Greetings,
Let's move.
Try This
Start standing and then lower to the ground taking a different seated position each time.
Ten times. No peeking. No hands.
Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good
By Adrienne Maree Brown
Wait, what? Is pleasure political?
Reflecting on this as a Cis white woman whose relationship with pleasure is skewed (even from my privileged position), I was grateful to be introduced to how a broader community understands pleasure under systemic racism and colonialism. Though she limits her definition of pleasure to a sexual framework (and mostly tells stories about her sex life and those of her friends), she expands the one of activism, and I appreciate that.
When an old friend passed away this past fall, I sought wise words from the universe. One way it came to me was via Laurie Anderson's conversation with Anderson Cooper on his podcast All there is (apple). It's a beautiful meditation on love and loss as she shares her journey post Lou and her dog Lolabell.
Anderson holds all his guests in this series with grace, so consider giving other interviews a listen too.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*CK by Mark Manson was on the New York Times best-seller list for some years, but I took no interest. Was it the title and gaudy cover? Probably. Was I interested in a white guy telling me not to care? No, not really. However, I decided to watch the documentary this week after I heard him interviewed with Stoic revivalist Ryan Holiday. It is not a great movie (embarrassing re-enactments, him going on and on about him), but the popularity is him pointing out the shortcomings of the self-help movement. Ultimately he is now part of the self-help movement (with no credentials that I can see) so I remain confused and ask simply;
Mark sums it up like this: Life is crap; you will die soon; once you accept this, you will be less of a jerk and maybe happier.
Roland Griffiths's poignant conversation with meditation teacher Tara Brach is one of the most insightful and illuminating I've heard on the connection between mindfulness, plant medicine, and facing the end of life. This man joins the ranks of unique humans. The conversation was recorded on FB live, but I suggest you skip the visuals and listen to the audio while walking and moving.
Let his voice sink right into your body in motion.
Wow
AND
Suppose you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness or want to give your gut some extra attention. In that case, I recommend the most internationally respected fasting, cleansing, and holistic healing consultant on earth. She is well-versed in
allopathic and alternative modalities and will assist you with your health goals. Anne Hocket at You! Healing.
For What It's Worth
Google the following two songs and listen
Take your pick.
Simple things can make our day.
Journal entry dated January 18th, 2023.
Today I am grateful for duct tape.
Because of your strength and resilience, I can continue to use my beloved bamboo back-country ski poles. Thank you.
You are welcome to join our weekly
meditation gathering.
All levels and traditions are welcome.
Tuesday evenings at 8 PM EST on Zoom
Meeting ID: 867 0939 8759
Password:11111
Until next time,
Jamari
