Sara Nesson used to mentor Jewish teens, but everything changed in 2014. She had to step back from her job because of symptoms she later learned were from chronic fatigue syndrome. Instead of enjoying rest and leisurely swims in Marin, she found her body wasn’t cooperating.
“When I stopped working, I thought I could finally rest. But I felt so sick every time I swam,” Sara shares. “That’s when I knew something was seriously wrong.” At first, she didn’t realize what chronic fatigue syndrome meant for her. Despite feeling unwell, she pushed through her workouts. Soon, she canceled all her swim memberships.
Being unable to enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, or biking was tough, but Sara turned back to her love for theater. She began crafting monologues that reflect her experiences with life, loss, and illness, sharing them online with audiences across the nation.
Her latest performance, “Body of Water,” will be shown online at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, honoring Tu Bishvat through San Rafael’s Congregation Rodef Sholom. This 25-minute piece, part of the synagogue’s REAL Mental Health Initiative, will open up a discussion hosted by Rabbi Elana Rosen-Brown. Attendees will have a chance to share their own feelings about grief and resilience.
“This event is about recognizing loss while also celebrating our strength to move forward,” Sara explains. She has been sharing her stories online since 2021.
She is also working on her first dance film, “Unbound,” featuring individuals living with long-haul conditions, highlighting their journeys and stories.
Q What themes do you explore in your piece?
A I explore my journey with chronic illness and how it connects to the natural world. The Earth feels like it’s struggling too. My piece dives into the challenges of living with limitations and how we face various losses, whether from illness, aging, or what we see happening around us. It’s about finding meaning and joy despite these challenges.
Q How does this piece compare to your last work?
A This new piece takes place over just one day but weaves in memories. Previously, I shared my life story through creativity and spirituality. Now, I’m focusing on my personal struggles with illness, sports, and my relationship with water, particularly the sadness of losing those experiences.
Q What’s your relationship with water like now?
A I can’t swim or kayak as I used to, so my relationship has changed. I find peace in simply being near water, like at Tomales Bay. It’s bittersweet; I can admire it even if I can’t engage with it as before. Reflecting on those memories helps me honor that part of my life.
Q How do grief and loss shape your views on the environment?
A Grief is central to my piece. The climate crisis means we don’t have the same world I grew up in, and that’s heartbreaking. But just as I appreciate what I’ve lost in my life, I also cherish the environment. We must care for what we have and work toward making it better for the future.
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