These past few months have been some of the most interesting times of my life. I know I’m not alone in that.

From years of building momentum for post-college, then suddenly entering a pandemic state, which created a shift in collective consciousness, not to mention an unforeseeable future — to slowly returning to work in a newly-specified “essential” industry (THANK YOU CANNABIS), maintaining focus, balance, and momentum in a world where shit is finally hitting the fan – where discussions are actually being made and behavior is being called out because the energy for it is there. . . .

I am glad to say that after coming a long way to achieve some level of inner peace, I have found it, even amid the current state of the world. Words can’t even really explain how grateful I am to wake up today, to think these thoughts, and to type it out in the comfort of my own skin and identity. To be surrounded by people who love reciprocally. To be a part of a society that isn’t afraid to speak up for what is or isn’t right. This new generation is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.

Furthermore, I can’t describe how grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and that are coming my way. I truly feel that the power of manifestation and intention is real, and that I want to better harness that in my life. I want to use my skills, my powers, to help elevate and enlarge the powerful voices of the people in my communities and networks. Starting from within, always.

The above photo was right after shelter orders, before the murder of George Floyd. You should see it now. Check out Jon Harrison‘s protest coverage on his Instagram.

“It took a pandemic to. . .”
“It took a pandemic for. . .”

Why is this the reality? I mean, I think we all know why.
Because all this time, and still, Americans are bred to prioritize individualism over collectivism, most hours of the day.
We only spend a fraction of our energy on collective efforts and benefits, especially when they don’t yield individual benefit. The energy we spend thinking we’re being socially inclusive are sharing activist links and politically influenced media, or hyping friends up on social media to ensure people you still like them and they don’t think you’re dead.
But we as a collective don’t end up on the front-lines of issues like this, when the world isn’t in pandemic mode. We simply have far less to do with ourselves right now. However, with how quickly things are reopening in California and the rest of America, people are certainly concerned less with the actual problem and more with themselves, once again.

Is the world getting back on its feet? It clearly is. I’m not in a position to tell people what to do. It is really no different than simply being extra cautious to begin with. Except, for longer. But you shouldn’t be going to malls, theaters, bars; enclosed, low-ventilation places with people who aren’t taking the basic health safety precautions to prevent the spread of even basic, common germs and viruses. It is really no different than simply being extra cautious to begin with.

A reminder to watch what you let into your body and mind. Occupy your time and energy with the right things. Be a part of something bigger than just yourself. But you have to really be about it, not just talk about it for the sake of being in on the conversation. One love, Peace.