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.
Lasting Connections
Then: November 28-December 4, 2016
This was such a cool and special week in Prague! As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I had been invited to speak at a conference for packaging professionals.
What made this week even more memorable was the connections it brought into my life. It was during this trip that I met a new friend whom I visited in Cambridge last summer. And, as if by serendipity, a dear friend from Canada happened to be in Prague at the same time.
The following year, I was invited back to the conference, where I made another friend. Coincidentally, I bumped into him in London last month, and we recently had coffee together. Life has such an amazing and beautiful way of weaving connections across time and place.
I thoroughly enjoy being on stage—not because I think I’m particularly good at it, but because there’s something about performing and sharing a message that brings me joy. It’s also an incredible way to meet new people who resonate with your ideas. I haven’t been active in that space over the past couple of years, and it makes me wonder what I’d want to talk about now.
Probably something about organizational culture, nature, and community. About restoring balance within ourselves and the collective. Perhaps through the lens of restorative justice. It wouldn’t just be a talk, though. It would be more like creating a space for convening different perspectives, where the magic comes from people having the time to think, reflect, and situate themselves in the complexity of the world. Without the pressure to fix it—just observing how we can hold and honor multiple perspectives.
I also remember going to this gorgeous restaurant called No Stress, where I enjoyed both the atmosphere and the delicious food. I felt so grateful for that experience. When I returned to Prague in 2023, I found the restaurant no longer existed, leaving me with only my memories.
The passage of time is such a beautiful thing. Although this week in Prague was eight years ago, I can still bring myself back to that moment in time. I can feel a glimpse of the joy I experienced, the crisp air of the Christmas market, and the warm, spicy smell of mulled wine.
Grateful for these moments, truly.
Now: December 2-8, 2024
(note: this summary was partly generated by AI based on my voice-over)
This week was filled with decisions, reflections, and meaningful connections, as I leaned into taking care of myself and embracing new opportunities. Here are the highlights:
- Self-care Decisions:
- Chose a virtual assistant company, using my pendulum to confirm my intuition. This felt like a significant step toward easing life admin and managing my health and work challenges.
- Attended my first physiotherapy session, a step toward addressing my back pain. While I struggle with sticking to the prescribed exercises, it’s progress.
- Energizing Connections:
- Had tea with Mark, someone I met at a conference in 2017, after bumping into him recently in London. It was an energizing conversation, and I’m curious where this reconnection might lead.
- A spontaneous chat with a colleague at the office sparked an idea to create a safe space for discussing the tension between personal values and corporate realities. I’m now organizing a January breakfast for “corporate healers” to continue this dialogue.
- Community and Belonging:
- Attended a Mindvalley Christmas lunch, my third year with this group. While I’ve been hesitant about their commercial approach to spirituality, the connections with like-minded people were deep and genuine, reminding me of the value of community and continuity.
- Synchronicities and Reflections:
- Pulled the Oracle card Move Beyond Intention to Belief four times this week, challenging me to move from setting intentions to fully believing in their manifestation. This sparked questions about what I’m manifesting and how I can step into my power while shedding societal conditioning.
- Winter’s Invitation:
- This week brought an awareness of winter’s darkness as a time to turn inward and embrace vulnerability. I’m exploring the “dark parts” of myself with tenderness, trusting that new insights will emerge as the solstice approaches.
Thank you for journeying with me—sending love and wishing you warmth during this season. 💖
Here’s my recording:
Companion Links: Extend Your Journey
This week I just wanted to document a couple of events from the news because I think they’re a marker of a new era. An era of the people rising against old power.
- French Government Collapse (the first time sine 1962):
- The shooting of the United Healthcare CEO:
Spread the Word
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Together, let's embrace the beauty of becoming, the intrigue of what was, and the promise of what is yet to come.
