Well I had a long typed out comment and accidentally deleted it 🤦🏼♂️
Thank you for writing this, it makes me feel less alone in this world.
I am just now embarking on a lifelong journey to create a micro community (that can hopefully be copied) of likeminded individuals like yourself. I will for sure keep you posted on the progress!
Hopefully one day we can meet and share an enjoyable conversation! I think your writing is crafting a very beautiful narrative for our people and can be a sort of lighthouse to help us navigate this increasingly alienating society we were born into.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Kade. That's beautiful work, I've dreamed to create something like that for many years (but something is holding me back - I am still investigating what 😊).
I have identified some first steps and plan to iterate and improve upon my journey. I feel like there are many things I won’t know with certainty until I embark on this journey and get help from others along the way!
Appreciate this, Julia! I also thought I was writing about psychedelics; it turned out it's all just writing about belonging, over and over and over until we finally do.
Your post lands with me as a prayer, cast out into the ethers - “please connect me with my people”. I resonate deeply with all your writings (that is why I follow you, and look forward to reading you) and also live on the edge of our mainstream culture (actually on an island in the Pacific Northwest). Yet, I have recently found/created community in a way I hear you longing for. I find myself wondering, why limit yourself to under 40s? Like it or not, your path has taken you on a spiritual quest more commonly taken later in life. Your writing appears to me to have a maturity beyond your years. Perhaps the people you are looking for are older. And maybe not to be found on Venice Beach!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reflections and nudges, Clive. And for the kind words.
You live on an island in the PNW??? That sounds like a dream. You are right in that I need to branch out more - I do have a handful of relationships with those beyond my age and feel quite seen in those. I'm curious how you found/created community (especially living rather remote)?
Thanks for the question about “How?”. It had me thinking about how to share what I have learned. The bottom line is that is crossed a line from looking for community (something I’ve been doing all my life), to creating my own (something I’ve never done before). I invited people to come together for ceremony. I started hosting. Now, less than two years later, we have an actively engaged community (a Soul Family) which gets together regularly in person and is deeply interconnected through a network of 1-1 friendships.
I see you on the verge of doing something similar and would be delighted to help you bring your people together. ❤️
That is beautiful, thank you for sharing, Clive. I have dreamed about it many times but something is holding me back -- still investigating what exactly that is. But I see it in my future, too 🙏
Please let me help you make that dream real. I feel very called to support you and your work, and have a lot of experience (20+ years professional coaching). I am not trying to solicit business, just support you because we are on a similar path and you are an engaging writer, who can reach people’s hearts.
That sounds wonderful and I will take you up on that offer. I have to many things going on right now to make space for this endeavor in a meaningful way, but hope that it will look a little different in the new year 🥰
Thank you for trying and succeeding as much as you have. I also tried and succeeded for some years, then felt it break. Now, with the help of voyaging, I'm finding ways to repair it. I was recently at the Canoe Journey to Lummi, which I guess is near your island, and also a place of resonant connection. I wonder how you check yourself for hubris in our settler condition? Thank you again for your work and your openness.
Hey, I´m one of them!! I´m 23 living in the third biggest city of latino america (buenos aires, argentina). 3 years ago I stopped having the main social medias and it was life changing!! I only use whatsapp, email, spotify and youtube for movies and music. I was addicted to ig, I really loved it, but I realized it wasn´t the best for me. Everything is way much better without all of that. Now, if I take a picture, is a genuine decision to keep it for me and keep it in my memory or to share it with my loved ones. If someone misses me, they will text me, they´ll not see a story of me and reply “I miss you”, nah you´ve just saw me in the story and remembered me. As well, if someone wants to know how am I, they will call me. My friendships became more genuine and sincere. I have quality rather than quantity friends. I stopped comparing my life with the other ones, my body with the other girls, as well I stopped caring about my look and the necessity to share what i´m doing all the time to all my followers. It´s all fake. I believe social media is so harmful, more to the younger ones. I think people are asleep, they are not aware of how much is affecting them (as I was one of them). All the time I spent on instagram, now I invest it in reading, journaling, writing, painting and dancing. I´m more present and connected with my myself and surroundings. I thought it was impossible to be 20yo and to not have social media; I was not belonging to society, I felt alienated. But I discovered life is WAY more than that hahahaha, it´s the best decision I´ve made. That helped me to be more detached from my phone; many times I leave my house without it, I don´t take it to the nightclub when I dance with my friends, I don´t use it in bdays or reunions; sometimes I turned it off for days. For me, life is simpler and more beautiful without my phone/technology, is where I can have a deeper connection with the divine. Disconnect to connect. It allows me to go inward, and the technology is a stimulation that distracts me to be in silence with my innerself. Therefore, it hurts me when I see my friends with the dilemma of which picture to post, so they can have more likes, or when they create a moment for the photo and not for living it and so on. Many times they told me “oh, I wish I can delete all my social media, but it´s impossible” and it makes me so sad, because they have the power to do it, everyone can choose to do it, but they feel trapped. I wish people would wake up from all that and start truly living.
Hello dear, I am quite inspired by your message, thank you for sharing it.
You are a unicorn! I can relate to all of what you're saying - the quality over quantity, the presence, the comparison, the weirdness of being around people that are so entrenched in their online world and persona. Have you ever written about this? I feel sharing your experience could be so valuable - people in you generation may hear it better coming from a peer (rather from adults that say "social media is bad") - especially since you can so clearly share about the actual benefit of quitting and choosing to live differently. It's a very brave choice - it can't be an easy one, but you almost make it sound easy 😇
Thank you Julia....I follow you because of your honesty and introspection....it feels clean and refreshing in my world. I am 63 and resonate with so much of what you said. As I age, I find that trust is the foundation of my day to day life. I trust that the Universe will unfold exactly as is needed and I can only do my part by staying present with what is and making the next best choice that I can again and again.
Ohhhhhhhhh 🥹 This is my favorite essay of yours that I’ve read. Thank you for telling the truth because it makes me feel less alone. I resonate with so much of what you said. (Except I’m over 40. I’m 43.) 😬 I felt pretty comfortable with myself and my weirdness and then my kids became middle schoolers. They’re desperately trying to fit in and having a weird mom is problematic for everyone. I see you and I’m so grateful for your existence in the world!
How enlightening and wonderfully this essay is. It was not only thought-provoking but beautifully expressed. I found myself relating on a very deep level and it has motivated me to make change. Thank you for sharing
Here with you Julia! I also just read through many of the comments as well. It sounds like there is a handful of us late thirty into early forty something’s that are on the same page. Would love to stay connected. I lived on a small island up in the PNW and found an incredible community. I can’t do the weather there full time. I have been living on the road for the last three years, following the sun and meeting like minded people in every town/city I inhabit. There are more of us out there than you are exposed to LA. ✨💕✨
You are the second person commenting here about living on an island in the PNW - do you know Clive??? 😅 It sounds like you have a great set up. And thanks for giving me hope!
For some reason I cannot see your whole comment? Perhaps because I am using the app on my phone right now, unsure. But, I do not think I know Clive. I lived up in the San Juan Islands. Clive, if you see this, is there where you are living?
This is beautifully expressed. A sincere respect and appreciation of interconnectedness is my metric for mental health. The disconnection that you describe feels like a virus, or a cancer, threatening the health of our “civilization” - a word that seems to be in danger of extinction. Very thought provoking and insightful post!
Thanks so much for the kind words and sharing your thoughts, Cristina. I think a lot about what this means on a collective level, which the language you used just reminded me of. There is certainly something happening in the collective human consciousness, and I often wonder how much worse it needs to get before it ever gets better.
Julia, this intricately woven post resonates deeply with me. I find myself asking myself the same questions and envy the clarity with which you offer us your vulnerable truths and deep desires.
What does it mean to live an examined life? Close to the wisdom of nature and integrated within capitalist society?
How does one connect with mature people who value life, authenticity, and connection to "nature" beyond its definition rooted in separation while sustaining a grounded personal ecology (physical, mental, and emotional)?
These questions also animate much of my decisions, thoughts, and day dreams. Sometimes I too, feel a little alone when I observe influencers in the wild.
Maybe it's time to move to the countryside and leave LA?
I live in France. It's a magical country with entitled people. Paris is a colorful, cultured, and appetizing nightmare I've left and would move go back to.
Arthur, thanks for your thoughtful comment. Yes, maybe it is time to move to the countryside. I feel that way often. But I also fear that I romanticize remote life too much, that in reality I would feel quite bored and lonely. But I think with a family that wouldn't be the case - and I'm still a few years away from that. So it's on the bucket list 😇
I miss France! I lived in Jouy-en-Josas (near Versailles) for school for a year and still fantasize about returning to Paris, and perhaps even more excitedly, to the countryside. Where in the country are you?
I used to live in Yvelines growing up. I was in boarding school in Normandy but went to my dad's on the weekends in Montfort L'amaury.
I am currently in Cantal, Auvergne in the center of the country. Surrounded by cows and mountains. But I'll be moving to the south very soon. Most likely to Arles!
That sounds magical! I used to live in New York but mid-pandemic fled to LA and stayed, which immediately improved my quality of life. Taking it step by step but I will end in the country one day (I really hope 🥰)
Julia, This is both beautiful and a bit heartbreaking—mostly for the portrait of so many so disconnected from themselves, each other and the planet. I’m older than you are but I write about a number of the themes you touch upon here albeit from a different lens (that of a “preferably-feral scientist”). I’ve long chosen a heart-centered path of deep exploration of the natural world and expansion of mind/body/soul. Though not immune from the blackhole of the digital realm, being grounded in the natural world keeps me whole. I’m happy to connect with you.
Thank you for sharing 💞 Nature has been my anchor as well, although I have neglected my relationship with it somewhat over the past few months which I imagine relates to these feelings articulated here amplifying. So glad to connect on here 🙏
What great questions you ask yourself and deep observations you make about how you experience life. I have also felt like I don’t belong in the culture, but I have taken that as an invitation to grow more comfortable with “not fitting in” but leading others in the directions I feel called. For me that has been seeking a more holistic way to live and sharing that with others one interaction at a time, and getting politically active to encourage our leaders to make different decisions.
I do believe that if you got outside of CA, into communities that predominantly voted for Trump, you would see the world a little differently. My life in Texas looks very different from what you describe of LA. I rarely see people documenting their lives for social media. Taking pictures or selfies, yes; a quick picture here or there, but then the camera/phone goes away. In large public spaces, I see people enjoying each other more than their phones.
I also believe that turning off the myriad of voices that speak into our ears about how divided society is can help. I turned off the mainstream news in 2021, and my mental health not only improved but my perspective of things, including who you call the orange man, changed as well. That doesn’t change the serious complicated issues that we must take action on, but when face to face with diverse people in actual conversation, it feels more possible to find common ground on which to build.
I think you could find that people on the other side of the political divide aren’t as different and “evil” as they are painted to be in the news. I have found more open-mindedness, room for discussion, and acceptance of differences in those that choose “red” (or orange, lol) than in those that choose “blue.” I’m not sure that those on the coasts are in circumstances where this would be experienced.
My utmost respect for the inner journey you are on and how you share it with others!
Thank you so much for you reflections Betsy, they resonate deeply.
It's assuring to hear that you observe more connection to the real world and its people in Texas. I couldn't agree more with your approach to news. I, too, tapped out of mainstream media years ago and went from daily consumption to almost none. It has had a remarkable effect on my perspective and mental health. Of course, with things like the presidential elections, it's impossible to escape it entirely. But I see your point - if I had more exposure to the realities of this country (beyond news and my LA bubble), I may feel differently.
Efforts like yours are why hope is still out there—I started the Empathy Engine with a simple yet profound belief: we need these vital, transformative connections.
It’s just the beginning of the story, but this passion runs pretty deep.
This was such a fantastic read and the familiarity of your experience is striking. I spent much of my childhood largely reticent, constantly puzzled by what seemed like an upside-down world. This acute awareness has only persisted and heightened over time, revealing an existential detachment.
And while I’ve also never felt kinship with New Age spiritualists, I do sense that many outliers—artists and scientists alike—share a heightened awareness and feel driven to deliver a message, as if compelled by something larger.
In dream state, I encountered myself as a child—distinctly alone and wise—reminding me of a personal mission that felt deeply connected to a broader, collective mission that has been gnawing at me.
I do think there are many who, just by being, are helping to reorient this world. I’ve noticed that since finding more alignment in my own journey, my loneliness has eased, even while a sense of alienation persists. So should you wish to create space for this amorphous group, I’d be eager to support.
Tope, thank you for your thoughtful and kind words. They resonate very deeply.
I, too, feel this sense of duty, urgency and mission to contribute to a more beautiful world. Sometimes the pressure is so strong, it almost paralyzes me. Indigenous cultures speak of the "responsibility of the gift" - in return for knowing the beauty and freedom that is our essence (and possible for this world), we must dedicate ourselves to helping others remember this knowing, too.
I will ruminate on your suggestion. I do agree that forums to connect are critical. I'm wondering if you already had any specific ideas?
PS. Your prose is incredible. Do you write anywhere? I couldn't find anything on your Substack profile 🙃
Well I had a long typed out comment and accidentally deleted it 🤦🏼♂️
Thank you for writing this, it makes me feel less alone in this world.
I am just now embarking on a lifelong journey to create a micro community (that can hopefully be copied) of likeminded individuals like yourself. I will for sure keep you posted on the progress!
Hopefully one day we can meet and share an enjoyable conversation! I think your writing is crafting a very beautiful narrative for our people and can be a sort of lighthouse to help us navigate this increasingly alienating society we were born into.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Kade. That's beautiful work, I've dreamed to create something like that for many years (but something is holding me back - I am still investigating what 😊).
I have identified some first steps and plan to iterate and improve upon my journey. I feel like there are many things I won’t know with certainty until I embark on this journey and get help from others along the way!
Appreciate this, Julia! I also thought I was writing about psychedelics; it turned out it's all just writing about belonging, over and over and over until we finally do.
HA - you are so right.
Your post lands with me as a prayer, cast out into the ethers - “please connect me with my people”. I resonate deeply with all your writings (that is why I follow you, and look forward to reading you) and also live on the edge of our mainstream culture (actually on an island in the Pacific Northwest). Yet, I have recently found/created community in a way I hear you longing for. I find myself wondering, why limit yourself to under 40s? Like it or not, your path has taken you on a spiritual quest more commonly taken later in life. Your writing appears to me to have a maturity beyond your years. Perhaps the people you are looking for are older. And maybe not to be found on Venice Beach!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reflections and nudges, Clive. And for the kind words.
You live on an island in the PNW??? That sounds like a dream. You are right in that I need to branch out more - I do have a handful of relationships with those beyond my age and feel quite seen in those. I'm curious how you found/created community (especially living rather remote)?
Thanks for the question about “How?”. It had me thinking about how to share what I have learned. The bottom line is that is crossed a line from looking for community (something I’ve been doing all my life), to creating my own (something I’ve never done before). I invited people to come together for ceremony. I started hosting. Now, less than two years later, we have an actively engaged community (a Soul Family) which gets together regularly in person and is deeply interconnected through a network of 1-1 friendships.
I see you on the verge of doing something similar and would be delighted to help you bring your people together. ❤️
That is beautiful, thank you for sharing, Clive. I have dreamed about it many times but something is holding me back -- still investigating what exactly that is. But I see it in my future, too 🙏
Please let me help you make that dream real. I feel very called to support you and your work, and have a lot of experience (20+ years professional coaching). I am not trying to solicit business, just support you because we are on a similar path and you are an engaging writer, who can reach people’s hearts.
That sounds wonderful and I will take you up on that offer. I have to many things going on right now to make space for this endeavor in a meaningful way, but hope that it will look a little different in the new year 🥰
Thank you for trying and succeeding as much as you have. I also tried and succeeded for some years, then felt it break. Now, with the help of voyaging, I'm finding ways to repair it. I was recently at the Canoe Journey to Lummi, which I guess is near your island, and also a place of resonant connection. I wonder how you check yourself for hubris in our settler condition? Thank you again for your work and your openness.
Hey, I´m one of them!! I´m 23 living in the third biggest city of latino america (buenos aires, argentina). 3 years ago I stopped having the main social medias and it was life changing!! I only use whatsapp, email, spotify and youtube for movies and music. I was addicted to ig, I really loved it, but I realized it wasn´t the best for me. Everything is way much better without all of that. Now, if I take a picture, is a genuine decision to keep it for me and keep it in my memory or to share it with my loved ones. If someone misses me, they will text me, they´ll not see a story of me and reply “I miss you”, nah you´ve just saw me in the story and remembered me. As well, if someone wants to know how am I, they will call me. My friendships became more genuine and sincere. I have quality rather than quantity friends. I stopped comparing my life with the other ones, my body with the other girls, as well I stopped caring about my look and the necessity to share what i´m doing all the time to all my followers. It´s all fake. I believe social media is so harmful, more to the younger ones. I think people are asleep, they are not aware of how much is affecting them (as I was one of them). All the time I spent on instagram, now I invest it in reading, journaling, writing, painting and dancing. I´m more present and connected with my myself and surroundings. I thought it was impossible to be 20yo and to not have social media; I was not belonging to society, I felt alienated. But I discovered life is WAY more than that hahahaha, it´s the best decision I´ve made. That helped me to be more detached from my phone; many times I leave my house without it, I don´t take it to the nightclub when I dance with my friends, I don´t use it in bdays or reunions; sometimes I turned it off for days. For me, life is simpler and more beautiful without my phone/technology, is where I can have a deeper connection with the divine. Disconnect to connect. It allows me to go inward, and the technology is a stimulation that distracts me to be in silence with my innerself. Therefore, it hurts me when I see my friends with the dilemma of which picture to post, so they can have more likes, or when they create a moment for the photo and not for living it and so on. Many times they told me “oh, I wish I can delete all my social media, but it´s impossible” and it makes me so sad, because they have the power to do it, everyone can choose to do it, but they feel trapped. I wish people would wake up from all that and start truly living.
Hello dear, I am quite inspired by your message, thank you for sharing it.
You are a unicorn! I can relate to all of what you're saying - the quality over quantity, the presence, the comparison, the weirdness of being around people that are so entrenched in their online world and persona. Have you ever written about this? I feel sharing your experience could be so valuable - people in you generation may hear it better coming from a peer (rather from adults that say "social media is bad") - especially since you can so clearly share about the actual benefit of quitting and choosing to live differently. It's a very brave choice - it can't be an easy one, but you almost make it sound easy 😇
Thank you Julia....I follow you because of your honesty and introspection....it feels clean and refreshing in my world. I am 63 and resonate with so much of what you said. As I age, I find that trust is the foundation of my day to day life. I trust that the Universe will unfold exactly as is needed and I can only do my part by staying present with what is and making the next best choice that I can again and again.
Thank you so much for the kind words!! I'm with you, I've found so much solace in the intelligence of the universe and feel quite held by it.
Ohhhhhhhhh 🥹 This is my favorite essay of yours that I’ve read. Thank you for telling the truth because it makes me feel less alone. I resonate with so much of what you said. (Except I’m over 40. I’m 43.) 😬 I felt pretty comfortable with myself and my weirdness and then my kids became middle schoolers. They’re desperately trying to fit in and having a weird mom is problematic for everyone. I see you and I’m so grateful for your existence in the world!
Thank you so much for the sweet words, Tiffany!! I was so nervous to post this, for some reason, but your comment really touched y heart.
In hindsight I don't know why I limited at 40, I'm not that far away from it myself 😅 I was trying to make the generational point I guess.
PS I think your kids are lucky to have a role model that exemplifies acceptance and self-expression!!!
How enlightening and wonderfully this essay is. It was not only thought-provoking but beautifully expressed. I found myself relating on a very deep level and it has motivated me to make change. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for these kind words, Elizabeth. They mean a lot 🙏
You're speaking my mind this morning.
Thank you, Suzanne, I'm glad to hear it resonated 🙏
Here with you Julia! I also just read through many of the comments as well. It sounds like there is a handful of us late thirty into early forty something’s that are on the same page. Would love to stay connected. I lived on a small island up in the PNW and found an incredible community. I can’t do the weather there full time. I have been living on the road for the last three years, following the sun and meeting like minded people in every town/city I inhabit. There are more of us out there than you are exposed to LA. ✨💕✨
You are the second person commenting here about living on an island in the PNW - do you know Clive??? 😅 It sounds like you have a great set up. And thanks for giving me hope!
For some reason I cannot see your whole comment? Perhaps because I am using the app on my phone right now, unsure. But, I do not think I know Clive. I lived up in the San Juan Islands. Clive, if you see this, is there where you are living?
This is beautifully expressed. A sincere respect and appreciation of interconnectedness is my metric for mental health. The disconnection that you describe feels like a virus, or a cancer, threatening the health of our “civilization” - a word that seems to be in danger of extinction. Very thought provoking and insightful post!
Thanks so much for the kind words and sharing your thoughts, Cristina. I think a lot about what this means on a collective level, which the language you used just reminded me of. There is certainly something happening in the collective human consciousness, and I often wonder how much worse it needs to get before it ever gets better.
Acceptance Julia, that one word missing is the key 🔑
Yes, sometimes I'm in acceptance (this whole essay in some way is a practice of acceptance), and then I swing back into grief... it's a process!
As angelic and demonic the swing within, yet the Angels rise above as you aspire to be…
Julia, this intricately woven post resonates deeply with me. I find myself asking myself the same questions and envy the clarity with which you offer us your vulnerable truths and deep desires.
What does it mean to live an examined life? Close to the wisdom of nature and integrated within capitalist society?
How does one connect with mature people who value life, authenticity, and connection to "nature" beyond its definition rooted in separation while sustaining a grounded personal ecology (physical, mental, and emotional)?
These questions also animate much of my decisions, thoughts, and day dreams. Sometimes I too, feel a little alone when I observe influencers in the wild.
Maybe it's time to move to the countryside and leave LA?
I live in France. It's a magical country with entitled people. Paris is a colorful, cultured, and appetizing nightmare I've left and would move go back to.
May you find your tribe, wherever it might be :)
Arthur, thanks for your thoughtful comment. Yes, maybe it is time to move to the countryside. I feel that way often. But I also fear that I romanticize remote life too much, that in reality I would feel quite bored and lonely. But I think with a family that wouldn't be the case - and I'm still a few years away from that. So it's on the bucket list 😇
I miss France! I lived in Jouy-en-Josas (near Versailles) for school for a year and still fantasize about returning to Paris, and perhaps even more excitedly, to the countryside. Where in the country are you?
Good to be clear on what you need!
I used to live in Yvelines growing up. I was in boarding school in Normandy but went to my dad's on the weekends in Montfort L'amaury.
I am currently in Cantal, Auvergne in the center of the country. Surrounded by cows and mountains. But I'll be moving to the south very soon. Most likely to Arles!
What took you to LA?
That sounds magical! I used to live in New York but mid-pandemic fled to LA and stayed, which immediately improved my quality of life. Taking it step by step but I will end in the country one day (I really hope 🥰)
Julia, This is both beautiful and a bit heartbreaking—mostly for the portrait of so many so disconnected from themselves, each other and the planet. I’m older than you are but I write about a number of the themes you touch upon here albeit from a different lens (that of a “preferably-feral scientist”). I’ve long chosen a heart-centered path of deep exploration of the natural world and expansion of mind/body/soul. Though not immune from the blackhole of the digital realm, being grounded in the natural world keeps me whole. I’m happy to connect with you.
Thank you for sharing 💞 Nature has been my anchor as well, although I have neglected my relationship with it somewhat over the past few months which I imagine relates to these feelings articulated here amplifying. So glad to connect on here 🙏
May awareness and articulation fuel your return!
What great questions you ask yourself and deep observations you make about how you experience life. I have also felt like I don’t belong in the culture, but I have taken that as an invitation to grow more comfortable with “not fitting in” but leading others in the directions I feel called. For me that has been seeking a more holistic way to live and sharing that with others one interaction at a time, and getting politically active to encourage our leaders to make different decisions.
I do believe that if you got outside of CA, into communities that predominantly voted for Trump, you would see the world a little differently. My life in Texas looks very different from what you describe of LA. I rarely see people documenting their lives for social media. Taking pictures or selfies, yes; a quick picture here or there, but then the camera/phone goes away. In large public spaces, I see people enjoying each other more than their phones.
I also believe that turning off the myriad of voices that speak into our ears about how divided society is can help. I turned off the mainstream news in 2021, and my mental health not only improved but my perspective of things, including who you call the orange man, changed as well. That doesn’t change the serious complicated issues that we must take action on, but when face to face with diverse people in actual conversation, it feels more possible to find common ground on which to build.
I think you could find that people on the other side of the political divide aren’t as different and “evil” as they are painted to be in the news. I have found more open-mindedness, room for discussion, and acceptance of differences in those that choose “red” (or orange, lol) than in those that choose “blue.” I’m not sure that those on the coasts are in circumstances where this would be experienced.
My utmost respect for the inner journey you are on and how you share it with others!
Thank you so much for you reflections Betsy, they resonate deeply.
It's assuring to hear that you observe more connection to the real world and its people in Texas. I couldn't agree more with your approach to news. I, too, tapped out of mainstream media years ago and went from daily consumption to almost none. It has had a remarkable effect on my perspective and mental health. Of course, with things like the presidential elections, it's impossible to escape it entirely. But I see your point - if I had more exposure to the realities of this country (beyond news and my LA bubble), I may feel differently.
Sending lots of love 🙏
Efforts like yours are why hope is still out there—I started the Empathy Engine with a simple yet profound belief: we need these vital, transformative connections.
It’s just the beginning of the story, but this passion runs pretty deep.
Thank you for the kind words, Frankie. Tell me more about the Empathy Engine 😍
This was such a fantastic read and the familiarity of your experience is striking. I spent much of my childhood largely reticent, constantly puzzled by what seemed like an upside-down world. This acute awareness has only persisted and heightened over time, revealing an existential detachment.
And while I’ve also never felt kinship with New Age spiritualists, I do sense that many outliers—artists and scientists alike—share a heightened awareness and feel driven to deliver a message, as if compelled by something larger.
In dream state, I encountered myself as a child—distinctly alone and wise—reminding me of a personal mission that felt deeply connected to a broader, collective mission that has been gnawing at me.
I do think there are many who, just by being, are helping to reorient this world. I’ve noticed that since finding more alignment in my own journey, my loneliness has eased, even while a sense of alienation persists. So should you wish to create space for this amorphous group, I’d be eager to support.
Tope, thank you for your thoughtful and kind words. They resonate very deeply.
I, too, feel this sense of duty, urgency and mission to contribute to a more beautiful world. Sometimes the pressure is so strong, it almost paralyzes me. Indigenous cultures speak of the "responsibility of the gift" - in return for knowing the beauty and freedom that is our essence (and possible for this world), we must dedicate ourselves to helping others remember this knowing, too.
I will ruminate on your suggestion. I do agree that forums to connect are critical. I'm wondering if you already had any specific ideas?
PS. Your prose is incredible. Do you write anywhere? I couldn't find anything on your Substack profile 🙃