Fat Bubble: Comfy Fat Travels

I took a week off from this newsletter this week, and rested, and I'm so grateful for the privilege to be able to do this. I'm so thoughtful this week of endurance, and adrienne maree brown shared a beautiful carousel on this topic, this week on Instagram. 

I've mentioned before that I consider my body, and my temperament, to be well suited to endurance - I'm tenacious and determined and loyal, and I'm digging deep down into these parts of myself, to sustain our activism for Palestine. This issue has been here for a significant period of time, and I'm reminded of this as some people experience empathy fatigue and want to return to 'normal'. But, for others of us, I see that it has switched us on even more - that those of us who feel deeply, and who won't settle in the face of injustice - both about Palestine and about other issues - have been galvanised and connected. That gives me some reassurance and relief and, thankfully, some new connections too. 

As I quoted in my last email, Lowkey described how 'Gaza is holding up the sky for all of humanity right now. Nothing will ever be the same'. And, for those of us for whom that statement resonates, it lands deeply as utterly real. This latest awakening to the decades long oppression of Palestine has only deepened our resolve and our commitment, and now we're joined by ever more people who are focused on liberation. Everything is in sharper focus. Our sense of purpose and urgency has only increased. Palestine will liberate itself, and it will liberate us all too.

'Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.' - Arundhati Roy

And life continues, even alongside the grief and fear of watching this genocide. The only way I'm able to free myself to enjoy the silly little details of wonderful 'normal' life is by recognising, in myself, that this is liberation - we want all people to be free from oppression and danger, to be freed to enjoy the details of the silly little details of their own wonderful normal lives. In this way, I can claim living freely as an act of resistance, one that strengthens my liberation practice, rather than diminishing it. 

Still, I'm looking around for those who are committed to Palestinian liberation, and politicised enough to talk about it, even as they continue to work, rest and play; we weave Palestinian liberation into our lives as we continue to live them, because nothing will ever be the same. So, my focus this week is still on Palestine, and still on those who have used their (fat) voices and platforms to voice support.

Today, I'm sharing J over at Comfy Fat Travels - I've enjoyed their content for so long now but, particularly recently, have appreciated their consistent solidarity with Palestine and, especially their latest post here - the caption really articulates a lot of how I feel at the moment. Deep gratitude. And work to do.

Until next time, dear friends, wishing you safety and joy.

Vicky