Morgan Harper Nichols' Blog

Category: Weekly

  • Love is Vaster Still (A Letter to the Wildflower)

    Love is Vaster Still (A Letter to the Wildflower)

    perhaps, after all you have endured,
    there is room for gentleness, too:

    for all of the cautiousness
    your heart has memorized
    to survive,
    there are still these other parts
    that keep your pulse alive.

    some of them small,
    like a peach-coral sunrise
    clearing through trees
    where morning hues softly sing:

    “you’ve learned much about love,
    but then there is also what you’ll learn next:
    love is vaster still,
    in ways you never could expect.”

    MHN

    A few months back, I wrote a poem called “Pink” as a part of a series of Color Poems for an interactive poetry piece on Instagram.

    The piece was inspired by where the color can be found in nature, such as in wildflowers or sunrises, and when I first wrote it, I actually wrote it as a letter to the wildflower itself. Now of course, the words can be attributed to human experiences, but for me, there’s something about writing to flowers in particular that creates just enough space to themes of love, survival, and gentleness in a new way…so here is that poem, explored through that frame.

    Below is a piece I created with that in mind. Feel free to download and save the image or print the image and share if you’d like! Either way, thank you for being here, and I am honored if this piece connects with you in any way. – Morgan Harper Nichols

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  • Cultivation

    Cultivation

    Cultivation: When you’re ready to bring something to life, you might discover that you’re deep in the cultivation phase, not yet at the point of planting. Cultivation is the phase where you prepare the ground, which is crucial for nurturing any future development. This preparation is about enriching the foundation with care and attention, allowing for a richer yield down the line. During this phase, you’re actively setting the stage, turning the old to make room for the new, and preparing conditions for what’s to come.

    At times, this phase may feel a little slower, but it is still active groundwork. Use this time to weave the insights you’ve gained. Let them enrich the soil beneath you. Let the process of cultivating be dynamic and transformative. Trust: even when it seems like nothing is happening, the time you take to cultivate is not in vain. Cultivation involves an engaged effort where the application of your accumulated knowledge has profound effects on the eventual outcome. Creating space to cultivate is more than just staying busy, but an investment in the process. It’s a way of ensuring that when it’s time to transition into the next phase of action, you’re prepared to nurture those efforts in the best way you can. Through cultivation, keep making space to apply what you have been learning in this life. It matters more than you know.

  • For November, For the one seeking a sense that things can still move, even here…

    For November, For the one seeking a sense that things can still move, even here…

    May you know that even here in November,
    you are free to begin again.

    As the days grow longer
    and you begin to wonder
    how to live inside what has already changed,
    may you know that each sunrise is still a sunrise.

    The small rhythms you create here still matter.

    Even when there are slow starts to the mornings
    and days that feel left unfinished,
    may you know that inhale after exhale,
    you are still part of the day turning.

    You are learning to stay near what continues,
    however subtle.

    You are learning to notice
    what shifts with what stays steady.

    And as blades of grass still lift under the sun in winter
    and rivers still move when the days shorten,
    you too are free to move
    in ways that reflect the shape of the day.

    You are slowly but surely discovering,
    perhaps, after everything,
    this is what it can mean to begin again:

    continuing to breathe deep amid the change,
    and remain present, anyway, however you can.

    MHN

  • Letting Go, a poem

    Letting Go, a poem

    Letting Go is lie-awake kind of thing,
    born of a midnight hour,
    felt in a feeling body,
    like an endless pool of questions,
    with ripples of things not easily fixed,
    a visceral pull of gravity
    on grounds that wouldn’t shift,
    a long reminder, after everything, that
    you tried everything.
    You tried everything.

    And through all of the trying,
    you are now in the stillness
    that follows all of your effort.
    You wonder what comes next,
    and against time, you wait.
    Through time, you wrestle,
    and around time, you wonder.
    But perhaps, with time,
    you begin to sense:
    morning is still coming,
    and maybe, after everything,
    that means something.

    The air is changing around you…
    Not everything is suddenly “fixed”
    nor conveniently makes sense,
    but with dawn, there is
    the faintest sense
    of something
    starting
    to loosen.
    Your new set of wings
    are still coming in.

    And even though
    Letting Go
    still has questions of its own,
    the colors that fill the early-day sky
    are not tricks of light,
    no, they are not tricks of light
    but flickers
    of possibility,
    release,
    and finally flying free.

    To fly free,
    after everything,
    high above the trees,
    is how bravery opens up,
    like the brightest chord rising up
    from the shadowy center of the guitar,
    like a vibrant sunrise, unapologetic
    after a night that knew no stars,
    like a hope that feels slow, yet is still observable
    even before it travels far,
    like a Yesterday giving in just enough
    for you to become a little more of who you are.

    Letting Go
    feels different
    on some mornings,
    and surrender becomes a song
    you can breathe.

    And I hope it is here
    that Letting Go
    does not make you feel weak,
    but brave,
    hopeful,
    and free.

    I hope
    letting go
    does not
    make you feel weak
    but brave,
    hopeful,
    and free.

    MHN

  • Turning toward life again

    Turning toward life again

    To dream again is not to forget

    what has been, but to take part

    in a deliberate act of reengagement

    with what remains, even now.

    It is a way of turning toward life again:

    the details that linger,

    the memories that still matter,

    the connections you’ve made

    that didn’t disappear,

    even after all these years. 

    It is to make space

    for these kinds of questions,

    however you can:

    After everything, what continues?

    What endures?

    After all this time,

    what might still be worth the effort?

  • For Where You Are, and What’s to Come

    For Where You Are, and What’s to Come

    And perhaps,

    it is still possible to tend to…

    contentment in the present

    and the call to reach toward what is still unfolding

    at the same time,

    by allowing yourself to rest in what is enough

    even while remaining open to what could be.

    It’s a wonderful thing to to find contentment in this life, and it’s also a wonderful thing when you realize that contentment doesn’t stop you from finding language for what you need. Whether you are yearning for love, connection, meaning, belonging, continue to remind yourself that it doesn’t make you ungrateful for desiring that. Instead, you are learning how to hold the tension of things. You are learning how to be like a flower, learning to be rooted in the soil while simultaneously stretching upward toward the sky, unfolding in your bloom. It’s a complex process, and it’s all a journey worth taking. A journey worth taking as you continue to make the most of where you are, and preparing for what’s to come. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • Seek out spaces where you feel free to be you

    Seek out spaces where you feel free to be you

    Whether you feel like you have spaces where you can be yourself or not, know that you are worthy of places where you can freely be yourself. If you’ve ever had a moment where you felt like you belonged in a particular room or space, know that there is still time to find places where you can nurture what makes you uniquely you.

    For some, maybe you feel more like yourself when you’re in nature. Perhaps for someone else, it’s being part of a small community. Others might feel a sense of belonging when they know they are joined with many. Wherever you’ve found a sense of belonging, even if it was just a seed, let your awareness of what you need be a seed that grows. Stay present to what might be possible. You are worthy of belonging. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • You don’t have to rest “perfectly” for it to matter

    You don’t have to rest “perfectly” for it to matter

    Even if it’s not possible everywhere all at once, it matters to create space for rest so you can return to the things you need to focus on the most. You don’t have to rest perfectly. You don’t have to “balance” everything in some perfect way…even when it comes to rest and recharge. Let the idea of balance be an about recognizing that there will be a tension of things. Yes, there will be areas where you need to rest and recharge, and there might be other areas where you have to give your all. But what matters is that you know that as you navigate that space in between, it is never too late or too early to explore what is the most mindful way of being here.

    You are allowed to practice creating space for rest. Your efforts don’t have to have a perfect balance before they matter. Rhythms of rest and effort can take time to build. Be gentle with yourself. It’s still a process worth being present to.

  • A Space to Just Be and Belong

    A Space to Just Be and Belong

    inhale, exhale
    and take a moment to imagine
    you have followed a forest trail down to

    a river
    where the banks hold the weight of past centuries,
    and yet also, the generous shade of the enduring trees
    all bending together to create room to breathe.

    time slows down here
    and for a moment you finally feel:
    you don’t have to hurry anymore.

    and even when you feel this distinct gap between you and the water below,
    you are still free to be connected here.
    yes, you are still free to be connected here…
    for you are both shaped by the same gravity of everything,
    and you are both learning to move through it all.

    notice when the surface water appears restless.
    notice when the pull beneath appears constant.
    notice when you feel this tension within you, too.
    notice how both ways of being here can be true.

    notice when the water sings,
    “all is passing. notice how all is passing.”

    and even as the hours start to rush faster for you,
    you are still free to carry the river’s rhythm with you.

    for yes, you are free…
    free to hold on
    to any little part of this rhythm that helps you breathe:

    “even here, I am steady and I am safe
    to envision forest trails
    that lead to the kind of place
    where a river keeps flowing,
    amid all the unknowing,
    and I can arrive, with it all, and belong.”

    –

    I wrote this piece while thinking about a video game concept where the character you’re playing enters a landscape. Before there are quests, tasks, or goals, the character simply has space to roam and explore. I started wondering what it might feel like if a voiceover or poem played as the character moved into that environment.

    It began as just a concept, but as I wrote, I realized something similar happens in real life. We often find ourselves stepping into situations where it feels like we have to play a role. For me, that sense of being “on” or having to perform rarely feels calm. Instead, it can feel draining, tied to responsibilities or expectations. Even when we are grateful for the roles we have, it can still be difficult to find space to just be and belong as we are.

    With this poem, I wanted to create a different feeling: becoming a character who doesn’t need to perform, who can simply sit by the river, breathe, and exist without pressure. I wanted to show that even if it’s just for a moment, it matters. Even if the space to just be and belong at first only exist as an half-conceptualized image or idea in our minds, the fact that we took time to even imagine is significant all on its own and it’s something we can build upon.

    We all know what it means to carry roles and these roles bring responsibilities and are a part of who we are, but they don’t define the whole of who we are. And it makes a difference when we have spaces where we get to ask: what does it look like to just belong, as we are? What are the challenges that come with trying to create that space? How can we create rhythms that acknowledge both the tensions and need to just be?

    I don’t have a clear answer for what that looks like for every single scenario, but I hope I at least touched on this in this short poem. May we continue to create spaces where we feel free simply to arrive, to belong, and to be.

    Thanks for listening / reading! – Morgan Harper Nichols

    (This piece has been cross-posted on my Substack. You check it out here!)

  • Face these mountains with courage

    Face these mountains with courage

    May you face today with courage, one breath at a time. For whatever mountains you must climb, may you remember all of the mountains already behind you. Remember that the way you have been learning on this journey has not always been linear, and that’s okay.

    There may be ways that you learned to be courage many years ago and you haven’t found a “lesson” in it yet, and that’s okay, too. Because you are still carrying onward, day by day, learning and growing all along the way…in ways that are beyond words, beyond what is easily seen.

    And just as sure as you breathing, you are practicing courage right here. As you face the mountains ahead, remember: each step you take matters more than you realize. May you face today’s mountains with the courage that has been slowly building all along, knowing that any forward movement you make is a brave act in itself. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • For the Threshold (Between August and September)

    For the Threshold (Between August and September)

    as you move toward September,

    may you always remember

    all the changing winds of August

    you already made it through.

    for somehow, 

    through the push and pull of everything,

    they did not overtake you.

    yes, you have felt it all,

    and you have also made it here:

    swept through headwinds that shaped and reshaped you,

    you have lived through it all, another year.

    you are not just going in circles.

    you are moving through cycles

    with every breath you take.

    inhale, exhale

    at this threshold.

    in rhythms,

    you are awake.

    and even though

    you have become all too aware

    of all you still need to say, to reach, to do,

    nothing can take away from the wisdom already gathered

    from all you have already traveled through

    to get here

    where August ends

    and September begins…

    another turn

    in a cycle, a chance

    to begin again.

  • Planning ahead while pacing yourself

    Planning ahead while pacing yourself

    For all the times you may have worried about losing momentum or moving too slowly, remember that you are free to set your own pace as you look ahead, however you can. Your efforts are valuable, no matter how fast or slow. Even when you’ve needed to take breaks, those moments of rest were important and necessary. When you male thoughtful plans that fit your pace, progress can continue steadily, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. In the pauses, you can gather strength and return with renewed energy. In that space, you are finding steadiness and focus and it matters.

    Making plans doesn’t have to mean setting yourself up to always being in a rush trying to quickly reach an outcome. You’re allowed to dream and look ahead knowing that what you’re pouring into matters, even if there isn’t a specific, rapid trajectory. You are allowed to look for areas in your life where you don’t have to rush when it comes to looking ahead. You are allowed to focus on the journey and all you are learning here.

    Questions to consider asking yourself, in this space:

    -Think of a time when you moved at a slower pace. What did you learn from that experience? How might that shape your current plans?
    -In what areas of your life do you already take your time? What has that taught you that might apply to somewhere else?
    -How can you celebrate the small steps you’ve taken, even if they seem slow? What value do they bring that is often overlooked?

    –

    Remember: Planning ahead doesn’t have to mean rushing to the finish line. You are allowed to take your time. Slowing down doesn’t have to mean “falling behind” — it can mean you’re choosing what matters most. Dreaming and planning are about so much more than speed. They’re about giving yourself the time to make thoughtful choices. In a rushed world, thoughtfulness matters, even when it comes to looking ahead. Choose the kind of paths in life that allow you to embrace both planning ahead and the time you need to journey ahead thoughtfully, at your own pace. Your steadiness and thoughtfulness matters here. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • The rhythms you are creating matter more than you know

    The rhythms you are creating matter more than you know

    May you have gratitude for meaningful moments wherever you find them. For even if their impact is not immediately noticeable, with time, you might just find, you are still creating rhythms that matter.

    Create rhythms of connections:
    -Reaching out to someone, even if it’s just a brief message to start.
    -Sharing parts of yourself, even if you just share a few things first before you feel more comfortable
    -Being present with someone, even if words aren’t exchanged or you’re not fully engaged in a specific way.

    Create rhythms of care:
    -Allowing yourself to do something you enjoy, even if you’re not “good” at it
    -Taking time to rest, even if it’s just a few deep breaths.
    -Accepting help from others, even if you start with something small

    Create rhythms of growth:
    -Trying new experiences, even if you begin with small, low-stakes changes.
    -Sharing your dreams or ideas, even if you start by sharing them with just one person.
    -Learning something new, even if you only practice for a few minutes each day.

    For all of the times in your life where you must make big decisions or move very quickly, let this be a space where you make room for gradual engagement with the present moment, knowing that these small moments matter. For even if they are subtle, you are still creating rhythms. You are still creating rhythms. You are learning to engage with a life of depth and meaning, one small moment at a time.

    Choose the examples above to focus on over the weekend and let it be a reminder to keep creating room for rhythms of deeper connection and gratitude right here. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • savor the present and welcome new experiences, too

    savor the present and welcome new experiences, too

    Take a moment to remind yourself that savoring the present and pursuing new experiences are not mutually exclusive. You can find a sense of aliveness right in the here and now, while still looking forward to what’s ahead. It is possible to appreciate what you have and be open to new possibilities, too.

    This could look like:

    -Being excited about meaningful work you get to be a part of now, while also planning ahead for how to work will need to change over the next few years.

    -Embracing the love and support from your current community while seeking out new networks and connections, too.

    -Being grateful for the skills you have right now without comparing yourself to others, while also allowing yourself to learn new skills, too.

    -Enjoying the progress you’ve made on a project while considering new ideas for the future.

    -Finding joy in small moments however you can, while also exploring how this joy can be more expansive and more collective, in the future, too.

    Ask yourself: “What can I appreciate about my current experience while still holding space for what could be?”

    Ask yourself this question while also recognizing: you have likely already begun to hold the tension of this and you don’t have to choose one or the other. Instead, allow yourself to explore these different aspects can help bring forth a sense of harmony right here where you are. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • The things that matter to you have value

    The things that matter to you have value

    Pay attention to the small things that remind you: you’re not as alone as it can feel when so much is quietly turning beneath the surface. And this is true even when it comes to the small, good things that matter to you, but you’re not sure how (or if) they connected with others in the same way. But even if you’re still sorting out the meaning in a larger way, I hope you can know, these things matter even in their smallness. Whether it’s a song, a memory, or a conversation with a friend, these are not just fleeting moments. On their own, they may not seem like very much, especially when compared to the strong validation that comes from being seen in a clear or unmistakable way. But just as tiny seeds can bring a garden into bloom or scattered stars fill a night sky, the small things can matter more than we tend to realize, even when it comes to feeling less alone.

    It might seem like the way to form deep connections is to show up in a big way. You may want deeper connection in a certain part of your life or with a specific person. In that space, it can feel like being truly “seen” would require constantly showing your brightest self. But what the smaller moments of feeling less alone suggest is that connection can also grow gradually, and that depth can take shape over time.

    There’s no guarantee about how deeper connections will form, but it’s still worth continuing to notice the small things that ease the sense of isolation. Even if it’s just one song or one quiet text thread with someone who matters, even if it’s not everything you hoped it might be by now, there’s still value in making space for the small moments that speak to you. They matter.

    The things that matter to you have value. And so do you.- Morgan Harper Nichols

  • Pacing Yourself Toward August

    Pacing Yourself Toward August

    Here’s to pacing yourself toward August, one day at a time. Here’s to recognizing that you don’t have to figure it all out at once before you can breathe deeply, right here. By learning how to inhale and exhale in this moment, you are creating space. Even if it’s just one breath cycle that is slightly more mindful than the previous one, that’s progress in learning how to be present.

    Be kind to yourself when you don’t feel like you’ve been able to pace yourself perfectly. Be kind to yourself when there are moments where you feel like you’re not making the progress you thought you would. Because even then, with every inhale and exhale, you are completing a breath cycle. Progress doesn’t have to be a linear climb up a mountain.

    You’re allowed to let progress feel circular, like the cycle of a breath, moving through different seasons. Think of it like a leisurely stroll through a garden lined with winding paths. These paths remind you that the way you are learning to be present matters. In that kind of space, it’s okay if you keep circling back to the sunflowers or the butterflies floating in the early morning light. In that kind of space, it’s okay to take your time. Not every day will feel like like this, but we are allowed to trust that we are worthy of that kind of space. We are worthy of the kind of space where there is less pressure and more room to pace ourselves through things in a mindful way.

    So even if every day doesn’t look like that, I hope you know it’s okay to sow seeds of being present right here. Take a deep breath in this very moment and trust: that is a part of a larger picture of you creating more space in this life, and may there be more to come.

    Any moment spent taking deeper breaths and pacing yourself as you learn to be present here is valuable as you prepare for the journey ahead. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • Smallness does not equal insignificance.

    Smallness does not equal insignificance.

    Smallness does not equal insignificance. The little things you do matter, too.

    And the small ways you are learning to be present here matter more than you know.

    And, even by taking a single breath in this space, you are making progress.

    Even the way you are learning to move through each day
    is worth acknowledging.

    Being present in this space takes courage.

    Be kind to yourself here.

    Be gentle with yourself as you move through this space.

    Yes, there are mountains ahead, and there are mountains behind, and mountains you have won to come so far, all grace and grace has been given to you.

    The goals you have yet to reach don’t take away from progress already made.

    And however you can,
    pace yourself…
    for needing to pause
    and slow down
    doesn’t take away
    from your growth.

    Allow the echoes of your own forward movement and the beat of your own heart become reminders of how you’ve been learning to make progress at a mindful pace.

    -Morgan Harper Nichols

  • Discovering new depths, even in the smallest things

    Discovering new depths, even in the smallest things

    You are free to discover new depths, right here where you are.

    You are free to engage in a practice of finding meaning in ordinary spaces, revealing depths that you have never realized before.

    Look for small moments that remind you of how you can explore new ways of doing things, right here where you are. This could look like:

    -Encountering someone rearranging or organizing something in a way that inspires you to try your own version.
    -Hearing someone you know recall a story you’ve heard them tell before, but you think of a new question to ask them about it.
    -Turning on a free calming nature music video on loop, transforming a noisy space into something slightly more calming.
    -Giving energy to something important that often gets overlooked.
    -Taking a photograph of something that isn’t typically or socially deemed as “photogenic” because it’s seen as too ordinary, but choosing to observe the beauty in it anyway.

    What all of these examples have in common is their potential to transform the mundane into something meaningful. These moments may not feel like they take you into the furthest depths, but just as dipping your toes into the water still lets you feel the ocean’s embrace, these are small moments that provide meaning and value in ways you might not expect. No matter how many times you have traveled the same coasts of everyday experiences, there is still more beyond the shore. Stay open to the small details in daily life that remind you of the hidden depth that awaits in the simplest things. And as you begin to notice these small things more, you might just begin to discover even further depths you never noticed before. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • Breaking through to begin again

    Breaking through to begin again

    There will be times in life when you are aware that you are outgrowing old constraints. You may realize that something you used to do all the time no longer feels like a part of your journey. Or perhaps, there are people you used to be close to whom you’ve had to say goodbye to. These are moments where you can feel the shift happening, and you may even notice things changing within yourself.

    And then, there are also moments when the outgrowing of those old constraints may happen in more subtle ways, and it’s worth noticing those, too. In the same way a plant might not initially look like it’s about to outgrow its pot before it suddenly sheds old leaves to make room for new growth and reaches for the sun in a new direction, perhaps the same is true in our lives, too.

    Perhaps, it might look like this:
    The shift: You used to be driven by a strong image of how things were supposed to go, but now, you’re becoming less attached to those rigid expectations. You’re starting to be open to unexpected possibilities.

    The subtle outgrowing: There might not be a dramatic action taken in this sense, just a quiet shedding of tightly-held blueprints. Instead of resisting when life doesn’t follow the script, you are slowly cultivating an openness to what may unfold.

    The shift: You once could only see strength as holding on with all your might, but now you’re discovering the importance of letting go, too. You’re learning that flexibility and adaptability are forms of strength as well.

    The subtle outgrowing: This transformation might not come with grand gestures. Instead, it’s a gradual realization that there are some things that need untangling and unwinding. By releasing them, you’re not giving up; you’re making room for growth and new experiences, gently becoming a little more free, easing your way into new beginnings.

    In both the larger and more subtle moments, may there be more room to observe all of the steps you’ve taken to move through this. Like a growing plant, may you continue to turn and face the rising sun and shed what is no longer needed so you can continue to grow as you were meant to. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • Finding language to tell this story

    Finding language to tell this story

    It can take a lot of energy to describe things and search for the right words, even when it comes to experiences we’re intimately familiar with. However, it can make a difference to give yourself permission to practice and explore within a space where there’s less pressure.

    Here’s an idea you can try. This exercise invites you to explore the subtle differences in how we perceive and describe shared experiences, ultimately helping you to find language for your own story.

    1 – Think of a recent, neutral or positive experience with someone else, like a dinner conversation or a trip to the grocery store. Write down 3-5 words that describe the overall feeling or atmosphere of that experience (e.g., relaxing, warm, busy). Don’t worry about being creative—just note what comes to mind.

    2 – Reach out to the person you shared the experience with. Explain you’re doing a journaling exercise: “Random question. What 3-5 words describe [briefly describe the experience] for you? I’m doing a quick journaling exercise.”

    3 – Compare your lists. Take note of word similarities and differences. Do they highlight different parts of the experience?

    4 – Observe even in shared experiences, we each perceive, describe, and tell stories differently.

    Alternative Exercise: Describe an experience today using 5 words. In 3 days, describe the same experience again without looking at your original words. Did anything change?

    Why This Matters: This exercise helps you validate your voice by showing how we all perceive and describe even simple experiences differently.

    This can have a profound impact on the stories we tell. When you can acknowledge and embrace these differences, it creates an opportunity for deeper connections and an opportunity to grow in confidence and it also allows you to connect more deeply with others and learn how they tell stories. You can start to notice your unique way of finding language for a store by noticing the subtle differences in how you (and others) describe even the most simple things.

    -Morgan Harper Nichols

    If you’re interested in finding language to tell stories (through journaling, letter-writing, or creative or professional work) join me for an in-person writing workshop in Atlanta, Georgia on July 26! Tickets

  • To Create is to Exhale

    To Create is to Exhale

    Even here, it matters to create. Not because everything is figured out, and not because you have to make a product or because you must be a “creative,” but because day by day, you have been taking so much in, and it matters to have space to let go. To create is to exhale. To create is to realize that after all the taking-in and the processing, you need to room to breathe.

    Create space

    Create conversation

    Create connection

    Create room for rest, where you need to

    Create a sense of motion, where you need to

    Create something worth sharing

    Create something worth keeping

    Sometimes, creating will take on the form of art, written words, or something tangible and also, many other times, it can take on the form of anything that reminds you: you don’t have to hold it all in. You are allowed to make room for letting go, even here, and no matter how small. To create is to exhale.

    – Morgan Harper Nichols

    This is an excerpt from this week’s series in the Storyteller app. The app is available on Apple and Android.

  • Clarity in the pauses

    Clarity in the pauses

    How can quiet pauses be powerful and bring clarity?

    Notes from ocean currents during times of minimal wind:

    When the wind is calm, surface ocean currents slow down because they are primarily driven by wind. However, deep ocean currents continue to move because they are driven by differences in water density, which are influenced by temperature and salinity variations. This shows that while surface currents are wind-driven, deep currents are driven by density differences. In these quieter moments, they become quietly powerful.

    It may look like surface currents slow down when the wind is calm, but deeper currents that are driven by density are still moving large amounts of water in a way that can’t be seen from the surface. The fact that ocean current patterns change when there isn’t much wind shows that wind and differences in density are what drive surface currents and deep currents, respectively. Deep waters flow even when calm.

    Perhaps, like the ocean finds clarity in the pause of the wind, we can also learn something from these quieter moments. The ocean’s currents may seem to stop, but they are actually shifting in a new way. Density differences in the water create a slow, powerful flow.

    Like the ocean, perhaps, we too find clarity in stillness. Hidden changes and transformations can still flow even when it seems like nothing is moving.

    Even though this process may be slower than we want, it’s not too late to find clarity amid the stillness.

    Find clarity in the pauses by noticing the quiet changes.

    Find clarity in the pauses by observing subtle shifts.

    Find clarity in the pauses by recognizing the depth the small movements.

    Our daily lives may not look exactly like the ocean’s, but we can still learn that change happens even when it appears still.

    The ocean’s currents keep moving when the wind stops, driven by the weight of the water. We can keep flowing with great depth, even in quiet times.

    There is room for movement and transformation over time, wave by wave. – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • Reframing what it means to even “try”

    Reframing what it means to even “try”

    Sometimes it’s hard to engage in new experiences when you feel that you might not be able to do it perfectly or avoid making mistakes.

    What if you said “yes” only to realize it’s not what you expected?
    What if it doesn’t go as planned?
    What if you find it overwhelming or challenging?
    What if not doing it correctly leads to new kinds of judgment from others?

    It’s only human to have these worries. It’s only human to ask “what if” when you’re faced with new unknowns. And at the same time, it is also only human to allow yourself room to breathe as you ease your way into new things. Allow yourself to acknowledge the courage it takes to move through something new: even if that something “new” is just a new day you’ve never experienced before.

    For instance, when it comes to moving through a new day as a new experience all on its own, it’s easy to overlook the strength required to do the most simple things or the energy needed to navigate even the most subtle changes.

    If you’ve made it through anything today, even if it’s just a series of regular breaths you took without thinking about it, no matter how small and whether anyone noticed or not, take this as a reminder of how you’ve been engaging with the new experience of a new day. Reflect on how, even when you weren’t thinking about it, you were breathing and moving through each hour. You were subtly but surely learning to be present in this new experience of a day, even without being able to make perfect sense of everything.

    Carry this with you as you engage in new experiences that ask more of you. Remember the countless, everyday ways you’ve been moving through each new day with courage, even when you weren’t fully aware of it. Look for areas in your life where you try something new, knowing the courage to move through unknowns has already been rising up within you.

    So here’s to moving beyond the need for perfection by reframing what it even means to “try.” Let this be a form of grounded hope, allowing onward and upward movement to arise gradually.

    -Morgan Harper Nichols

  • There is space to try again

    There is space to try again

    I hope after everything, you feel free to write it again. Even if it’s nothing more than a few words for the beginning of a message you may never send. Even if it’s just to create just enough space in your life to say: I was here. And I’m still here. And here, in the wild of June, this story has not yet reached its end.

    And you do not have to wait to know what the next chapter will entail for this to be true: you are allowed to keep returning to the spaces that allow you to breathe and explore the possibility of what could be. Even if it just begins with one line at a time.

    “Here’s what I’ve been meaning to say…”

    “I don’t have perfect words for this for here’s what I know…”

    “I used to hold so much in. But now…”

    Even if it’s just nothing more than a few words, allow yourself to create space this June. You never know what small beginnings (even if in the form of a sentence) can teach you.

    -Morgan Harper Nichols