Dear Ones,
Hi relics and relic collectors. We are such stormtroopers. Some of us have crossed to the other shore. Some are crossing now. Some will cross later. Some never cross. That’s just how it goes.
The writing is no longer on the wall. It is inside our unpredictable moments. We navigate light dark now. Chiaroscuro.
I believe in the spaces in between light and dark. In the things we don’t know yet.
But first, we turn our attention to upgrading attention.
Processing pain and suffering with contemplative/brain-body rewiring techniques is slow, fruitful, and labor-intensive. You don’t need psychedelics for it. Healing practices can support a healthy balance of physical and non-physical parts of us. Of human and non-human parts.
Processing pain and suffering takes courage, and it also gives courage. Little by little, our generative microhabits can unveil a hidden light in shadows. They also can cast light in dark corners.
A CALLING FOR SERVICE
I am a nerdy scientist. Not a politician. Who mixed the two together? What on Earth is going on here on Earth? I finally stepped out of the 3 three-ring circus act. I believe we can create different ways of being and doing. Together.
Work in human, animal, water, and land health is a form of glorified waste management (with minimal support systems). Compost time.
The phrase service not servitude keeps arising for me. I am meant to be in service and not in servitude. Sorry (not sorry) for the confusion.
Footage of me working solo in hospital trenches:
NEW CURRENCY
My first neighborhood pop-up was a sight for these sore and tired eyes. I dreamt of intergenerational, colorful gatherings. Thanks for coming!
Something about strangers breaking bread together seems like a good idea these days, doesn’t it?
I used up spring harvest by making a vat of Persian Garden Stew or Asheh Reshteh. Recipe Here.
The effect we have on each other may be the most valuable currency, Sapiens.
If you want to join future pop-ups or stop by to harvest, send me a message. Neighbors/locals/readers- share gathering ideas with me.
C SUITE OF BRAIN
Executive function refers to the prefrontal cortex part of the brain that helps us plan, remember, focus, multitask, and regulate emotions.
Struggle here, much? You are not alone. Many humans are facing executive function alterations now.
The thing is….we have to agree on the word function to agree on the word dysfunction, right? I do not agree with dominant definitions of how a “functioning” human should behave. Crucify me.
Executive dysfunction or “failure to function” is often attributed to people with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, or brain injury. It is also described in those who undergo trauma, acute and chronic stress, and “burnout” (aka all modern humans).
Modern disease models ignore trauma, systemic harms, and biopsychosocial aspects of healthy individuals and societies.
Definitions of words are socially and culturally defined. Some decided that “functioning well” means to show up, focus, adapt, and produce in a socially approved way.
Umm, no thank you. I think I’ll pass. If “dysfunction” means difficulty doing what society expects of you, then please call me queen of dysfunction.
REFRAMING VIA WORDS
It is not dysfunction, it is built-in adaptation.
What if this is not an executive “dysfunction” but an executive refunction and recalibration?
What if this is not an executive “dysfunction” but a deep repair of brain-body apparatus?
What if this is not pathological but wise signals to pivot away from harms of systemic norms?
MYSTERY OF UNKNOWN
Ahh, imagination is so counterculture. It is the mother of all acts of resistance. Why else would art and creativity be so pivotal in human revolution? Why else do dictators squash art, music, and self-expression as the first order of business?
Freedom is freedom of expression. Freedom to be unconditioned and feral.
This is a turning point. The great turning point per Johanna Macy.
I turn my attention to what is not known and what can be.
URBAN ALLERGIES
I spend time with “fallen” trees. Observe symbiotic, reciprocal, and diverse communities there. In the natural world, what “dies” becomes nourishment and scaffolding for what lives.
I am seasonally allergic every spring. Deep sigh (and sneeze). There is so much dry air, ash, wind, pesticides, and pollen. What can I say? My ultra-protective body appropriately responds to irritants and vesicants.
Seasonal allergies are inflammatory to the body-mind apparatus. They cause debilitating exhaustion and maladaptations. Environmental inflammation is taxing and confusing to our natural mechanisms.
DRINK MY FLOWERS
Direct and indirect garden exposures help my allergy symptoms over time. It may or may not work for you. Be open to trial and error. Experience is wisdom. Wisdom is lived experience.
I experiment with garden exposure desensitization. As you may know, I spend most of my time outside. Eat my flowers.
I had no idea that seasonal allergy severity can be linked to city planning, did you?
I recently learned that many cities reportedly plant more male trees than female trees. This is called botanical sexism. There is preferential planting of cloned male pollen-producing trees in urban areas. Female trees are a “nuisance” due to fruit and root growth.
I am physiologically allergic to manthropocentric planning of cities and things. I added an ‘m’ because it seems fitting.
I do not have allergic reactions in lush gardens or Redwood forests.
So this really is all about balance and macro/micro interplays. How curious.
IMBALANCES
Blue spaces are important ecosystems for human survival. If there is no ocean health, there is no human health. Period. Leave petty politics out of this discussion. For the love of all things living.
L.A. fire debris + agricultural run off + warming ocean temperatures changed the composition of the local ocean ecosystem. Think oil spill, but wayyyy worse.
Whales, sea lions, pelicans, dolphins, and more are washing ashore dead. Ashore this very shore. Southern California shore.
We bear witness. A heaviness washes over us. May we tend to our present-day eco-grief now. How can we help clean up our messes? Who is accountable if not all of us?
We can start by donating time, money, and/or attention to Surfrider Foundation and Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute.
Locals: To report an animal in distress, please contact:
Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI)- “dedicated to positively impacting conservation through marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, research and education to promote ocean and human health.”
SANCTUARY OF AWARENESS PILOT
For free awareness practices and creative rituals, check out this labor of love Sanctuary of Awareness.
Unit 1 Observation of Landscape Available here.
Unit 2 Discernment: Identify and Pull Weeds.
Unit 3 will be shared in a future post. Thanks for your patience.
To connect or if you have questions, click on the calendar link here or reply to this email.
May All Beings Find Peace.
Nessa (born at 333 ppm)
Thank you, Ed Sheeran. It is nice not to be depicted as a terrorist for once. This video captures the essence of Persian culture- our wild and hospitable love of food, music, dancing, and breaking bread together.
Hereditary mental disease needs to be on this list. Psychosis and schizophrenia.
Executive dysfunction or “failure to function” is often attributed to people with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, or brain injury. It is also described in those who undergo trauma, acute and chronic stress, and “burnout” (aka all modern humans).
Hi Nessa hope all is well with you. I love reading you online journal and it’s many parts in the finding of the real you and the happiness you so deserve. Keep on moving dear it’s awesome.