Hello friend,
I've been trying to capture the essence of the past month, with its mix of contradictions, chaotic yet powerful energy, but I'm simply not finding the right words.
As some of you may know, I had a wonderful time in Malta. This summer, I hardly had a day off, so it was truly refreshing to relax and savor the last hints of the season on such a beautiful island. However, amid the love, sweetness, and amazement I felt, there was also a persistent undercurrent of grief and guilt. It's strange to feel so connected to happiness while sensing that something is profoundly wrong.
I suppose this is what it feels like to carry on with our lives in a world that, for the most part, seems on the brink of collapse.
These last weeks, I have been avoiding discussing broader political or divisive topics on social media. This is due to various reasons, one of which is my belief that we rely too heavily on social media activism and performative gestures, rather than meaningful action that demands engagement, depth, space, and genuine humility.
I've been having conversations and exploring as many reliable resources as I can. I've been processing my emotions. And I’ve been pondering how I can contribute to the world during times of collective trauma and violence… and the answer continues to slip away.
I can express my thoughts, join demonstrations, share the best articles I've come across (like this one by Hala Alyan, which is profoundly moving and impactful), the sources I've been turning to for information and insight... But, in the end, I'm still uncertain about my part. I suppose, when it comes down to it, all we can really do is keep showing up in the ways we can, for ourselves, for one another, and for the vision of a better world.
And with that said, I hope this Roundup brings a touch of joy, inspiration, or simply warmth to your day.
🎧 A song
Whose Lord are you naming
When you start to break things?
It's my only life you hold
And when you left me waiting
I thought
Did you do it in the name of God?
I’m a huge, huge fan of Mustafa. His most recent song, released just a few days ago, provides an intimate window into his struggle with faith, identity, and grief. I'd like to share with you his touching words about the song:
“I never felt like the Nubian prince my father saw in me through his tinted lens. I try their dance, their prayer - I always fall short. God’s name wasn’t always related to beauty for me, but to hopelessness, this Islam we share and Allah we call for while witnessing a constant violence that continues to bind us, I don’t think I ever felt completely Muslim among other Muslims. (...) All these sub-beliefs are like borders.
When my big brother was killed in what will always feel like yesterday, knowing the suspected murderer was someone he held as a friend, someone he prayed with - it led me to believe that maybe his love was his end? Maybe where there is no love, parting from love, keeps us alive? Maybe ending in love is the only way to actually begin? I don’t know. The only clear memory from the days of his death was my parents reciting in unison, “Oh Allah, we accept his passing, we accept what you ordained.” I’m desperate to love God like them.
Our faith and our hearts are too often our demise - I know a field of young niggas dreaming that can testify to this. For better or worse we’ll uncover every bone beneath our hollow laughter, our confused affection; maybe it is revealed in our final gasp for meaning.
Until then.
Bismillah, In the Name of God, 10.17.23″
💭A thought
Do not underestimate the beauty of a road trip with a good playlist. Do not underestimate the power of laughter, even at the silliest things. Do not underestimate the warmth of a friendly hug. Do not underestimate the comfort of a steaming cup of coffee or a simple, fresh pastry. Do not underestimate the natural light that brightens our spirits. Do not underestimate the calmness of a few moments of silence. And, above all, do not underestimate the power of gentleness. Peace is fleeting.
🖋️A poem
Franny Choi is my new favorite poet.
📖 A book
This isn't a book I've read; it's a book I'm eager to read. The description touches on several concepts I've been contemplating recently: "Show Your Work! is about why generosity trumps genius. It’s about getting findable, about using the network instead of wasting time “networking.” It’s not self-promotion, it’s self-discovery — let others into your process, then let them steal from you. Filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples, Show Your Work! offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, and productive."
As someone who frequently wrestles with thoughts like "my work isn't good enough," "I lack authority as an artist," and "I don’t know what I'm doing," this entire concept of prioritizing self-discovery over self-promotion genuinely excites me. It's an idea that deeply resonates with my journey and fills me with hope about embracing vulnerability and pursuing my passions.
So well, Christmas is coming… I’ll leave this tip here!
🪄Bits of inspiration
Create Change Workshop
I've mentioned my friend Katt's workshops here a couple of times, and I'd love to extend an invitation for you to join her on November 1st for a session on self-sabotaging patterns and childhood trauma. I attended the same workshop a few weeks ago, and it was an incredibly powerful, humbling, and heart-opening experience.
As Katt aptly puts it, “Childhood trauma can disconnect us from our true selves. As children, we develop coping mechanisms to protect ourselves and often carry these patterns into adulthood, even when they no longer serve us. It's only by intentionally upgrading them that we can create lasting change.”
If you're looking for a tool to help you navigate this transformative journey, I highly recommend joining her — it's free!
Autumn Arrives
In this podcast, Jacqueline Suskin discusses her latest book, "A Year in Practice," a valuable guide for unlocking inspiration and finding deeper meaning as the seasons evolve. This insightful conversation reveals how our inner energy harmonizes with the Earth's natural rhythms, offering us an opportunity to tap into the flow of life's inherent beauty.
Dear Artists,
Joseph Awuah-Darko is a Ghanaian artist known for his diverse skills in painting and woven tapestry art. He explores themes like mental health, spirituality, identity, and sexuality in his work, and his Instagram is a great source of inspiration for artists seeking confidence.
You should definitely give him a follow!
She Said What She Said
And on a lighter note, let's not get too wrapped up in our own artistry, shall we?😂