Leaning into love, connection, and relaxation
Creating a life worth living, how to stop binging, Thanksgiving around the US, why we're never satisfied, and close-up shots
Hi friend,
Thanksgiving is a time when many of us can finally sit back and relax. The months leading up to this are often fraught with so much work to over-compensate for time off. I, for one, am truly grateful for the time to step away from the constant buzzing of projects and clients.
If this is what we seek - spending time by ourselves or with those we love, not inundated with work, then why can’t we work backwards to instill this in our every day? Why do we hustle for a life that we struggle to enjoy?
I saved a meme on my computer a few months back that I refer back to regularly.
We end up being caught in the cyclical pattern of consumption and working to pay it off. To escape the cycle means to let go of material possessions.
I know - it’s tough. I struggle with this constantly. (And sometimes that voice of “reason” tells me that I deserve something nice for having worked so hard… 😈 😫)
During the holidays, I take it as a time to reflect and to lean into the feelings of love, connection, and relaxation to help guide where I want to be in the future.
And no - we don’t need permission to experience these blissful feelings only during the holidays. Our challenge is to find a balance that works for us (as individuals) to ensure that we live and work a life worth living.
Happy Thanksgiving and sending you so much love during this crazy time that we are in.
PS - Recorded a short YouTube video with one simple tip that has transformed the way I avoid binge eating. Check it out! (And if you enjoy this, you can watch the full live stream I did with Daila Kinsey of Body Liberation for All on binge eating and strategies on how to avoid)
Thanksgiving realities
The NY Times recently did a survey assessing geographic regions and political affiliations impact on how well people were to follow Thanksgiving CDC guidelines. In a nutshell - republican, green, and libertarian parties will see a huge spike of COVID-19 cases in the weeks to come.
Remember, this is a Thanksgiving to be remembered. Not the last one to experience.
Why we're not satisfied
Recently introduced to the Tocqueville Effect on Wikipedia where "as social conditions and opportunities improve, social frustration grows more quickly". As our society improves, our dissatisfaction accelerates due to ( 1 ) becoming more aware of the injustices that we may have been complacent to and ( 2 ) never being satisfied.
According to the Tocqueville effect, a revolution is likely to occur after an improvement in social conditions in contrast to Marx's theory of progressive immiseration of the proletariat (deterioration of conditions).
Macro photos of the year
Winners for the close-up photos of the year will leave you in an array of emotions.
What I’m up to
Published a new Yellow Glitter podcast episode with Mike Curato on mental health, suicide, racial equity, and relationships. (You can also listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast)
For queer Asians: Hosting a free day-long retreat on January 16, 2021 on mindfulness and empowerment. There are five more spots - apply here. (Also hosting a free support group on Sunday, 12/13. Register on Eventbrite)
For queer POC: Hosting a fireside chat on equity in the design community happening on Tuesday, 12/15.
For Asians: Hosting a free API support group happening on Sunday, 12/27.
As always, thanks for reading!
P.S. If you enjoyed this, share or sign up here: mindfulmoments.substack.com
Anything else? You can always hit "reply" to email me directly. 💌
Have a beautiful day!
Metta (loving-kindness),
Steven
Yellow Glitter Podcast | IG | YT | FB | TW | StevenWakabayashi.com