13 Comments

I love this. So generous and loving and nurturing, to be surrounded with friends whose own rules make you feel glad they're in your life. And to be thinking about it together—what a gift. I'm going to carry this with me for awhile.

Expand full comment
author

I'm so grateful to add anything to your heart's suitcase, T.!

Expand full comment
Sep 17Liked by Shira Erlichman

I tend to be a rule follower, but I forget/love to remember I am a badass rule maker too. I’m pretty excited to come up with my list tomorrow… I love rules as containers. 🫙

Expand full comment
Sep 17Liked by Shira Erlichman

Imagine having so many abundantly wise, clever, and attuned friends, just a text away! Loved this.

Expand full comment
Sep 18Liked by Shira Erlichman

1. when stressed or angry or challenged or miserable, choose love over fear

2. keep an open gate, open door. inclusion over exclusion. you won’t often regret extending an invitation, widening a circle; and there is often someone nervously hoping to be included

3. remember to stay open to receive. what you need will find you, even in mysterious shapes and untraceable timelines

4. the mystery of inspiration, the joy and lessons of the process, the relationship ripples…. these are the entire purpose of your art. audience/profit is extra

5. every soul, human and nonhuman, deserves gentleness… we all hold a piece of the magic. grumps and parents and owls and slugs included

6. when you stumble upon a sidewalk sale, you will never be able to look at every single object. it’s enough to never pass one by without giving it two good glances. once in a while, a treasure will catch your eye at second glance

Expand full comment
author

oooooo "grumps and parents and owls and slugs" - my favorite demographic!

Expand full comment
Sep 17Liked by Shira Erlichman

Shira - this brought fresh air to baptize my spirit and soul. You know - the kind of deep exhalation that only comes from total refreshment and enjoyment. Like a rose bush blooming as if to say, “hey, I did this just for you!” Thank you!

Expand full comment
author

A dozen rose bushes your way!

Expand full comment

I thought about using this as a journal prompt for later, but I have a nasty habit of leaving things for later and never getting to them. So, my 5 rules--obviously inspired by some of the ones here, but feel true to me--are, for now:

1. You & I will die someday.

2. Everything exists within paradox; if I am sure of any one thing, I may only be seeing half of the truth.

3. God is Love--and vice versa.

4. Be here now.

5. Ask questions.

Expand full comment
author

i love & needed #2!

Expand full comment
Sep 18Liked by Shira Erlichman

Inflammation is not a treat!! My mind is BLOWN by this one, wow. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Sep 18Liked by Shira Erlichman

I am so intrigued! Loved this post. Makes me halt and go, "hmmm, what are my rules?"

I'll journal about it sooon!!!

Expand full comment
Sep 18Liked by Shira Erlichman

loved this one, will be thinking about it and sharing with others. ❤️

Expand full comment