Archived: LAP, Issue 002: On self-care
After all that has taken place in the States in recent weeks, I wanted to discuss self-care and the art of powering down in this issue.
There are some days when I am able to engage with media and other days when I simply cannot. Oftentimes, I become overwhelmed with what is happening in the news — this has rung especially true as of late.
Earlier this year, I started taking small strides by beginning my mornings with meditation and finding time within the day to completely disengage. It has been essential to helping me lead a happy life. 😊
With that in mind, below is a list of things that I've found interesting and/or helpful along the way.
Reads
I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up a little over 2 years ago and it still influences me today. Simply put: It has helped me lead a simpler life. Marie Kondo proposes ways to shift away from materialism, declutter and organize through the KonMari Method — drawn from Japanese roots.
Tools
Aloe is an application that is currently under development, being built by Amber and their team. Aloe serves as a gentle self-care reminder to do things like drink water, take a break, sleep, be kind and more. You can choose reminders based on your habits and needs. It's an application that I am genuinely excited about and you can help by backing it on Kickstarter or sharing it with your network. The campaign ends in just 9 days.
Mindfulness
Ben Callahan has taught me a great deal about being kind and putting people first. He has been an awe-inspiring mentor, friend and ally to me over the years. In an essay for Offscreen Magazine, Ben questions if our constant need for instant gratification is preventing us from finding beauty in the process.
Deutsch
das Erstlingswerk [Erstlingswerk] – debut work, first body of work.
Literal translation: The first work.
Photographs
Last week, leaving the Form/Design Center in Malmö, Sweden.
Sounds
Jack Dine joined forces with Will Fraker for My Way — a track filled with warm chords and full vocals. It's one of those songs that you come across and wish it was just a little bit longer.
Quote
Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.
— Audre Lorde, A Burst of Light