A collection of insights, stories, and letters between two kindred souls, balancing love and life. S, and Q, who’s been incarcerated since 2008. We’re writers, passionate creators, and hopeless romantics, inspiring each other and those around us every day.
Through meditation and conversation, Q and I have been adopting a few words into the way we walk, talk, and think about life and love.
Establishing peace in our situation. Focusing on the present moment and experiencing everything for what it is. And remaining joyful and positive with every intention, whether it be word or thought.
Namaste.
Q and I have been seeing each other once every two weeks for the last month.
The first time I went to the prison, it had been the first time we’d seen each other in 12 years. It was almost like neither of us had changed. I was nervous of course, and a little off-put, as I had to wait over 3 hours before I was able to get my moment with him. But it was a moment like no other, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
This weekend was the 3rd time I’d been there. The bubble hangover was real, and the focus on the little things really started to take form for me.
When you have a restricted relationship – such as the one between Q and I, you really have to find ways to cherish the moments you have together, and the moments apart.
With communication becoming so on-demand these days, it’s become apparent that people are easy access. Social media allows us all to check up on each other, without ever reaching out. To make false connections in an instant and interpret words and emotions without a second thought. As people, we really have to become mindful of how we think of other individuals in context of ourselves in order to connect. That’s how Q and I have developed our path to feeling complete in one another.
When we’re speaking, it’s like dating. Spending time together, admiring talking about nothing, or talking about everything. Being very conscious of honesty and details. Trying to guess the facial expressions of one another. Enjoying being right and wrong about it. Enjoying the moods we’re in each day and hour, letting it influence our conversations.
His letters have become the pillow talk we’d have in the morning, and at night. They’re my safety net when I want to feel closer to him at any moment.
When we are holding hands, each subtle movement of an index finger to a palm becomes a physical ‘I love you.’
When we are locking eyes in the visitation room, there’s a thin line between purely feeling love, and making love.
Touching each others faces in silence becomes the way our souls slow dance, with their eyes closed, knowing that true love is among them.
My heart is definitely worried everything is too good to be true. But I try to stay present babe. Stay present in the moment and enjoy the Love we’re giving to one another each day.
– S, excerpt from Letter to Q 9/16/19
I’ve learned to start appreciating carrying Q everywhere I go, in my heart. Staying present and grateful for the time we’ve spent together. The things that remind me of him – including places I’ve been while talking to him, various music, random words, post-it notes on my desk, etc. I smile and remember that I am loved like no one else. That I am special in his eyes. That he’s out there being comforted by my love at every moment, just as I am by his. And that all of the little things matter.
-S
The bubble represents the mental, emotional, and physical space to which the love between Q and S exists. It’s a metaphorical form of multiple things – from their phone conversations, letters, all the way to when they’re holding hands.
…the bubble…
– QMP
An indention in time-space – a microcosm where only two distinct souls exist. Their unimpeded synergy generates so much creative/attractive force, that it must be contained within its own dimension of existence. Separate, but parallel to the physical reality most currently experienced…
The bubble takes many forms and has developed many functions, from bubble bursting, when they are returning back to reality after 100% recharge, to bubble highs and bubble hangovers, which are self explanatory.
Just as the womb serves as an incubator to newly forming infantile, so does the bubble. It serves as a space by which the the processes necessary for the two apparent souls will evolve into a more perfect and more whole being, and can be properly isolated and nurtured.
-QMP
The bubble acts as an isolated space of their love, where they can recharge and eventually go out into the world, and spread that love and energy out to others.
The bubble, as with all constructs erected of spiritual forces, being more ethereal and idealistic in being, is impervious to physical damage. Only the disconnection, and interruption of the kindred spirits’ synergetic bond can cause the bubble harm…
-QMP
The bubble is fragile and can fluctuate in strength and power depending on the situation. Since the bubble is transparent and sensitive, the building and preparation of the bubble is extensive and is in constant work-in-progress maintaining its stability.
The love that Q and S have is strong enough to handle something as fragile as a bubble – to keep it upstanding and growing for a lifetime.
What is Love?
To recognize and understand love, one must know its true nature and the essence of its being…
1. Love is Sacrifice –
It surrenders itself entirely and freely.
2. Love is Growth –
It exists purely and solely to create, protect, and develop.
3. Love is Truth –
It is honest in all word, act, and being. and understands with clarity.
4. Love is Spirit –
It is immaterial, as material things are of no value, gain, nor loss to it.
5. Love is Everlasting –
It is undying and forever flows from lover to loved, from loved to lover, on into eternity.
6. Love is Faith –
It gives absolute trust and unyielding devotion.
7. Love is Light –
It shines from the soul throughout all feeling, thought, and deed…
Love sacrifices only to encourage growth and bring forth truth and enlightenment.
Love strengthens the spirit, only to reinforce everlasting faith.
Love is a light that shines without wanting praise.
Love selfishly seeks to better itself only to selflessly better others…
Your Loved One,
Q
Your Loved One, Q 