Welcome to the Human Prototype blog, a space where the past and present converge to showcase the evolution of a life in progress. Inspired by my TEDx talk, "I am a Prototype," this blog is part of a broader journey of transformation through journaling, capturing the essence of living as a perpetual prototype. Each week, during 2024, I reviewed my archives from 2016, contrasting journal scans filled with drawings against the backdrop of my current experiences.
Productive Rest
Then: August 29 - September 4, 2016
Another fun week in Dubai with another trip to Paris. I went to Paris more often when I was in Dubai than I am now in London…And I have no valid excuse.
It was the opening of the Dubai opera with Plàcido Domingo, I went back to the opera a few times after that to see some amazing artists like Ludovico Einaudi and Rufus Wainwright.
Now: August 26- September 1, 2024
I was off this week, which was a much-needed break after such an intense weekend of ceremonies.
Staying in London, time just seemed to fly by without me even realizing it.
A few highlights:
I went to a new hair stylist and discovered that I have naturally wavy hair! Now I’m learning how to manage it, which feels like a whole new world. I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed and unsure of myself, but I just need to breathe… it’s just hair!
I had a few virtual chats with dear friends. As much as I wished we could have been outside together in the sunshine, I’m so grateful for these beautiful connections in my life.
I indulged in five bubble teas throughout the week (!). I highly recommend “Hey Tea” and “Dragon Cat Cafe”—they’ve become my favorite spots.
I had a lot of creative downloads, and I explored some of them without trying to make sense of everything. In fact, I got so absorbed that I forgot to pick up my food and missed my slot! Some of these ideas included:
- A podcast made up of voice notes (I’m notoriously known for leaving long voice notes for my friends, so why not take it professional?). I had so much fun just creating the concept that it doesn’t need to go further than that.
- A set of conversation cards for integrating plant medicine ceremonies, which I plan to test at one of the events I’m organizing.
- I took steps to be more proactive in my social life and organized a couple of events—this was extremely uncomfortable for me, but I’m pushing through the discomfort, in true human prototype fashion!
- I used ChatGPT to help me create a development plan for my shamanic practice and even did a shamanic journey for someone.
- I received an external award at work for a project I led last year. (I left a long voice note about it in the above mentioned podcast)
- I cleansed the energy in my home office with some Frankincense, which brought up some tears, and then rearranged the furniture to reclaim the space.
- I explored the sales at the charity shop TRAID and got some new items to fill my wardrobe. It was exciting at first, but now it feels a bit overwhelming.
- My “Inner Pathways” app continues to be a success—it’s been shared in other groups, and I’ve been encouraged to patent it. I asked ChatGPT about the patent process, and it was overwhelming!
- I booked a ticket to see Bianca Del Rio and to sing in a Kirtan.
I thought I had a lazy week, but this list seems to disagree!
Some pictures from this week:
Companion Links: Extend Your Journey
- If you’re in London, the Colet House (Barons Court Tube Station) offers some great classes (5Rythms, Drum circles, tai-Chi, and events like Kirtans)
- This book was gifted to me a couple of months ago and I can’t recommend it enough to my fellow creative friends:
Spread the Word
Found something that moved you or made you think? Share it with your circle!
Together, let's embrace the beauty of becoming, the intrigue of what was, and the promise of what is yet to come.
