reminding us of the possibilities 🤍 excited for your continued evolution!
I'm sitting with the reality that expression is so ubiquitous, it is taken for granted. Language is both a bridge and a sword. Thanks for the reminder.
In a world where one who feels “deeply” is surrounded by people who feel the most comfort on the shore, this newsletter landed softly and reached me in the deep end. Thank you for your gift ♥️
You write so beautifully, thank you for prompting these thoughts. Thinking of language as we think of love - as a verb - is a direction that could shape the way we live. I'm so grateful to be reminded of that purpose
Absolutely love the new name of this newsletter. I’ve been so proud of my language these days. Speaking from a place of responsible but honest truth has taken weight off of my shoulders and allowed me to show you more authentically, even on the days where it’s hard.
I begin each of my English classes with this quote from the same speech as one of our ethos - “We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.”
it is in language that we find our ability to connect and take action. thank you for reminding us of the possibilities 🤍 excited for your continued evolution!
I love that so so much. Language is truly our foundation. Thank you !
I'm sitting with the reality that expression is so ubiquitous, it is taken for granted. Language is both a bridge and a sword. Thanks for the reminder.
We all take it for granted most times. Learning to do better with its undeniable power. <3
In a world where one who feels “deeply” is surrounded by people who feel the most comfort on the shore, this newsletter landed softly and reached me in the deep end. Thank you for your gift ♥️
Ahhhh, I have a writing in working that touches on this exactly. I'm so glad this reached you!
You write so beautifully, thank you for prompting these thoughts. Thinking of language as we think of love - as a verb - is a direction that could shape the way we live. I'm so grateful to be reminded of that purpose
Thank you so so much. I love how you said that language is "a direction that could shape the way we love." Such a true and necessary reminder ❤️
Love how you worded this. There is so much power in the tongue!
Thank you!
Absolutely love the new name of this newsletter. I’ve been so proud of my language these days. Speaking from a place of responsible but honest truth has taken weight off of my shoulders and allowed me to show you more authentically, even on the days where it’s hard.
I love how you said “speaking from a place of responsible yet honest truth.” That is so necessary! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts💕
❤️