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Antonia Malchik's avatar

Swarna, my friend, you've hit gong after gong of truth in this essay. Resonant and powerful, every line. "If we were not in a constant state of discomfort with the present moment, we would not seek validation to numb it" went to yet another level for me -- a truth that, as you point out, people *know* and yet keep unlearning over and over and over. And then, as you also point out, turning against one another when situations get dire. How, how, how, to we change that resonance to help people see that their neighbors, whether lifelong or newcomers to their community, are not their enemy? Keep telling the stories, keep using your voice.

I am incensed about Stripe's policy, and so sorry. That's absurd. Why should it make a difference what country you're in? WTF???

I am grateful beyond words most of the time, grateful with the energy of a flame in the dark to have found another in you, and any way I can support your work, I will. 🕯️🧚❤️‍🔥

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Freya Rohn's avatar

Dearest Swarna. I love how your words flow with such passion and power. I feel so seen when I read your writing--and that despite our opposite ends of where we live in this beautiful, broken world, their are rains starting in earnest here, mirroring your own. This is something I often think of and yet I love the words you use: "What if the whole of life is a process of unbecoming, of stripping away layers of ego that keep our narrative small? Maybe it is the butterfly that goes through the process of chrysalis to un-become the caterpillar she thought she was." YES. Let us know what comes of the inanity of Stripe deciding who can receive funds--like Nia, I will always support you in any way that I can, my sister firefly. 💜🧚🏼

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