As I write this, five other writers sit on the other side of my screen, cameras off working away. It's the third Writing Group of the year that I'm hosting through/with/for Film Girlz Brunch, a non-profit that I helped to co-found. Billi, founder of the Blank Collective Studio is the other host of our Writing Group.
I've been witnessing shared feelings among folks I know, some artists, some mothers. I'm not sure if it's what happens after 40, or if the collective pain and grief is what's calling for something else. Maybe it's winter. I want to describe the feeling as melting, and if you've ever been on a yoga mat, it's like Savasana. It's as though I'm witnessing a collective deep breath, followed by a long sigh and then the willingness of the body and mind to let go of... want, goals, pressure. Just an acceptance of 'what is now', so as to prevent the suffering caused by an uncontrollable past or future. I'm watching these folks lean in, away from and evolve into, creating a world for themselves that fits who they're becoming.
In this economy of competition, fueled by the masculine energy to dominate, take over, conquer and win, their gentle energy has been a welcoming one. It's been weaving nicely with my own, their actions a reminder for me to stay focused on the life I'm working to build rather than the one society wants for me.
As this January comes to a close and the full moon of February beckons, I invite you to pause and be gentle with yourself by sharing soft creations from those in my community, from some people I admire deeply.
Benilda Formoso
Benilda is someone I wish I met sooner but feel like I've known for a lifetime. She's a trauma-informed psychotherapist and a certified music therapist. I joke that while others are lucky to have her as part of their healing journey, I'm even more blessed that I get to call her my friend. I'm so excited for all the adventures we have planned together.
You can watch her entire playlist here: Polyvagal Practices to Regulate Your Nervous System
Jennifer Matsunaga
Jen and I met at a hot chocolate party hosted by my dear sister Claudine. Surrounded by a bustling home, warm mugs of cocoa and a dinner table of Claudine's cooking, Jen and I grew close because of our love for writing but even more because of our shared grief surrounding identity and belonging as people of the diaspora. I love that even though we're far apart, I get to continue to learn about her and her journey in a deeper and intimate way.
PodBean Development
You can listen to her podcasts on whichever app you receive your podcast on.
bonesthrown
Kristen is an unforgettable, earth loving, mountain wanderer that I met at the 4th International Babaylan Conference hosted in partnership with her Kapwa Collective - a beautiful filipino ceremony held in Tkaronto. She's since moved to Nelson, BC and I've been receiving her newsletters for sometime now. A while ago, she started a radio show on Kootenay's community radio station. I share it with you here today, but also invite you to peruse her site for creative inspiration and add yourself to her newsletter to be delighted on occasion.
k bones
The time is ending for our Writing Group, for all of us to come back and share our 'wins' so I'll wrap up here for now.
Thank you for continuing to be part of my moon mail, and to everyone who sends me e-mails back, I do read them and appreciate every single one of them.
Until the next one, may you find yourself surrounded by gentleness.
Happy moon mail my friends.
Love,
Mai
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