been listening to the new James Blake album on repeat. love that in a world using ai to create easy visuals he had a plate spinner set up real spinning plates
My mind has been scrambled and spiralling lately. I can't seem to commit to a single direction which seems fitting because I can't commit to a single story or theme for this letter either.
I've been feeling stuck and there's this question I keep coming back to: "Why are you waiting around for something you don't even want?"
I've had this narrowed focus - locked in on one path, one outcome - and its led to paralyzing overwhelm. I can't see other possibilities. Every decision feels insurmountable. Every choice feels like it carries the weight of my entire future.
One thing that helps me get out of this narrow view thinking is "panoramic vision."
I experience it on my morning walks. There's this expansive energy when I look out at the horizon on the water or up into the sky. You feel so small—but in a good way. My mind stops ruminating because I'm no longer so focused on myself.
The Value of Looking at Long-Distance Views
when we are stressed the aperture of our window shrinks and when we are relaxed it expands
Panoramic vision is all about widening your aperture to take in more of the world around you. And no one has a wider aperture than an astronaut. Which is why I shared the astronaut Q&A last week.
Went to the movies to watch Project Hail Mary its opening weekend. The wholesome silly sci-fi had me laughing out loud.
Project Hail Mary
I have a few unfinished books on the go right now (Dracula & Kitchen Confidential) but this one caught my eye and fits the theme: Orbital by Samantha Harvey. It chronicles a day in the life of six astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
A few voices that helped me widen my aperture:
@hannagetshired just pick the fig, they’ll all taste good
♬ original sound - hanna gets hired
the best decisions are the one you make
@w.zoelam idk if any of this makes sense but tldr: anthony bourdain is the goat, and fuck the figs — you are not in a fig, you are in YOU #anthonybourdain #sylviaplath #figtree
♬ original sound - zoe
Anthony Bourdain, defining oneself, and Sylvia Plath's fig tree
@w.zoelam definitely not a new conversation, but one i always find my way back to as the year comes to an end #creative #artist #actor
♬ original sound - zoe
the corporate ladder and the "stagnant" creative
Time to take a step toward somewhere.
Chanelle