Hello friend,

I always get so annoyed that flowers bloom as early as late January here in the Bay Area. Of course, it’s a blessing to live in such a warm climate and not have to face the true depths of winter. But my system is still not ready to move at the same quickness as rest of my world out here.

I am deep in grief. Some of you know that I unexpectedly lost my father in November of last year. There’s much to say on that, so much that I will not try to do it justice here. After my grandmother passed away, a piece of writing poured out of me somewhat spontaneously. No such thing is happening this time. I feel lost, confused, encumbered by this loss and I intend to stay there for the better part of this year.

I am doing fewer things than I was before, and yet I am still offering some things that are dear to me. Here are three events that are taking place next week, all of them in collaboration with beautiful, creative souls.

The first one is in person in the East Bay, and the following two are online!

The Creative Field - Playing with Aliveness, Emergence, and Transformation
Sunday, February 8th | 2 - 5:30pm | Berkeley or Oakland

I keep finding new ways to talk about what this work is. After running a 6-week course, and then putting on a performance with the participants, I feel more trust than ever in the power of gathering with no agenda except to explore expression and emergence.

But when people ask me about my motivation for these sessions, I often turn to the topic of domination in groups. I have so much baggage with groups, and one of the intentions I carry in these sessions is to explore how we can navigate group dynamics without falling into familiar patterns with one another.

The creative field is many things. And it’s what those of us who come make it. Come find out with me!

Invite link

Relationship Ecology Practice Group with Kai Tzeng
Monday, February 9th | 5 - 6:30pm Pacific | Online

Kai is an incredible writer and thinker who continually reminds me of my own values and my capacity for uncertainty, complexity, and conflict. Together, we’re trying something new: a community-building and relational practice event exclusively for folks who subscribe to either of our Substack’s.

It is obvious to recommend that you read more of Kai’s work.

Subscribe to Kai
Subscribe to me

Public Conversation with Hamza Beg
Thursday, February 12th | 8 - 9:30am Pacific | Online

1. There is a zoom
2. There are hosts (Hamza & me)
3. We all have a conversation

Hamza is one of my dearest friends who I see sadly less than once a year. He is a fellow poet, performance artist, and community steward. I like to joke that he’s the Brian Eno to my David Bowie, because Bowie used to visit Berlin and get all kinds of creative stimulus and support from his brilliant friend Brian.

Hamza’s got a way of seeing the world with both discernment and grace. He’s always asking me deep questions about my creative practice and motivations. He was the first organizer to invite me to present my art at a showcase, in an era where all I did was make art for and with my friends. He’s a force.

Invite link

Wherever you are I wish that you can emerge into new seasons in the way that best suits your body’s wisdom.

With love,
Rishi