I’ve been sitting on this quote for a week and cannot shake the impact: “Everything is an ad. Everything is genAl. Everything is a glimmering facade peeling off at the edges. Everything is a Faustian Bargain. Promising you ease and wonder and reassuring you that the consequences will be so distant it won't matter. Nothing matters. Take the deal. It's never been more important to do real stuff. Even if it's terrible. Especially if it's terrible. The zeitgeist is hollow. Full of just the idea of authenticity. It is starving for something real. Don't take the deal. Be a discordant note. Be a shimmering speck of silver in a sea of plastic. Write cringe poetry. Make art that looks like nothing. Sing songs with uncertain melodies. Be an excruciatingly odd thing in a world that is constantly trying to force you into a template.” THOUGHTS: You matter, I matter, we all matter. A collection of individuals is more valuable than a unified whole. Yes, individuality is accepted, but only when individuality is exceptional. On the podcast yesterday we were talking about the idea that you are crazy until you make it, then you are a visionary. Not (always) in real life, but definitely online there is a push to conform. Filters to change how you look. AI to to craft your words. Boxes to fit in. Stories to play out. I love this quote though. And it makes me realise that the meta game response to the world that is coming, is to be so uniquely yourself. To refuse to let the edges be shaved off. To enjoy art and hobbies and other things just because you enjoy them. Not because you’re trying to make money, or to impress, or to fit in. Just because. To go and sit in the beautiful imperfection that is yourself, that is nature, that is real. I was talking to my partner about a potentially awkward social situation with a friend. And she said that’s what friendships are, they are messy, they involve back-and-forth, involve work, and have friction. That is exactly the point. We are not robots. We are not carbon copies. And we will not be able to thrive in an environment that tries to make us into such things.

Was just introduced to the this 10 minute guided meditation by Milk & Honey mental health (on YouTube) and thought that you may appreciate it. It begins with a visualisation of a river and reframes thoughts as leaves that we observe and let go. I found it helpful to quiet a busy mind and encourage calm. Also, If you have any resources you would like to share, please do! https://youtu.be/exLaebgFO_8?si=zgNatcL1AhGvZc8E

Super special thank you to @Danakeli Perrry for being the first community member to join the podcast! Danakeli is an embodiment coach, who helps women move through anxiety and overwhelm back to self trust, sensuality and confidence. We spoke on reshaping identity, the role of society in shaping us, the shame of standing out, women's empowerment, the connection between spirituality and sensuality, the divine feminine and masculine architypes, healing the 'witch wound, and so much more. I loved this conversation and I think you will too. You can reach @Danakeli Perrry here in the community, and also on facebook, instagram, & website. 📌Want to be interviewed? Shoot me a DM and we will arrange a time. 📌How to listen to the podcast: - You can attend live recordings as they happen via the 'calendar' tab. - You can watch all recordings via the 'classroom tab' - Listen on your favorite app by searching for 'The Art Of Self Connection Podcast' (coming soon!

I wanted to take a moment to celebrate @Lana Burns for her work bringing Fabled magazine to life. Along with a couple of others she had an amazing kickstarter launch and produced something incredible. I’ll put the link below, but Fabled is biannual magazine that celebrates the enchanting realm of fairytales, myths, and the stories that captivate our imagination. Their mission is to provide a sanctuary for artists, writers, and dreamers, a place where creativity flourishes and unique voices resonate. I’ve submitted my piece ‘burn these pages’ for the second issue (fingers crossed, waiting to hear back!). I encourage you to check it out and say hi to Lana. On a personal side, Lana has always been in my corner with my Poetry and other creative work, providing public and private support over the years. And is one of the people who I truly thank for helping me to get to where I am (and am going). Well done Lana on playing your part in brining such an awesome thing to life! https://www.fabledmagazine.com.au

Happy to announce that we are adding co-working sessions to the community. If you are working from home and struggling to stay focused, need accountability or a bit of body doubling to get things done, join in. We start with a quick check-in, then settle into 50 minutes of focused work time. Cameras on is recommended, mics muted. We are starting small with limited times, but am happy to expand with interest - let me know some times that you would like! The idea for coworking came from @Freddi Saleeba & @Maria Phillips, they regularly catch up for sessions and wanted to extend it out. We figured that this would be a good space for it :)