SENSORY JOURNAL 004: Mindfulness

I found this article from The Atlantic so interesting. I started this Sensory Journal series in large part because I was really sick of wasting time on mindless apps on my phone. During the pandemic and in the past, I found use of meditation apps quite helpful when I needed a moment to calm my nerves. But I didn't consider how that might be keeping me glued to my phone, which is essentially the one thing causing most of my anxiety in the first place. 

My boyfriend recommended this podcast episode of The Gray Area from Vox to me knowing how much I loathe toxic positivity (ha ha). Turns out he was spot on! In this episode, Sean Illing talks with philosopher Mariana Alessandri, whose new book Night Vision offers a new way of understanding our dark moods and experiences like depression, pain, and grief. Alessandri describes the deep influence of what she calls the "light metaphor" - the belief that light is good and darkness is bad - and the destructive emotional cycles it has produced. They discuss the influence of Stoic philosophy, Aristotelian ethics, and contemporary self-help - and explore what new paradigms for emotional intelligence might entail. 

At this point, I would be surprised if there was anyone reading this email who hasn't binged through The Bear, but if you've happened to avoid it, I would have to say get on board! I especially looooved Season 2 for all the troubled character journeys it took us through. So many raw examples of personal human struggle - so many instances where you could understand why someone might give up. But this unusual yet somehow perfect blend of people found hope and purpose through the shared goal of this restaurant. It's a show that has you pulling for everyone, and shows you the importance of community and gratitude. It really touched my heart and I thought was so well done!