“When we give up being new and awkward, we stop growing, and when we stop growing, we stop living.” — Brené Brown
I’m building a practice of doing at least 1 new thing each week, for the next 12 weeks (read why at the original letter to myself: 12 Weeks of Curiosity, Creativity, and Community).
To keep myself honest and for the utility of my future self (and kindred folks out there, looking to try something new), keeping a little record here:
#1 | Deep Canvass Phonebanking (10.27.2020)
Deep canvassing presents an alternative to classic canvassing & phonebanking — putting the emphasis on listening, non-judgement, and open dialogue.
“People’s Action’s work shows that respectful, non-judgmental conversations are able to move voters where many other tactics have failed, producing meaningful increases in Biden’s vote margin.” –Researchers Josh Kalla and David Broockman
I found People’s Action by way of Sunstorm; and the ethos of deep canvassing resonated, and intrigued.
During my first shift, there were the inevitable hangups & some uncomfortable conversations; but the bright spot was a lovely long conversation with a woman in North Carolina. Her wisdom knows us all:
“People need to talk and treat others as they want to be treated … I said what I needed to say. We all want peace.”
Follow People’s Action & explore ways to volunteer here. And, give a listen to their simple & powerful podcast, To See Each Other.
#2 | Virtual Dance Class (10.28.2020)
It’s been a good long time since I’ve taken a studio dance class, and especially jumping in on Zoom made me feel like a beginner all — over — again.
This contemporary class was from Entity Contemporary Dance, which I found through following EDGE Performing Arts Center in LA.
It definitely took me through the phases: settling into familiarity-made-new on Zoom, being tempted to log off when the choreo got hard, and getting present to the gift of peering into another’s creative process.
It reminds me that part of the equation isn’t just trying anew, but ritualizing the work and the practice. More dance ahead, I’m looking forward to:
- Twirl Time (Brazilian Zouk) with Devon & Jerry this Sunday (sign up for details here)
- Jazz Funk with Redwall Tutorials from Millenium
And: I’m on the lookout for recommendations, if you have any classes or studios you’re following. Bonus points for Bollywood & hip hop / contemp!
#3 | Butterscotch Fluoride at the Dentist (10.29.2020)
Does this count as something new? It was either this, or spearmint.
#4 | 6 Foot Halloween Candy Chute (10.31.2020)
Kids & families were still planning to be out and about for Halloween this year, so we cobbled together a socially-distanced candy chute with supplies from the garage.
Holidays are usually a low pomp affair, and I was briefly tempted to spend Saturday evening holed up with wine and a book. (Ultimately, this did also happen.) But it was a lovely & gratifying way to spend the afternoon. And for our efforts, we earned kudos from the neighbor across the street, an evening well spent on the front porch, and compliments from a little Batman.
#5 | Writing Workshop Application (11.01.2020)
21 hours to the deadline, I realized I hadn’t yet submitted my application to the Asian American Feminist Writing Workshop, presented by Kundiman & the Asian American Feminist Collective. So at midnight on Halloween, nursing the beginnings of my cabernet headache, I sat down to write.
If you’ve read this far between the lines of this post — the unlisted draft is linked here.
#6 | Crochet Market Bag (11.08.2020)
When I was a kid, I would crochet endless chains, turning a ball of yarn into a ball of braids. But never did I have enough patience to learn more stitches or follow a pattern.
We picked up a handful of materials on sale at the craft store, and a pamphlet with crochet inspiration was interesting enough that I decided to try my hand again.
I ended up going off pattern and improvising stitches a bit; and my end result looks a bit like a pineapple; but fortunately I have some more skeins and a bit more confidence to experiment with.
Don’t be surprised if many of you receive scarves and market bags as holiday gifts.
Will be sitting down over the next week or so to try sewing some holiday decorations & a dress, and maybe some watercolor …
#7 | Breathwork Class (11.14.2020)
A friend extended an invitation to join a breathwork class. I will admit, I dialed late from forgetting to convert time zones from EST.
But it took me through the motions. Feeling an expanded radius of awareness, only zapped away with an abrupt new song on play. Noticing spots of tension, stress, vulnerability. Thoughts not quieting, but converging.
And beyond my own experience, it offered an unexpected dose of education — in people & our relationship to dreams.
To be continued …
Planning to keep updating this post, as a running list. We’ll see how it all works out!
On tap
Gathering a bank of new things on the horizon:
- Complete a meditation / yoga course (any recommendations out there for “not-culturally-appropriative, COVID-responsible” programs & centers? not the easiest thing to google!)
- Throw a pot
- Sew a dress
My lesson of the season is recognizing the magnitude of what opens up, in community. Always welcoming new recommendations or resources, or inspiration & lessons from the things you’re trying anew too.
