Volume 12
Hello!
Welcome to all the new subscribers and sending a lot of love to the old subscribers. Thank you again for letting me send you these emails full of goodies that I read/heard each month. I love doing this, and I am truly grateful.
We're living in strange times when all we want to do is hug our loved ones tight. Every day feels the same, what day of the week is it? Is it Monday? Is it Friday? My father wasn't logged into his office account when I woke up tired and groggy. It must be Saturday. The queues in the market are long and well-spaced, everyone is waiting for fresh milk and vegetables. The kind vendors, pushing their carts, praying they sell all their fruit for the day within permitted hours, aren't charging a rupee more than they did before the word coronavirus was uttered so often from everybody's lips. Take the money, why don't you? He refuses. Those expensive things you wanted, don't seem to matter as much. That cancelled trip to Europe doesn't feel as unfortunate.
We're living in fragile times. Everybody is tiptoeing their way around life trying to not break things. How do we then protect our minds and hearts from the waves of news, fright and worry? How do we muster a love strong enough to soothe and guard ourselves? I wanted to try to be the person I need during isolation. (I have discussed true self-care, the kind that doesn't demand buying ten products frequently here) It is important to me to not deny what is happening, but to let my inner landscape thrive despite it. I wanted to take a minuscule step towards this lofty goal. I picked a set of daily practices to adhere to indefinitely till things around me mellowed down. I picked exercise, meditation, journaling and EFT tapping. I use a variety of free online resources for all of them. As a worrywart, I haven't felt an ounce of worry or anxiety for weeks, which is strange, spacious and rather nice. It was unexpected, and yet effective enough to make me want to mention it here. As we all gather here with different thresholds for bearing uncertainty, I would love to know what measures are you taking to take care of yourself while at home?
This month I have combined Covid-19 related content with various other topics so our minds get to explore other areas of interest too. The Covid-19 content is soothing or the kind that discusses how to work with the inescapable circumstances around us rather then 'fighting' it, 'crushing' it, or 'beating' it. I believe that language plays an enormous role in how we see things and eventually our we shape our experience. Here we go -
BOOKS
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett - This is the story of two families connected by fate, and how their lives unfurl over a span of five decades. Ann Patchett is a remarkably skilled writer. Each chapter in this book is based in a different point in time. While the plot itself isn't remarkable, the writing truly is.
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez - This book is about the enormous gender data gap in all aspects of society. Research on women's bodies, their needs and their work is egregiously ignored by nearly all institutions across the globe. The gender bias is detrimental to the well being and health of women. If you don't have the book and want to know more about it, check this episode of 99% Invisible in which the author is interviewed.
ARTICLES
Care package for uncertain times by On Being.
I Don't Want to be the Strong Female Lead - I have been thinking about the increasing violence against women in movies, TV shows and consequently in real life, lately. Concerns of equality, representation and expression aren't 'women's issues', they concern everybody. I'd love to know what you thought of this article.
Tina Turner is Having the Time of Her Life.
PODCASTS
Soothing -
How To Fail with Elizabeth Day: Alain de Botton on embracing vulnerability in the age of Coronavirus - If you choose to ignore all these links, that is completely fine but listen to this. I have always enjoyed listening to Alain speak. He was particularly articulate about what we're all going through and how we can get through this together.
Elizabeth Gilbert on the TED Radio Hour - It's OK to feel overwhelmed. Here's what to do - Liz has a reputation of being a voice of comfort in trying times. From her interviews to posts on her instagram feed, Liz never fails to give you what feels like warm soup to anybody who feels afraid.
And now what? -
Priya Parker on the TED Radio Hour - How to create meaningful connections while apart - Priya talks about ways to make Zoom interactions and celebrations meaningful and memorable.
Ramit Sethi on the Expanded Podcast - (Note - I have been looking up Ramit Sethi in general after getting a strong suggestion from an acquaintance to do so. I have linked two of his interviews here.) He talks about the practice of saving a year's worth of expenses which comes handy in the rare occasion that the economy comes crashing down and jobs are lost in the millions. He also gives out handy tips on maintaining your finances.
Love touchpoint: Love, Sex & Dating During Covid 19 - From FaceTime dating, Zoom sex parties, relationships and connections, every aspect of our life is transforming because of social distancing. That is what this podcast explores. (This podcast was conducted on Zoom with hundreds of people attending it live)
Not about Covid-19 -
To Stop Climate Collapse, We Must End Capitalism - a compelling debate on Intelligence Squared UK. Here we will find how capitalism has caused this collapse and how some people believe capitalism can fix it. Listen to both teams and pick your side (or agree partly with both?)
How Spotify Saved the Music Industry (But Not Necessarily Musicians) - an interview with Daniel Ek, co-founder and CEO of Spotify. (He also talks about Spotify India)
Ramit Sethi on Talks at Google elaborating what 'the Rich Life' means and how to craft your finances around it. This was recorded way before the pandemic hit. His take on what rich means is worth listening to. Do check it out.
Marina Abramovic on Design Matters - Oldie but a goodie.
POETRY
(Listen) A Poem in Gratitude for Health Care Workers.
(Listen) Praise the Rain by Joy Harjo.
(Listen) A Poem for What You Learn Alone.
(Listen) How To Be a Poet by Wendell Berry.
LOOK, IT'S BEAUTIFUL
Austin Kleon's delightful zines.
Tape as a Pandemic Architectural Element.
The New Silk Road by Yuri Andries Traverses the Rapidly Changing Landscapes of China.
STUNNING visuals for OAFF's new single Perpetuate.
Exhibition on screen: David Hockney.
Spinnable models of 17-18th century globes.
I hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter, and found at least one thing that delighted you. I would love your feedback. Let me know if there's anything you think I should listen to/read.
I hope each and everyone of you are indoors, safe and healthy. Sending you love.
Warmly,
Sachi
**Above all, don't forget to play, enjoy and connect with your loved ones as much as you can. (Don't try this jump at home)
Welcome to all the new subscribers and sending a lot of love to the old subscribers. Thank you again for letting me send you these emails full of goodies that I read/heard each month. I love doing this, and I am truly grateful.
We're living in strange times when all we want to do is hug our loved ones tight. Every day feels the same, what day of the week is it? Is it Monday? Is it Friday? My father wasn't logged into his office account when I woke up tired and groggy. It must be Saturday. The queues in the market are long and well-spaced, everyone is waiting for fresh milk and vegetables. The kind vendors, pushing their carts, praying they sell all their fruit for the day within permitted hours, aren't charging a rupee more than they did before the word coronavirus was uttered so often from everybody's lips. Take the money, why don't you? He refuses. Those expensive things you wanted, don't seem to matter as much. That cancelled trip to Europe doesn't feel as unfortunate.
We're living in fragile times. Everybody is tiptoeing their way around life trying to not break things. How do we then protect our minds and hearts from the waves of news, fright and worry? How do we muster a love strong enough to soothe and guard ourselves? I wanted to try to be the person I need during isolation. (I have discussed true self-care, the kind that doesn't demand buying ten products frequently here) It is important to me to not deny what is happening, but to let my inner landscape thrive despite it. I wanted to take a minuscule step towards this lofty goal. I picked a set of daily practices to adhere to indefinitely till things around me mellowed down. I picked exercise, meditation, journaling and EFT tapping. I use a variety of free online resources for all of them. As a worrywart, I haven't felt an ounce of worry or anxiety for weeks, which is strange, spacious and rather nice. It was unexpected, and yet effective enough to make me want to mention it here. As we all gather here with different thresholds for bearing uncertainty, I would love to know what measures are you taking to take care of yourself while at home?
This month I have combined Covid-19 related content with various other topics so our minds get to explore other areas of interest too. The Covid-19 content is soothing or the kind that discusses how to work with the inescapable circumstances around us rather then 'fighting' it, 'crushing' it, or 'beating' it. I believe that language plays an enormous role in how we see things and eventually our we shape our experience. Here we go -
BOOKS
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett - This is the story of two families connected by fate, and how their lives unfurl over a span of five decades. Ann Patchett is a remarkably skilled writer. Each chapter in this book is based in a different point in time. While the plot itself isn't remarkable, the writing truly is.
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez - This book is about the enormous gender data gap in all aspects of society. Research on women's bodies, their needs and their work is egregiously ignored by nearly all institutions across the globe. The gender bias is detrimental to the well being and health of women. If you don't have the book and want to know more about it, check this episode of 99% Invisible in which the author is interviewed.
ARTICLES
Care package for uncertain times by On Being.
I Don't Want to be the Strong Female Lead - I have been thinking about the increasing violence against women in movies, TV shows and consequently in real life, lately. Concerns of equality, representation and expression aren't 'women's issues', they concern everybody. I'd love to know what you thought of this article.
Tina Turner is Having the Time of Her Life.
PODCASTS
Soothing -
How To Fail with Elizabeth Day: Alain de Botton on embracing vulnerability in the age of Coronavirus - If you choose to ignore all these links, that is completely fine but listen to this. I have always enjoyed listening to Alain speak. He was particularly articulate about what we're all going through and how we can get through this together.
Elizabeth Gilbert on the TED Radio Hour - It's OK to feel overwhelmed. Here's what to do - Liz has a reputation of being a voice of comfort in trying times. From her interviews to posts on her instagram feed, Liz never fails to give you what feels like warm soup to anybody who feels afraid.
And now what? -
Priya Parker on the TED Radio Hour - How to create meaningful connections while apart - Priya talks about ways to make Zoom interactions and celebrations meaningful and memorable.
Ramit Sethi on the Expanded Podcast - (Note - I have been looking up Ramit Sethi in general after getting a strong suggestion from an acquaintance to do so. I have linked two of his interviews here.) He talks about the practice of saving a year's worth of expenses which comes handy in the rare occasion that the economy comes crashing down and jobs are lost in the millions. He also gives out handy tips on maintaining your finances.
Love touchpoint: Love, Sex & Dating During Covid 19 - From FaceTime dating, Zoom sex parties, relationships and connections, every aspect of our life is transforming because of social distancing. That is what this podcast explores. (This podcast was conducted on Zoom with hundreds of people attending it live)
Not about Covid-19 -
To Stop Climate Collapse, We Must End Capitalism - a compelling debate on Intelligence Squared UK. Here we will find how capitalism has caused this collapse and how some people believe capitalism can fix it. Listen to both teams and pick your side (or agree partly with both?)
How Spotify Saved the Music Industry (But Not Necessarily Musicians) - an interview with Daniel Ek, co-founder and CEO of Spotify. (He also talks about Spotify India)
Ramit Sethi on Talks at Google elaborating what 'the Rich Life' means and how to craft your finances around it. This was recorded way before the pandemic hit. His take on what rich means is worth listening to. Do check it out.
Marina Abramovic on Design Matters - Oldie but a goodie.
POETRY
(Listen) A Poem in Gratitude for Health Care Workers.
(Listen) Praise the Rain by Joy Harjo.
(Listen) A Poem for What You Learn Alone.
(Listen) How To Be a Poet by Wendell Berry.
LOOK, IT'S BEAUTIFUL
Austin Kleon's delightful zines.
Tape as a Pandemic Architectural Element.
The New Silk Road by Yuri Andries Traverses the Rapidly Changing Landscapes of China.
STUNNING visuals for OAFF's new single Perpetuate.
Exhibition on screen: David Hockney.
Spinnable models of 17-18th century globes.
I hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter, and found at least one thing that delighted you. I would love your feedback. Let me know if there's anything you think I should listen to/read.
I hope each and everyone of you are indoors, safe and healthy. Sending you love.
Warmly,
Sachi
**Above all, don't forget to play, enjoy and connect with your loved ones as much as you can. (Don't try this jump at home)
Don't miss what's next. Subscribe to Currents: