Happy Sunday!

So here’s the Sunday tea ☕ for today…

It’s been awhile (cue the song that automatically starts playing in my head) since I last graced your inbox.

I’ve thought of you a lot.

I wanted to reach out and share words of comfort and solidarity after the election results were revealed.

But I didn’t.

My need for self-preservation was too great.

For better or for worse, one of the ways I process and decompress when I’m overwhelmed with information and feeling emotionally activated is to withdraw inward.

So I’ve been limiting my exposure and engagement in the online space, especially social media — though it’s still an addictive soul sucking habit that’s hard to completely detach from. 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

I’ve also been spending a lot of time in solitude, doing my best to continue figuring out this crazy, miraculous thing we call life. Every time I reach a new level of insight and clarity, I’m plunged into the infuriatingly, frustrating world of ambiguity.

I’m learning that they (clarity and ambiguity) are two sides of the same coin. We need them both. They inform and impact the other. They are both: part of the journey and also the destinations we arrive at.

Anyhoo, while I found ways to nourish my spirit and maintain my sanity in a world that seems to be ceaselessly on fire…

…I thought about you.

I thought about how you might be processing all of the current events big and small that both indirectly and directly affect your daily life and well-being.

I thought about what you may need.

How I might be of service.

What I can offer.

Because community is very important to me. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” the African proverb sagely reminds me.

So, how can I be commune with you?

What do you need or desire to feel connected and supported?

I’m not talking about any product, service or whatever (unless of course that’s what you want), what do YOU as a human of remarkable divinity, need to feel like you are in fellowship with another kindred spirit?

Because being here in my realm, means we are kindred spirits.

There’s a reason (or reasons) your spirit was drawn to mine.

So I’d love to know how we can continue to foster that connection.

Reply and let me know please.

Beyond that, let me share a couple of things I’ve been doing to pour into myself and my SOUL (source of unconditional love) lately:

1. I’ve been utilizing this FREE mindfulness app. I shared it in a previous email and since then I’ve been using it just about every day for 10-15 minutes in the morning. It’s really been helping me stay grounded. Especially since I finally received official confirmation that I have anxiety and depression. I always knew it but receiving the diagnosis last month in my first ever visit to a psychiatrist, brought up all kinds of huge feels including relief, sadness, grief, fear (especially at the idea and recommendation for me to begin meds) confusion and more. Having a tool handy to remind me to simply sit with all of my disparate feelings without judgement has helped me better navigate through much of the discomfort.

2. I’ve been indulging in THC therapy and whew, I love herb! 😍🌬🌿 I’m firmly in the adrienne maree brown camp that deems drugs as a great source of pleasure and I’m interested in educating myself on healthy harm reduction practices to engage with cannabis mindfully and holistically because it definitely helps with my anxiety and depression but I am also aware of its adverse effects on me, as someone with semi-addictive tendencies. If you’re a fellow herb enthusiast, check out this playlist I curated to listen to when I’m vibing high. It’s not a lot of songs yet but it’s some really groovy tunes!

3. I’ve been staying on top of my physical fitness.💪🏾 Unfortunately, due to a variety of factors that have accumulated over time, I am currently the heaviest I have ever been. 😓 Maintaining a healthy weight has always been a tumultuous journey for me with plenty of ups and downs. However, I am proud to say, while I’m not happy with the number I read on the scale, I still feel good about my body. I don’t chastise her like I used to in the past. I still have some insecurities that rear their ugly heads in certain styles of clothes and when I’m on my cycle, but for the most part I understand that this stage — as with everything else — is temporary. I’m learning how to readjust my fitness routines to remain active without overdoing (as I’m prone to do, which then leads to re-injury and then a longer period of recovery, which limits my mobility and then increases the likelihood I’ll gain or be less likely to lose weight) and going slow. I walk every day, several times throughout the day. I’ve started hula hooping twice a week and I exercise with my mom once a week doing a shared yoga, dance or freestyle practice. Progress is and will continue to be slow, pero I’ve lost the weight before, I know I am capable of doing so again. Keeping physically active has also helped me regulate and improve my mental health.

4. I watched this dope azz podcast the other day when I was having a mini spiral about how to rein in/regulate all my multiple passions, talents, desires, etc. I found this video to be very reaffirming. I hope it resonates and meditates to your spirit as it did for me. Sis was really spitting!

5. I’ve been reading! (check me out on Goodreads if you’re active there). Over the summer I signed up for a new library card and every visit takes me back to the joys of my childhood when I would get lost in a new world of characters, places and ideas. I set a challenge for myself when I got my new library card, to finish the year with 7 books and I DID IT!!!! That may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but I’m hella proud of myself.💪🏾 It’s been such a relaxing and invigorating pastime. 😌📚

There’s more I can share pero I’m getting hungry and I need to start working on preparing some dinner for myself. I still have trouble remembering to eat on time or to eat at least 3 meals a day, but I’m doing better with listening to my body, minimizing headaches and caring for myself as best I can, when I can.

And don’t forget to lemme know what community looks like for you and I.

How can I show up for you, mi querido? What do you need?

Until the next time we chat, take care of yourself as best you can.

I’m sending you serenity, sweetness and sumptuous SOUL Care Sunday vibes. 😌😘

Peace.

Jasmin 💜