As Ever

As Ever is a reflective exploration into the interconnectedness of art, culture, ideas, and personal growth, offering insights into how these elements influence our perceptions, relationships, and experiences. It emphasizes the significance of appreciating beauty, embracing vulnerability, and the impact of tools and creativity on autonomy and social interactions.

Art and Culture Personal Growth and Reflection Nature and Appreciation Relationships and Connection Creativity and Autonomy Philosophical and Ethical Inquiry Poetry and Literature Religion and Spirituality

The hottest Substack posts of As Ever

And their main takeaways

Vision Board Edition

7 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 25
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Prayer Mindfulness Art Philosophy
  1. Setting goals with a vision board can help make your dreams a reality. When you focus on what you want to achieve, you're more likely to see it happen.
  2. Our thoughts and mindset can influence the world around us. It's important to be mindful of what we think and pray for, as these can shape our experiences.
  3. Anxiety and worry can be spiritual burdens, but prayer and faith can offer comfort and guidance. Being honest in our desires when praying can help us grow and connect with God.

Notes from Retreat

7 implied HN points β€’ 12 Dec 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual growth Artistic expression Personal Reflection Community Creative Process
  1. Spiritual exercises help us face our true selves. It's important to be honest about who we are and what we feel.
  2. Artists have a responsibility to share beauty that helps others. Creating art should be about serving people, not just seeking approval.
  3. Change can be scary because it means letting go of what we know. Trusting in a higher purpose can lead to surprising growth and deeper understanding.

Aloe Vera

2 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Essays Short Stories Narrative Romance
  1. Relationships can be confusing and sometimes feel like they're built on almosts. People often hesitate to fully engage, missing out on important connections.
  2. Intimacy can be awkward, especially when trying to get closer to someone you care about. Little moments, like applying sunscreen, can lead to deeper connections.
  3. Silence in a relationship can either bring people closer together or create a barrier. It's important to talk about the past and be open about feelings for a healthier bond.

Notes on 'Allende'

5 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Historical Cultural Studies Literary Criticism Memoir
  1. You can't take someone else's love for their culture as your own. Real love for a place comes from a personal connection, not just admiration for its art or history.
  2. Exploring other cultures can be exciting, but it's easy to get lost and think you belong when you don't. True belonging can't be borrowed from someone else's experience.
  3. Writing about history and culture should be more than just using them to reflect on yourself; it should create a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.

Incantation of Reason Edition

2 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Poetry Art Philosophy Faith
  1. MiΕ‚osz's poem 'Incantation' expresses a hopeful belief in reason, even amidst doubts and struggles. It's about wanting to believe in something good despite experiences that challenge that belief.
  2. The poem uses language and prayer-like repetition to connect the reader to deeper truths. This repeated affirmation serves to strengthen faith and trust in a world that can feel chaotic.
  3. Doubt and belief go hand in hand. MiΕ‚osz shows that questioning is a natural part of faith, making hope more meaningful when we actively choose to embrace it despite uncertainties.
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June

12 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Nature Emotions
  1. Appreciating the beauty of nature and simple moments in life is important
  2. Love and connection with friends, family, and the world around us brings joy
  3. Embracing vulnerability and humility can lead to deeper experiences and connections

AI Apocalypse Edition

10 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Literature Science History
  1. Recent advances in AI, particularly large language models, are causing a stir in various sectors beyond just tech.
  2. Ivan Illich addresses the concept of convivial tools, emphasizing the importance of tools that promote autonomy and creativity.
  3. The relationship between humans and tools is crucial in fostering autonomy, creativity, and healthy social interactions.

Notes on Neruda

7 implied HN points β€’ 30 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Love Philosophy
  1. Poetry can reflect the harsh realities of economic life
  2. Eros is about selfless love and the mutual growth of individuals
  3. Eros requires respecting the other's fundamental nature

Three Sonnets

5 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. A blind painter envisions his artwork in a dream
  2. Contemplation of eternity from a dog's perspective
  3. Reflections on fear, trust, and aging in relationships

Poetry reading Tuesday 6/6

5 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. There will be a virtual poetry reading contest on Tuesday, June 6th at 7pm CT/8pm ET.
  2. The competition's theme was Ekphrasis, which is poetry about visual art.
  3. The contest includes works like Carl Bloch's 'Healing of the Blind Man.'

Gone Fishing Edition

5 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Philosophy Music
  1. The post discusses bees and their abilities to navigate and distinguish art styles.
  2. It mentions new biographies of Mandelstam and rules for writers by Martin Amis.
  3. There is a question raised about the link between creativity and mental illness among artists.

Grace of Shadows Edition

5 implied HN points β€’ 01 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Creativity Design Inspiration Visual Arts
  1. Randomness plays a significant role in art creation, infusing even the most controlled mark-making with a sense of perfection.
  2. Incorporating chance into art leads to a more realistic and solid feel, adding depth and complexity to the work.
  3. The process of balancing skill and embracing randomness in art is a journey that requires ego-death, acceptance of mistakes, and a dance between control and spontaneity.

Regime Change Edition

5 implied HN points β€’ 02 Apr 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics War Activism History Culture Literature
  1. The author reflects on the war and regime change twenty years ago, highlighting the thrills and consequences of vicarious excitement and activism.
  2. The author discusses the importance of staying true to beliefs, even if not fully informed, and the complexities of being wrong for the right reasons.
  3. The author shares insights on the lessons learned from the Iraq war, emphasizing the nuances of governance, individual responsibility, and the impact of making the right decisions.

Sisyphus Revisited Edition

5 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 23
  1. Suicide and end-of-life care are topics of growing controversy and public health importance.
  2. Euthanasia programs like MAID face criticism for potential weaknesses and challenges in maintaining safeguards.
  3. Human dignity should not be rooted in the ability to choose the time and manner of one's death, but seen as an inherent attribute of each individual, regardless of circumstances.

Nature Diary: Spider

2 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 23
πŸ”¬ Science Nature Animals Evolution Mythology Biology
  1. The story reflects on the idea of disrupting natural agreements and consequences
  2. Reflecting on childhood fears and realizing they may have been misunderstood or misplaced
  3. Appreciating spiders as solitary creatures with unique characteristics and behaviors

Ode to Walking

0 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jan 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Exercise Physical health
  1. Walking is a pure and free pleasure in life, unmatched by any sin or sorrow.
  2. Walking allows for exploration and connection with the world at a slow and deliberate pace.
  3. The act of walking can be a transformative and enriching experience, revealing the beauty and vastness of the world.