1. Morning walks. We had some rain this week and it’s colder and darker, which I like because that means most of the people we had to share our walks with over the summer are either staying in bed later or not coming out at all and it’s back to feeling like we have the whole world to ourselves.
2. Wild Writing with my Friday morning writing sangha. When you do this sort of vulnerable, beautiful practice with people over time, you can’t help but fall in love with them.
3. Making art and hanging out with Calyx. It makes both of us happy.
4. Artists and content creators. This includes musicians, song writers, singers, painters, photographers, quilters, cartoonists, sketch artists, cooks, gardeners, writers, podcasters, comedians, designers, etc. They remind us that even though being human is hard, there’s something really beautiful about it too.
5. My tiny family, my tiny home, my tiny life. I was turning on the front porch light last night, and when I turned around, I caught a fresh glimpse of our living room — so cozy, so comfortable, so cute. I love it here so much, and I love who is here with me.
Bonus joy: plans for tea with Chloe’ and her tiny family, Carrie finally getting to start the renovation on her house, texting with my brother and mom, good neighbors, pumpkins, white chrysanthemums, being cold enough that I need the big blanket, naps on the couch with Ringo, having the laundry almost done, the asian chicken salad I’ve been making, raspberries, a big glass of cold clean water, a warm shower, down pillows and blankets, the nest Ringo makes himself on the couch, getting in the pool, sitting in the sauna, cancelled plans, podcasts, new music, good TV, reading in bed at night while Ringo and Eric sleep.
2. The YOU ARE LOVED Mural Project. “Since 2014, muralist Alex Cook has created 70 murals in 13 states with three simple, yet very impactful words – YOU ARE LOVED. Alex has taken his mural message to schools, businesses, shelters, prisons, and organizations of all types because now more than ever people need to feel seen and supported. Creating a mural is a collaborative event where people from diverse communities and all ages and abilities come together to have fun and to engage in conversations about worth, value, and well-being.” I want one!
3. New to me music, Around by JONES featuring Nardeydey. (video)
11. Finding Your Wild Voice, with Laurie Wagner. (podcast) “‘I think of it as a writing practice, but it’s a healing practice.’ That’s what the author, teacher, and artist Laurie Wagner says about wild writing — a process in which you write as fast as possible for 15 minutes, pushing past your inner critic, your ego, and your desire to look good so you you can connect with your real self and let your wild, authentic voice come forward. In this episode of Your Permission Prescription, Laurie and I talk about the therapeutic benefits of wild writing, the power of poetry, and why everyone has the right to write.”
15. How to Meditate on Lion’s Roar. “Mindfulness, relaxation, and clarity are just some of the benefits that accompany a basic meditation practice. It can also reduce pain and stress while improving your mental health. Beginner meditation techniques are simple; if you can breathe, you can meditate. In this step-by-step guide on how to meditate, we answer your questions.”
Open Space Practice, (AKA: A Thousand Shades of Gray) 