I'd join but...after 9 months on substack I've posted many notes on some of the very topics you suggest and been trolled by too many young women who don't believe I have the right to live or think differently than they do. As a feminist and retired professor, I took abuse from men for decades. I'm not wasting whatever time I have left now being told to shut up by young women.
Fascinating. And I’m sorry that’s happened. Having just tipped into my later 50s I’m seeing patterns and have access to a wisdom that is quite different. I’ve been wondering what dynamic shifts over this next decade plus. I’d be interested in a talk if you’re open.
I'm ready for this. The high I felt at a conference with other educators two weeks ago is evidence that the Zoom calls I've been attending are for status, support, and socializing, but like you I'm craving stimulation. I have a cherished memory of my varied friends gathered in the university library popping up from our scattered research to share thoughts and listen in curiosity.
I’m also starving for the dissonance that comes from pointed questions, ambitious proposals, and statements that rewire my perception of reality in the format of respectful dialogue. I hope the salon will have Debate Club energy, with lit sparks of challenge in the air, not at the speaker but at the content.
I love this. I like the collective mind concept that also allows for different viewpoints. What I’m struggling with is fitting my story into the guidelines of one moment for a second coming of age because I’ve had several throughout my life and gradual progress as I’ve learned to establish boundaries. Maybe I focus on a more recent shift?
As a man, I feel like this isn’t my place to add my voice to (as in submitting), but as a husband and father to three daughters, I cheer for this and am so grateful for places like the Salon to change the world.
Oh darn it, Heather! I can’t change the times because my heroines are already tied into noon on Thursdays. You can submit anyway and listen to the recordings?
I am very much into this and would love to take part. However, I just went to subscribe and saw that “you’re not dead, just over 40.” If this is a space specifically for that age group and above, I understand. But if you’ll accept a 35 year old who has lived 100 lifetimes already, I’m there.
You are so right, Louise. For me as the curator, I'm looking mostly for inspiring and interesting voices and perspectives, not writing skills or expertise. I just want people to show up.
I love this, Louise, "Show up, not show off". That's what it's all about -- stretching ourselves into our potential, not collapsing into the fears / stories / ideas of the past. It takes a lot to breathe life into our potential and grow into the truth of who we're here to embody.
Well, I'm obsessed. I can't wait to submit! I am utterly infatuated with the history of Salons. I envision a Discord for the heroine's salon! I think you could create something really beautiful. I would pay monthly in a millisecond to be a part of something like that!
I can't wait to read what you submit, Harley! We are just starting, but I have lots of ideas for where this could go. I will be surveying the salons as we go to make sure I am providing exactly what everyone wants.
Lisa-Marie, what a refreshing yet prism like offering. As a 73 year old widow, retired after learning the navigation of various attempts to silence the voice, stop the growth, but through knowing my difference was the key to any obstacle; I continued to move forward and bring other “different ones” with me.
Your Salon the gathering of “different” will infuse everyone to stand up, break out and remain in place with grace and strengt❣️
Entering this competition at 73 perfectly embodies the power of lifelong learning. Data shows older adults who continue learning experience greater independence, resilience, and mental sharpness—
No competition, Barbara. The submission portion is only to collect contributions to serve as discussion pillars, and there are no winners and losers, every one who contributes is acknowledged. The entire thing is an exchange of ideas.
Thanks for asking. My obsession right now is in understanding how do we build ourselves in ways that match the new intelligence we have created. I have called this process wisdom as I think there is a lot to learn both from sages of the past and from current scholars studying wisdom. Intelligence and wisdom are two very different things and we have not payed attention to tge later which includes reflection and a moral component. I often fantasize on what would have happened if social media developers had included some ethical constraints in their designs. Avoiding addiction could have made wonders as a design criteria. I also believe that in times of great transition, we can find enormous wisdom by learning from each other as we shared the ways in which we personally manage the transition to the age of AI which just has begun. Work, romance, parenting, relocation, hunger ed., health, fun, all are areas that will experience change where I think salon conversations may be fruitful. Again, thanks for asking.
Wow, this is so inspiring, thought provoking, already waking me up to new ways of seeing. For me it's been psychedelics that have guided me back to myself, to become a new woman, to choose self-love over pleasing others.
I love this so so much!! 🥹 I would have loved to do one for October (because I just went through cancer treatment and I think that was my breaking moment) but I’m traveling late October so won’t be able to attend the zoom! Definitely doing the next one though. It’s a delicious topic!! ❤️❤️❤️ quick question: does it have to be 1000 words exactly or can be a little more?
We would love to have you whenever you can join, Wajeeha. I’m sending hugs for the cancer treatment - cancer sucks! It can be give or take 1,000 words. I just might have a lot to read so I need to keep it doable.
I'd join but...after 9 months on substack I've posted many notes on some of the very topics you suggest and been trolled by too many young women who don't believe I have the right to live or think differently than they do. As a feminist and retired professor, I took abuse from men for decades. I'm not wasting whatever time I have left now being told to shut up by young women.
I'm sorry to hear that, Elizabeth.
Fascinating. And I’m sorry that’s happened. Having just tipped into my later 50s I’m seeing patterns and have access to a wisdom that is quite different. I’ve been wondering what dynamic shifts over this next decade plus. I’d be interested in a talk if you’re open.
I'm happy to talk! Feel free to dm me! 🤍
I'm ready for this. The high I felt at a conference with other educators two weeks ago is evidence that the Zoom calls I've been attending are for status, support, and socializing, but like you I'm craving stimulation. I have a cherished memory of my varied friends gathered in the university library popping up from our scattered research to share thoughts and listen in curiosity.
I’m also starving for the dissonance that comes from pointed questions, ambitious proposals, and statements that rewire my perception of reality in the format of respectful dialogue. I hope the salon will have Debate Club energy, with lit sparks of challenge in the air, not at the speaker but at the content.
Yes, Christina! This is what I am going for...
"I hope the salon will have Debate Club energy, with lit sparks of challenge in the air"
I love this. I like the collective mind concept that also allows for different viewpoints. What I’m struggling with is fitting my story into the guidelines of one moment for a second coming of age because I’ve had several throughout my life and gradual progress as I’ve learned to establish boundaries. Maybe I focus on a more recent shift?
A recent shift would work, Carol!
As a man, I feel like this isn’t my place to add my voice to (as in submitting), but as a husband and father to three daughters, I cheer for this and am so grateful for places like the Salon to change the world.
Thank you for cheering us on, Tristan. We hear you!
I could’ve written this. Writing is indeed a lonely calling, and I too have been craving more. Brilliant idea 💡
We'd love for you to join us, Maryann.
I love everything about this. And I have so much to say on both topics … but I host a weekly live show at that time on Thursday’s 🙈🙈🙈🙈
Oh darn it, Heather! I can’t change the times because my heroines are already tied into noon on Thursdays. You can submit anyway and listen to the recordings?
I totally understand. I’m one person - you can’t change the timing for me. Just like I can’t change the timing of my live show.
but sure, I could still submit, if that’s acceptable 💜
Of course! If your piece is selected I will give you a pass on the required appearance and we will just have to be satisfied with your words.
I could come for the first 45 minutes, just have to be on air at 12 CT.
I am very much into this and would love to take part. However, I just went to subscribe and saw that “you’re not dead, just over 40.” If this is a space specifically for that age group and above, I understand. But if you’ll accept a 35 year old who has lived 100 lifetimes already, I’m there.
Oh this is so interesting.
I am in and I have all those fears but the biggest fear of missing an opportunity to grow outweighs them all.
It’s about showing up not showing off for me.
You are so right, Louise. For me as the curator, I'm looking mostly for inspiring and interesting voices and perspectives, not writing skills or expertise. I just want people to show up.
I love this, Louise, "Show up, not show off". That's what it's all about -- stretching ourselves into our potential, not collapsing into the fears / stories / ideas of the past. It takes a lot to breathe life into our potential and grow into the truth of who we're here to embody.
This is so damn cool!!
Well, I'm obsessed. I can't wait to submit! I am utterly infatuated with the history of Salons. I envision a Discord for the heroine's salon! I think you could create something really beautiful. I would pay monthly in a millisecond to be a part of something like that!
I can't wait to read what you submit, Harley! We are just starting, but I have lots of ideas for where this could go. I will be surveying the salons as we go to make sure I am providing exactly what everyone wants.
Lisa-Marie, what a refreshing yet prism like offering. As a 73 year old widow, retired after learning the navigation of various attempts to silence the voice, stop the growth, but through knowing my difference was the key to any obstacle; I continued to move forward and bring other “different ones” with me.
Your Salon the gathering of “different” will infuse everyone to stand up, break out and remain in place with grace and strengt❣️
To be 73 and still learning and growing is admirable and what these salons hope to contribute to.
Entering this competition at 73 perfectly embodies the power of lifelong learning. Data shows older adults who continue learning experience greater independence, resilience, and mental sharpness—
your example helps challenge stereotypes.
Intriguing but I’d rather have it an exchange of ideas than a competition.
No competition, Barbara. The submission portion is only to collect contributions to serve as discussion pillars, and there are no winners and losers, every one who contributes is acknowledged. The entire thing is an exchange of ideas.
I love and need this. I hope the themes will expand to include all types of conversations. Thanks.
Please let me know if you have any specific themes you'd like to explore, Iris.
Thanks for asking. My obsession right now is in understanding how do we build ourselves in ways that match the new intelligence we have created. I have called this process wisdom as I think there is a lot to learn both from sages of the past and from current scholars studying wisdom. Intelligence and wisdom are two very different things and we have not payed attention to tge later which includes reflection and a moral component. I often fantasize on what would have happened if social media developers had included some ethical constraints in their designs. Avoiding addiction could have made wonders as a design criteria. I also believe that in times of great transition, we can find enormous wisdom by learning from each other as we shared the ways in which we personally manage the transition to the age of AI which just has begun. Work, romance, parenting, relocation, hunger ed., health, fun, all are areas that will experience change where I think salon conversations may be fruitful. Again, thanks for asking.
Wow, this is so inspiring, thought provoking, already waking me up to new ways of seeing. For me it's been psychedelics that have guided me back to myself, to become a new woman, to choose self-love over pleasing others.
People pleasing is such a women's curse, Julie. I'm thrilled for your journey.
Very happy to wake up to this! I’m getting started today!
I can’t wait to read what you come up with Christine!
I love this so so much!! 🥹 I would have loved to do one for October (because I just went through cancer treatment and I think that was my breaking moment) but I’m traveling late October so won’t be able to attend the zoom! Definitely doing the next one though. It’s a delicious topic!! ❤️❤️❤️ quick question: does it have to be 1000 words exactly or can be a little more?
We would love to have you whenever you can join, Wajeeha. I’m sending hugs for the cancer treatment - cancer sucks! It can be give or take 1,000 words. I just might have a lot to read so I need to keep it doable.
Thank you Lisa! Cancer does suck, but I’m glad active treatment is over. I can’t wait to submit an essay. I’m already planning one!
Congrats on your treatment being complete. I can’t wait to read what you submit.
Thank you Lisa! ❤️