46 Comments
User's avatar
J. B. Levin's avatar

I see that under the three dots at the top of this article there is a "Save" option so now I know I can find this one whenever I think I need to revisit it. Thanks, Jack.

Linn's avatar

Thanks for mentioning that there is a way to save the posts making it easier to go back to them.

Jack Hopkins's avatar

You're welcome. Great idea, J.B. That's perfect. Yes...I would certainly suggest a daily reading for a few days....and then a return in those moments where your intuition registers "it's time again."

-Jack

Mary Lockhart's avatar

Thanks for the info on saving this,so I could save

Mike Isaac's avatar

Though the competition is stiff, I think this is one of the most important pieces you have posted. To be read, chewed and digested. Thank you!

Jack Hopkins's avatar

Mike, I appreciate that. You're welcome. I'm glad this landed that way for you.

Thank you for being here, Mike Isaac!

-Jack

James Aldridge's avatar

I needed this tonight Jack...my pitchfork is polished and waiting by the door...

Jack Hopkins's avatar

James, I'm glad this arrived at the right time!

#HoldFast, my friend.

-Jack

Susan's avatar

Thank you once again, Jack. I needed that and I will return to it. I’m sure I’ll need it many times in the coming months and years.

#HOLDFAST

~Susan

Jack Hopkins's avatar

You're welcome, Susan. You state a foundational truth; there will be some moments that test us in ways that cause us to momentarily question whether it's "all over." The fact that we'll ask that question...almost certainly will mean...it's NOT. This piece will be there for those times.

#HOLDFAST

-Jack

Fromtheheartland's avatar

Wow Jack, I saved this one to find it easily. Thank you.

Jack Hopkins's avatar

You're welcome. Thank you...that’s kind of you to say. This community really does show up thoughtful...curious...and engaged...and that makes the work worth doing. I’m grateful you’re here. I mean that.

-Jack

Christine's avatar

“You do not need to resolve that feeling…in order to move forward.

You only need to carry it…without letting it distort you.”

Absolutely. Nor do I grasp for hope. I seek solutions for my family and the more vulnerable among us. To that end, I would note that people could be helped a great deal if you re-posted your survival series. I downloaded and printed it but that was months ago. Since then, more people have witnessed events that reveal the volatility of our national and international environment.

Thank you.

Jack Hopkins's avatar

Christine, that’s a wise distinction. Hope can flicker; solutions..ENDURE.

Carrying the feeling without distortion...is what keeps you able to protect the people who depend on you. I hear you on the survival series...events have clarified the volatility for many more people...and timing matters. Thank YOU, Christine... for naming that so clearly!

-Jack

Edie A's avatar

Much needed words after the many “blows” yesterday. I found that several walks with my dog, the break from my phone, and reading this piece first thing in the morning have me ready for a new day. #HoldFast

Jack Hopkins's avatar

Edie, I’m really glad it helped. Those small...grounding choices...movement...distance from the noise...starting the day centered...are EXACTLY how resilience is built in real life.

#HoldFast.

-Jack

Cherae Stone's avatar

We are present.

We are together.

We are holding fast.

Jack Hopkins's avatar

1. Yes we are.

2. Yes we are.

3. Yes...we ARE.

Keep rockin', Rae!

-Jack

Cherae Stone's avatar

Rock ‘n’ Roll, baby!

#HoldFast

Alexa Russell's avatar

A lot to think about on a 200 mile round trip drive today. Releasing breath, breathing as calmly as possible after seeing the GOP theater meltdown while Mr. Smith held the rule of law together, with dignity, for all to remember. Thank you again Jack for the supportive reminder of keeping cool under pressure. Steady as we go.

Jack Hopkins's avatar

Alexa, steady...really is the word. Smith modeled what composure under pressure looks like...and YOU did the same by choosing breath...distance...and reflection.

That’s how the law...and WE...get carried forward!

Steady as we go...all the way...YES.:)

-Jack

HKJANE's avatar

Jack — thank you for this piece. You put into words what a lot of people are feeling but struggling to articulate. The reminder that staying upright matters, especially when the law is being mocked, really landed. Clear, steady, and needed right now.

Jack Hopkins's avatar

Thank you, Jane...that means a lot. When things feel distorted...NAMING what’s happening clearly...is half the work. Staying upright isn’t passive...it’s how we keep our bearings...when the noise tries to knock them loose!

-Jack

HKJANE's avatar

When the law is mocked, uprightness becomes a civic duty. Authoritarianism advances not only through violence, but through the normalization of contempt for principle. Defend institutions. Insist on facts. Do not obey in advance!

Cathy S's avatar

Overwhelmed here in a good way. This post was phenomenal!

Jack Hopkins's avatar

Cathy...thank you. Being overwhelmed in a GOOD way...is something I understand. And, it makes me smile to see it being reflected back from YOU. :)

-Jack

John Crumb's avatar

Breathe. One Day at a time.

Thanks Jack

Jack Hopkins's avatar

You're welcome.

That's it, John. ONE day at a time!

-Jack

Mary Lockhart's avatar

Thank you Jack,everything you wrote resonates in me! One to save and revisit. #HOLDFAST

Jack Hopkins's avatar

You're most welcome, Mary. Knowing this resonated with you like it did...is knowledge that sure goes well with my morning coffee! :)

#HOLDFAST

-Jack

Roberta's avatar

Again, thanks for pulling us back from the edge. #HoldingFast

Jack Hopkins's avatar

You're welcome. It's my pleasure, Roberta. Truly.

#KeepHoldingFast

-Jack

Michele Artascos's avatar

In the morning yesterday, before the Jack Smith testimony, I asked Chat GPT what to expect. Curious what it would pull in. I told it that I was recording it to watch later. It gave me a list of members to watch and which would be political theatre and to fast forward through and not bother since their questioning would yield nothing but spectacle! Guess who was top to watch? Jamie Raskin! Guess who was top to fast forward through? Jim Jordan! Chat GPT got it right with no hints from me!

Jack Hopkins's avatar

Michele, that tracks...and... it says more about the patterns than the technology!

Some members consistently seek facts and clarity (Raskin) while others...(Jordan) reliably deliver SPECTACLE.

Once you know who’s doing which...the hearing becomes MUCH easier to read.

I appreciate you, Michele.

And...because it feels wrong to leave without mentioning him again...Raskin ROCKS!

-Jack