The hottest Reflection Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

What I'm Reading, Post-Election

Culture Study • 6104 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Reflection Social Issues Politics Identity
  1. Reading helps process complex feelings. It doesn't mean you agree, but it can spark important thoughts and emotions.
  2. Misogyny and economic issues are intertwined in politics. Many voters may prioritize financial gain over women's health and safety.
  3. The political landscape is tough and complex. People can engage with issues that matter to them without needing to fix everything at once.

How do I pray?

Silentium • 519 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Meditation Silence Spiritual growth Reflection
  1. Prayer can be a moment of silence and reflection. It's a chance to pause and connect with your feelings.
  2. Practicing prayer is personal and can look different for everyone. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it.
  3. Creating a quiet space for prayer can help enhance the experience. Finding a calm environment makes it easier to focus.

A process to process

Austin Kleon • 4955 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Events Reflection
  1. Many people enjoy reflecting on memories, like going through old photos. It's a nice way to process feelings and experiences.
  2. There are always new books being released by different authors. Checking them out can introduce you to fresh ideas and stories.
  3. Gardening teaches us patience. Just like plants take time to grow, our creative projects need time to develop too.

500!

Steady • 23978 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Community Newsletter Reflection Gratitude Hope
  1. The newsletter creators express gratitude for reaching their 500th post.
  2. They value direct communication and community engagement.
  3. Encouragement to keep moving forward and supporting each other during difficult times.

Samwise's Blood Test: A Wake-up Call

Tom Ryan, Author • 11891 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pets Emotions Aging Gratitude Reflection
  1. Age affects dogs faster than humans, leading to a realization of limited time for trips and adventures.
  2. A dog's aging process can serve as a reminder to cherish the present moments and appreciate the time spent together.
  3. The bond between pets and their owners deepens with time, creating concern for the future and the inevitable challenges it may bring.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Meeting yourself again

Austin Kleon • 2118 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Creativity Memory Reflection Generosity
  1. Looking back at old memories can be joyful and inspire connection with others. Digging through old photos can bring back happy moments that you might have forgotten.
  2. Sometimes, what starts as a chore, like cleaning out photo storage, can turn into a fun trip down memory lane. You may find sentimental photos and reminders of good times.
  3. Revisiting past work or memories isn't just about nostalgia; it can spark new ideas for the future. Reflecting on what you've done can help guide where you want to go next.

I Had to Say Something at My Son's Wedding

The Honest Broker • 17819 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection Marriage Literature Emotions Family
  1. The author struggled to find the right passage to read at his son's wedding and ultimately turned to a Kierkegaard text he had read at his own wedding many years ago.
  2. The author found sentimental value in the passage, realizing its deeper meaning as he read it in 2024, bringing a new perspective to his understanding of marriage.
  3. By revisiting a piece of paper he saved from years ago, the author was able to share a touching and meaningful passage with the wedding guests, connecting past and present moments.

When your dreams slowly fade away and you feel stuck in life...

Subtle Digressions • 619 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Self-help Life lessons Personal Growth Reflection Dreams
  1. Dreams often fade as time goes by, and people may feel stuck and lost in their lives. It's common to start off with big hopes and face self-doubt along the way.
  2. As years pass, many feel overwhelmed and see others achieving their goals while they struggle. This can lead to feelings of despair and regret about missed opportunities.
  3. One day, a spark of that old dream can reignite hope. It reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue what we truly want and to tell our own story.

How to Get Lost

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6290 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Humanity Reflection Solitude History
  1. The story of Don Robinson, who rejected society in favor of solitude and freedom in nature, reminds us of the value of being independent and true to oneself.
  2. In a world filled with power struggles and inequality, it's important to recognize the manipulation and false promises of those in control and not to be complicit in their harmful agendas.
  3. Finding solace in nature, being able to embrace solitude, and reflecting on the past while looking towards the future can be sources of comfort and strength in challenging times.

The Roots That Held The Earth

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Family Heritage Reflection Loss
  1. Loss can deeply affect our sense of identity and belonging. When we lose important people or places, we often feel lost and disconnected from ourselves.
  2. Finding true belonging is about giving part of ourselves to a place or people, not just seeking to possess. A genuine connection requires authenticity and commitment.
  3. In difficult times, seeking meaning can help us navigate our pain. When we try to understand our experiences, we can find a way to move forward instead of feeling hopeless.

Impersonating Ourselves

The Corners by Nadia Bolz-Weber • 5916 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Reflection Spiritual Journey
  1. Recognize and accept the changes in yourself over time, don't cling to previous versions of who you were.
  2. Embrace living 'off-grind' by stepping away from constant striving and self-reflection at a fast pace.
  3. Allow yourself the freedom to discover new passions and interests, even if they surprise you or differ from your past self.

There's Nothing Wrong with Being Alone

OK Doomer • 183 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Self-awareness Psychology Reflection Mental health
  1. Many people struggle to be alone because they feel uncomfortable with their own thoughts. It's common for folks to prefer distraction over quiet reflection.
  2. A study showed that half of adults would rather give themselves electric shocks than sit alone for just fifteen minutes. This highlights how difficult solitude can be for some.
  3. Pascal noted that our problems often arise from not being able to tolerate silence and being alone. This idea has been relevant for centuries.

Summer diary

Austin Kleon • 3117 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Diary Reflection Art Photography Personal Growth
  1. Keeping a diary helps track daily life and creates a record of experiences. It can provide a sense of accomplishment and reflection.
  2. Summer in Texas can be tough, both weather-wise and emotionally. Writing about it can help cope with the challenges.
  3. Re-reading diary entries serves as a reminder that tough times will eventually pass, offering comfort and perspective.

When does a diary pay off?

Austin Kleon • 2797 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Personal Growth Creativity Reflection Memory
  1. Keeping a diary helps you pay attention to your life. It makes you notice what's happening and appreciate your everyday experiences.
  2. Writing in a diary allows you to track your personal patterns and understand yourself better over time.
  3. Having years of diary entries gives you a chance to look back and reflect on your growth and memories, making it easier to connect with your past.

Playing in the ruins

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 3996 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Acceptance Self-discovery Existentialism Reflection
  1. Facing and accepting the breakdown of expectations can lead to a new way of being, a state of 'Playing in The Ruins'.
  2. Experiencing challenges and destruction can shatter illusions and preconceptions about the future, leading to a more authentic understanding of oneself and life.
  3. Encountering wreckage and failures is a common part of life's journey, and happiness often lies beyond achieving childhood dreams or societal expectations.

How I’m spending Dead Week

Austin Kleon • 5315 implied HN points • 27 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Traditions Self-care Reflection Leisure
  1. The week between Christmas and New Year's, called Dead Week, is a time to relax and not feel pressure to achieve much. It's a break from the usual hustle and bustle.
  2. Re-reading notebooks and journals can help reflect on the year. It's a comforting way to see what was accomplished and what was not.
  3. Taking time for small pleasures, like relaxing baths and enjoying junk food or fun movies, helps unwind and enjoy the end of the year. It's okay to take it easy and just enjoy life.

Drops of enchantment 2

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1976 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection Connection Events
  1. The author had to delay an essay on mermaids and selkies for paid subscribers due to travel for a book tour celebrating the launch of the 'Hagitude' paperback.
  2. The author shared about their first proper book tour in the southwest of England after facing challenges like the pandemic and health issues.
  3. During an event at Frome, the author accidentally sprained their ankle and spilled water on their notes, highlighting the humor in life's unexpected mishaps.

Leaning into joy and community

Tech and Tea • 213 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Community Joy Reflection Well-being
  1. Finding joy in small things, like spending time with babies or pets, can really lift your spirits. Their happiness is often infectious and helps bring comfort during tough times.
  2. Enjoying comfort food can be a great source of solace. Sharing meals that remind you of home or trying simple snacks can help create a cozy atmosphere.
  3. Being part of a community, like the Buy Nothing group, can offer support and connection. Exchanging items without the pressure of conversation can foster a sense of belonging.

How to Get Better At Learning From Experience

Range Widely • 1336 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🚌 Education Learning Reflection Experiments Problem Solving
  1. Success is not always a good teacher, especially in unpredictable and impactful scenarios like earthquakes
  2. Differentiate between 'kind' and 'wicked' learning environments, where experience can either improve judgment or give false confidence
  3. Reflecting on and analyzing experiences can lead to better learning outcomes than relying solely on intuition or repetitive actions

Trần Hữu Dũng

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 2176 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Heritage Narrative Reflection Legacy
  1. Trần Hữu Dũng was a significant figure in the Viet Studies community, known for his informative website and valuable contributions. His passing leaves a void for those who enjoyed his content.
  2. His story mirrors the experiences of many Vietnamese families worldwide, reflecting the struggles and complexities of grappling with dual cultural identities.
  3. Contemplating legacy and impact, it's a reminder to focus on living in the present and not be overly concerned with how one will be remembered after passing.

With thanks and gratitude

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1956 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Gratitude Reflection
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie expresses gratitude towards her subscribers for engaging with her writing and inspiring her.
  2. She values quiet, reflective time during the holiday season for regrouping and preparing for upcoming changes.
  3. The post also shares updates on Dr. Blackie's family, pets, and upcoming plans, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life.

Nobody Gets Too Much Heaven...

illyanna Maisonet's Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Story Reflection Gender Issues
  1. The author shares a personal, emotional experience of being violated by a man while taking care of their mother after oral surgery
  2. The incident leads the author to reflect on past encounters with dangerous situations involving men throughout their life
  3. The author expresses frustration with societal responses to the incident and the broader challenges faced by marginalized individuals in navigating the world