start of march: fighting a sleepy mood, exploring sound + psychic healing

hello! happy march. things have been very busy lately (when aren’t they…?) but this morning I got to sleep in until 11 am and take my time organizing the house, drinking pourover, doing a morning skincare routine, and creating an aromatherapy blend (clary sage, sunny garden, clove, sweet orchard). 

things I have been intaking recently that are inspiring:

sound:: listening to sarathy korwar’s new vinyl (in picture); it has a beautiful blend of experimental spiritual jazz and south asian + middle eastern vocalizations. 

sight:: fariha roisin’s “who is wellness for?” and a book about the intersection of traditional indian ayurvedic medicine and vocal/sonic healing through the chakras. I have become very interested in sound and healing, as I facilitated a songwriting and mental health workshop in new orleans a few weeks ago, and learning about how other cultures view these connections. I was on an interesting call with colleagues in china who were researching how music intersects with the different elements from the traditional chinese medical system, and how this knowledge can be used for mental healing. as a singer and musician myself, I know how much joy and personal healing creating music and expressing myself is, and am eager to deepen my studies and understanding of this ancient field of inquiry. 

taste:: I have been eating a lot of vegetables recently. drawing inspiration from bangaldeshi childhood dishes my mother used to cook, I have been recreating fusion japanese-bangladeshi dishes that draw upon elements from both cultures. and eating more roti recently! also have been drinking black loose leaf tea from sun moon lake in taiwan- a welcome break from coffee.

touch:: in terms of textiles, I have been opting for bright but simple color palettes; deep blue denim, muted spring green, cream white, peachy makeup, black leather boots. 

other things on my mind have been preparations for my upcoming art exhibition in oakland, california (I stayed up late until 2 am one evening because I was inspired to sketch a new idea I had for the design of my installation!), trying to find ways to create south asian arts and activism community in los angeles (and reconnecting with friends + acquaintances in this space), processing my feelings about palestine, getting used to dedicating daily study time for my upcoming medical licensing exam, spending more time with friends, staying active + eating healthier, soaking in the sunshine, looking at new film that was developed, thinking through the foundations and collaborations of the studio I would like to create (called sensory psychiatry studio), and enjoying the intimate interactions I have when seeing my patients in a clinical setting—listening to them and helping them however I can. 

ramadan is beginning soon, on march 10th! I am looking forward to deepening my spiritual practice, fasting in solidarity with those suffering in palestine, and realigning my daily life to the cycles of the sun and moon through habitual prayer, poetry, and song. 

I am also trying to embody more lightness and smile at strangers whenever our paths cross.

I hope your march is off to a lovely start! until next time. 

with love,
anika