💀 THIS WEEKEND! October writing workshop is THIS SUNDAY, and the theme is, well, “HALLOWEEN.” Costumes (at least from the waist up!) are super encouraged! Please sign up if you dare. Register here (Sunday, 10/31, 10am - 12pm PST).
More of you contacted me about this week’s post than maybe any of my other posts. I wish I could say I’m surprised. Unethical behavior/practices in wellness spaces go hand-in-hand in my psyche now. It’s too bad, but also, I’m grateful, because I’ve learned enough that I don’t think I’ll be susceptible to such manipulation again. May it be so.
In the spaces I occupy, I occasionally feel myself getting low-key lifted onto a pedestal. As if I “know” better, or more than anyone else. I would like to remind you all (I would like to remind myself) that I am just as much of a gross, flawed, dum-dum human as the next person.
Nothing makes me angrier than charlatans who prey on people who are seeking help and healing. Being a human is hard enough! As we move into this quieter, darker season, may we remember that no one knows better than we do what we need to heal and take care of ourselves. Let’s stay down in the dirt with each other, let’s be suspicious and skeptical of anyone who claims to have the “answers.”
So - you have your own stories, or are curious about the resources that helped me, let me know.
Anyway! What are you all doing for Halloween? Nothing? Cool! I have something for you: there are still spots available in this Sunday’s Halloween themed writing workshop. Would love to have you. You can register here. And, if you have questions let me know! I know it can be a bit nerve-wracking to step into or return to a creative space/practice for the first time ever or in a while - I’m happy to chat if you’re curious.
I’ll be spending some time this weekend and into next week talking to my beloved ghosts and mentally preparing for next weekend’s time change.
hearts beaming out of my eyes, tuya,
xxoo dani
📖Read: Not sure if there’s anything that twists my heart more than when brilliant artists only get acknowledged posthumously. When I was in grad school, Lucia Berlin’s work was revered in this almost mythic way. It was nice to read this essay from one of her actual students. “The best mentorship is not a kind of leading, but a kind of being with.”
👀Watch: Per usual, I am tardy to the what-everyone’s-watching-party, but I binged “Hacks” last weekend and loved it. Jean Smart is golden (I didn’t think that booze featured too heavily AND it’s set in Vegas so there are a couple episodes that include storylines where folks get wasted, FYI). If anyone has any recommendations for shows with themes that aren’t too heavy (the world is heavy enough for me), I’d love to hear.
🎧Listen: I made a “Boy Bye” playlist that I’ve been blasting in my ears, oh, pretty much constantly since I finally (for real for real this time) said goodbye to Sad Eyes and it’s helping so much.
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It is “crazy” when you consider that we all want/need to feel safe/loved/cared for/purposeful/connected/that we matter. Something every himan has in common. We are wired to connect. I appreciated one time in a yoga class when the teacher closed with saying she “honored the dark and the light in each of us.” That felt true.
It is “crazy” when you consider that we all want/need to feel safe/loved/cared for/purposeful/connected/that we matter. Something every himan has in common. We are wired to connect. I appreciated one time in a yoga class when the teacher closed with saying she “honored the dark and the light in each of us.” That felt true.
love that <3 and yes - that was all i was ever looking for