Dearest Flavia,

I do not know you, but it is with joy and a certain feeling of melancholy, that I acknowledge in your words so many of the feelings and thoughts I have processed and continue to explore for many years . It started when I first witnessed men on the street of my neighborhood consistantly harrasing my 11 year old sister who had blossomed into a fully formed body. I was 7 and change. Her embarassment and my feeling of unease was just an early indicator. I was further discomforted by my dear mother’s attempts to educate and ease our minds and young hearts with any information, kind words and explanations she could muster. As I grew up, I too had my fair share of such incidents, meaning the continuous supply of life experiences in which I was the object of attention ‘positive’ or not of what I considered thoroughly or mildly unconscious males. Women and men have been subjecting themselves and each other to all kinds of discomfort to say the least for a long while. It is my new quest and deep longing for harmony and ease and joy to determine which stance, way of thinking and feeling can be of support towards the wanted. As I am feeling the power of your words and your need and your quest, the rage even that bubbles up and chokes one’s voice, I resonate and am guided to inquire further. As with everything else that I have ever wanted and got, I feel my childhood magical thinking technique may be ready to be re activated. You see, I had this thing I was doing in bed at night when a deep desire for something was born in me: I would lie very still, close my eyes and salivate over the having it. Back then a pair of patent leather mary janes could keep me in trance for weeks. And I always got a pair, against all odds! Determined to find the way towards peace and harmony and love and joyful co existance between humans, who have nothing to loose and so much to gain from the interaction with one another, I solemnly proclaim this week and every week ‘my patent leather mary-jane peace and joy and love for all meditation week’. I may or may not see the day that my wanted arrives shiny and squeeky at the end of my feet. I see no reason that I can think of not to try. Just like you, in my way, I choose to keep the lights on. Keep the ‘dark’ at bay and empty my heart of any shadows or doubts about the getting and having and the being of my desire. Thank you♡