"Back in the USSR"... I mean US.
Also... reconnecting with Harrison, the Coast, and New Offerings
The old Beatles tune aside, it has been a disorienting return to the US this year from Costa Rica. I didn’t imagine that things could feel more fraught than last year in the midst of the genocide in Palestine, but here we are, the news growing more bleak each day and closer to home to say the least. Lots of BIG exhales and gratitude.
I have been blessed with two small composition classes that each meet in person five hours a week. I already have a crush on them all, their stories, their quirks, their questions and thoughtfulness. We are having real conversations that feel vital while also building trust in each other, so we can exchange knowledge and build each other up. Here are the books we are discussing this quarter— and add in film, and lots of articles and research. Students here in California had no idea that books (16,000 according to PEN America) across many states are being banned in city, county and school libraries with Moms for Liberty, a conservative hate group, propelling most of them. These are schools that have parent opt outs already in place. So, as my student questioned today in class, why are they afraid that we ‘indoctrinate’ love and acceptance? They are asking the right questions…
Making Room for Love and Health
I’m making time for my physical and mental health, clocking in 10K steps a day with a team from work, the Caminantes, soaking in the coastal nature in Half Moon Bay, and spending some quality time with Harrison and my lovely hosts. Many of you have asked, and so far Harrison’s day program Apollo in Eastside San Jose hasn’t been cut thanks to our state government’s huge investment in life long entitlement for disabled adults. It’s the only state in the nation with this type of financial commitment to the disability community. And, yes I’m also daily facetiming/ whatsapping (new verbs) with Michael, Lazlo, Monica and my mom. Trying not to focus on how much I miss them.
Breathwork and Gateless Writing
I’m thrilled to be bringing Breathwork and Gateless Writing to friends and family in California, where I have four opportunities to connect:
Thursday evenings 7:30pm-8:30pm at Coastside Yoga in Half Moon Bay; I’m volunteering my time there, so the $25 drop-in benefits the co-op yoga studio.
Private sessions with Breathwork and/or Gateless Writing online or if in HMB I can do in-person. Contact me for pricing and options. I normally do packages of four sessions at a time.
Mothers in Nature non-profit is hosting an Earth Day event with forest bathing. I’ll be providing a Breathwork and Gateless Writing session under the redwoods in Loma Mar’s Memorial Park. The event is donation based. April 27 from 1-3pm. See the link for more information and sign up.
Soma: a Spring Retreat that I am co-hosting with Margaret Haight and Zina Urquhart, Sunday, May 18 from 9am-3:30pm at a private coastside home in Half Moon Bay. We’ll be doing Beach Yoga, Gateless Writing, Breathwork, Energy healing and Sound Bath. Catered lunch and snacks. This will be a deeply nourishing intimate event for Limit to 10 participants. $225. No experience needed. The link will take you to the schedule on Coastside Yoga site. Create an account, so you can sign a waiver, and then select May 18th and sign up.
Music, Podcasts, and Books I’m Recommending
I just listened to Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act on Spotify; it’s sort of Buddhist, soothing, yet modern in its pacing and examples. Between lots of writing or grading I liked listening to it in order to zoom out and think more deeply about my creative process. It’s been inspiring as a continue to work in the Gateless Academy on my writing projects.
Still loving The Telepathy Tapes Podcast and because of its success a documentary film is underway. I am recommending it to anyone and everyone I meet. Assume competence. . . and maybe some special skills.
Finally, I’ve been listening to and using these short frequency tones towards the end of my sessions, and clients love them. Let me know if any of them resonate with you.
I hope you are finding peace and connection these days. Sending Love. —Kimberly 💜
Welcome back!! These are some wonderful new offerings!