Friday Musings—18/04/25

What's new with me

It's been an emotionally charged week, including an email from my estranged father. I'm glad I'm now better able to "feel the feels" and take care of myself rather than resorting to self-destruction when faced with difficult emotions, especially those that take me all the way back to childhood.

I wish I had learned sooner to give myself the love I deserve.

A few things that caught my attention this week.

🧘

As I've started exploring somatic practices and nervous system work, the algorithm fed me this yoga practice to release trapped emotions. I had no expectations, but man did I feel the heart opening asanas. They actually brought up a few images and feelings from way back. If you're looking for a practice to go inward, process, and release, give it a try.

🗞️

As I've been watching videos related to the chaos unleashed by USA tariffs, the algorithms have also been trying to feed me stories that deal with the pain that many MAGA supporters, among others, are already experiencing as a consequence of said tariffs. I'm not especially interested in "serves you right" moments, although the temptation for schadenfreude can be pretty high. What I'm more interested in is understanding why these kinds of situations keep happening.

I appreciated this balanced article analyzing how economic inequality breeds resentment and a desire to get even, fueling support for whoever promises to challenge the status quo (even when they clearly don't). The author discusses a basic truth about human nature, "the urge to destroy that from which you feel excluded". As the gap between the haves and the have nots grows wider and wider, including in supposedly wealthy Western societies, where does that leave us?

▶️

In an emotional TED Talk, investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr discusses the devastating impact that the rise of the “broligarchy” is having on our democracies (and yes, I can appreciate the irony of her message being shared on YouTube). Her work has actually cost her a lot, even putting her career and finances at risk, and yet she won't be silenced. She shares a guide on how to "digitally disobey" and protect our privacy at all costs, and reminds us that we may have more power than we think.

How do we find a balance between recognizing the opportunities created by Silicon Valley & co. while at the same time protecting our rights and democracy?

📚

After providing me with thousands of wonderful hours reading way past my bedtime, a few weeks ago my beloved Kindle put in a request for retirement. I've just been gifted a new one and can't wait to delve back into A room with a View and discover where Lucy's path leads (though I probably should get more sleep!).

Quote of the week ✍️ 

"Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us".  (David Richo)

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you have any suggestions or insights, feel free to share them in the comments. And if you know someone who might enjoy my musings, please pass this along, I’d love to grow this community.

Until next time,

ML