It is officially spring time. In Chinese Medicine the way we live should mirror the seasons. Living in accordance to the seasons helps us to follow the patterns we see in nature. This could look like resting more in winter time, taking it easy, not pushing too hard whether this is with our work schedule, how we exercise, etc. This way that when Spring time arrives we have the energy to be more energetic and spend more time outdoors.
In the book ‘A Year in Practice’ by Jacqueline Suskin, she talks about the seasons and having an art practice and what that can look like throughout the year. Close to 15 years ago, before I went back to school to study Chinese Medicine, I spent most of my time outside of my job in my studio working on different visual art projects. I would feel really guilty in the summer when I would spend my days at the Rockaway’s and not in the studio working. As I find my footing after acupuncture school I am finding my rhythm again as a person and not a student.
Reading Jacqueline’s book this past winter I immediately thought of how going into this upcoming Summer how this would translate. How the guilt can hopefully disappear as I enjoy my time outdoors, whether that be walking, biking, reading at the beach, swimming and not expecting anything else of myself besides just being. I am always telling my patients and myself stillness is the medicine.
We are now over 200+ days into the genocide taking place in Gaza. The Israeli Occupation Forces have officially started invading and bombing Rafah, which was the last “safe zone”. Where 600,000 children are currently living. More than 14,000 children have already been killed since October.
I am thinking about this article I shared with my mom last week: “If We Survive, Palestinians in Rafah on fears of an imminent Israeli invasion”
21 years ago this past March, Rachel Corrie who was a student and peace activist from Olympia Washington was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer while protecting a Palestinian home from demolition in Rafah.
Today online, I am seeing images of demolitions taking place in Naqab and in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank, while the Palestinians who live in those homes watch on the side as they are being destroyed.
“This has to stop. I think it is a good idea for us all to drop everything and devote our lives to making this stop. I don’t think it’s an extremist thing to do anymore.”
This clip is from the documentary, “Rachel” that you can rent online here. Last week Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington the school that Rachel Corrie went to has agreed to vote for divestment in October.
Here is a list of campus bail funds for the students at the encampments
Diet Poke: Whenever someone sees me in the clinic who wants to know more about Chinese Medicine, the theory and the poetics of it I always send them to read Russell’s writing.
Here is his latest about spring: Spring is the Queerest Season
Amezing News: Andrea’s substack goes in depth into skin health and beauty. Since she started it last year I find myself going back to again and again to find her suggestions and recommendations.
Are you wearing that? by Subrina Heyink : Subrina’s newsletter is unlike anything out there. She puts incredible care and dedication to her writing about clothes, the care that goes into maintaining our garments, personal style: how we wear them, why we wear them, fabrics/ textiles, etc. You are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t subscribe!
Back Home: For years, Amanny has shared and documented online about Palestine and what daily life for Palestinians living under the brutal occupation is like. I urge you to become a paid subscriber to support her in her work.
Alec Leach: I am a big fan of his book, “The World is on fire and we are still buying shoes” he joined substack last fall.
thank you, ok: Katie’s world is a visual delight and I am very happy she is on substack! Last time I was in New York at the end of 2019, Katie was there visiting and we had the most special day together, we got massages, walked around for hours, hid from the rain, bought books together, that day will stick with me forever.
A few weeks ago I got to see Laraaji, a special friend play here in LA and here is a video of Laraaji + Arji at the Miracle Theatre in Inglewood.