Yesterday was my birthday 🥳 and to mark my circle around the sun—and the recent full moon—I’ve started a guide to cultivating imagination. Get started below. More to come in future newsletters. Use, share, enjoy! Tell me what you think!
And don't forget The Gift's book recommendation—a beach or poolside leisure read. Feeds that guilty pleasure of consuming stories about rich & famous (fictional) people and revenge (that isn't evil). Scratch that itch.
But first—
The Gift | Cultivate your imagination
Imagination is the act of envisioning. Of going beyond what’s in front of you, what you sense, and making space to let the universe in. And seeing yourself as the universe. Forgive me if this sounds a little woo-woo, but it's not only possible, it can be fun.
1. A FREE TICKET TO MOON
Not just for billionaires, robots, or astronauts, the moon is the premier destination to send your anxious, negative, or judgmental voice.
With this free ticket, get that voice out of your head* and make space for a pause. An ellipse. A necessary—fabulous?— step for cultivating imagination—or how to get started opening your mind to our magical world of unseen alternatives.
Unlock this must-have experience now by simply printing the ticket I’ve designed. Customize to meet your needs.
Moon isn't your thing? Draw or create your own ticket! Substitute another glorious location that will appeal to any negative energy you'd like to release. (Fancy a trip to Death Valley, my pretty little Inner Judge?)
The crucial part is externalization.
Anxiety and negativity can manifest as stomachaches, sleeplessness, and compulsions.
When you take them out they’re easier to leave behind. Make a feeling, or that which is held by your body, into an external thing.
Name it.
Send it packing.
I have used this ticket on several occasions. To my delight, my anxious voice, and attendant bodily states of rapid heartbeats or nervous sweats, fade.
My tendencies to overthink or overedit go too.
Though I may feel some discomfort by the lack of noise inside my body (anxiety, in my life, manifests as a noisy mind), over time, externalization allows me to be aware of my surroundings and my body, briefly, without judgment. There's a pause.
In this pause, I can be in the world with intention. I can manifest anew. Manifest something else! Something greater, more interesting, more fulfilling. Imagine!
Be advised, of course, that though the ticket is one-way, sometimes the anxious voice (or the judgmental voice, or both) will hitchhike back.
Print more than one ticket for multiple uses.
Book recommendation
Did you hear about Kitty Karr?
You might like it for
Black history and contemporary society in America from the perspective of women
History of passing in show biz
The seductive allure of Black women helping each other control their lives and legacies in oppressive historical circumstances
Easy-to-read narrative and relatable characters, great for pool or beach read! Or just stay up late to finish, like I did.
I love celebrating debut novels. Hats off to Crystal Smith Paul for her engaging and important first book. Published in 2023 by Henry Holt and Company.
Did you know
an anagram of
earth
is
heart?
♥
Disclaimer
*Ticket is not to be used or treated as medical advice. Do not substitute for healthcare. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for a free, confidential conversation.
P.S. What words or quotes inspire you?
Instead of a quote this week, I shared an anagram—I love wordplay. ♥ What quotes or words inspire you? Send it my way and I'll share in the next newsletter and credit you.
Until next time,
Monika
The Gift