A Grief Observed

Resources for mourning, love, and action.

“In time of the crises of the spirit, we are aware of all our need, our need for each other and our need for our selves. We call up, with all the strength of summoning we have, our fullness. And then we turn; for it is a turning that we have prepared; and act. The time of the turning may be very long. It may hardly exist.” —Muriel Rukeyser

In moments of social and political chaos and upheaval, I turn to our ancestors and the philosophical sages among us to help guide me. I share a few of their work below in the hope that they will give you much clarity, strength, and consolation.

1. “No place for Self-pity, No Room for Fear” by Toni Morrison (essay).
   
   

2. “Speaking of Rage and Grief” by Judith Butler. (video).
   
   

3. “Where do we go from Here: From Chaos to Community” by Martin Luther King Jr. (essay).
   
   

4. “Perpetual Struggle” by Kathryn Norlock (essay).
   
   

5. “Solidarity Care: How To Take Care of Each Other in Times of Struggle” by Myisha Cherry (essay).
   
   

6. “Faith in Humanity” by Ryan Preston-Roedder (essay).
   
   

7. James Baldwin’s words on progress and love via the short documentary “Going to Meet the Man” (video).

   

8. “Our Need for each other and our Need for ourselves: Muriel Rukeyser on Our Source of Strength in Times of Turmoil” by Maria Popova (essay).
   
   

9. “What it Takes to Heal” by Prentis Hemphill (Book and Video).
   
   

10. “Who We Grieve for and Why?” by Michael Cholbi (video).
    

    ---

    
    

    If you are in the UK, I’ll be talking about political emotions and attitudes tonight and tomorrow at St. Hilda’s (Oxford) and St. Georges, Bristol. Join me as we try to process emotions and action together.

    ---

Thanks for reading! If you’d like to support my work, then buy my books, listen to my podcast, or subscribe and share this newsletter.