Letting the light shine through
One of my favorite things to look at is the moon. I love how it can be a crescent slice or whole. I love how its light comes from the sun. I love that it’s made of cheese ;)
To me, it shows an interconnectedness of the world—how the earth rotates, how the blazing sun is our center, how the moon rotates around us, and how it has the power to change tides—earth, fire, and water together. It’s the prettiest conduit that bids me good night and faintly says hello during the daytime.
After a weekend full of mass shooting terror and major deflection toward mental illness instead of racism and misogyny, I need the moon. I need to remember that, yes, there is light and connection in this world.
I experienced that this weekend at Camari Carter’s book release party. Camari has created a journal called Write Back to You that does just that. It asks you questions about YOU to help reflect on today and the future and, most importantly, to connect to yourself. Simple prompts like “what do you like?” “what is your job (not the one you get paid for)?” can incite a flood of words we never knew was possible. I’m so grateful for her work and the light she brings to this world. I highly recommend this journal, you can buy it here.
And there is other light as well. I’m enjoying reading Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. A dear friend recommended this book to me, and I’m eternally grateful. It’s exactly what I needed to read in times where between climate change, punishing black and brown people for existing, and gun violence, hope feels like vapor. This book offers a way to look at the world as a flow—always connected. It provides strategies for ourselves and our planet that mimic the beauty of everyday nature and personal interactions. I’m not done with it yet, but it truly speaks to me. I read it every night before bed, and it feels like a night light that protects me from darkness.
I also want to give a shout out to new habits. Yes, this sounds boring, but I promise you it isn’t. This year, I’ve created new habits like flossing regularly, working out at least 3 times a week, writing almost every day, and, this month, I’m meditating every day (follow me on Instagram and watch my stories to see me with my eyes closed for 15 seconds, it’s really exciting I promise hehe). A year ago, I never would have thought any of this was possible. I felt like I made so many excuses to not do all of the above. Practicing habit is something I look forward to because I know it will be there for me, and it will only make me better.
Last but not least, here is my latest piece about discomfort. What does our discomfort say about us? Our discomfort is valid, but it’s necessary to dig into they “why” and let it guide us forward.
Good things are still around the corner for you and me, so let that light in :) Thanks for reading!
With love,
Nisha