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.
The Power of Beauty
Then: December 12-18, 2016
This was a festive week at the office, with Santa’s visit and a chocolate-making activity in the lab—such beautiful memories. I don’t think I realized how special those moments were at the time. Since moving to the UK after Dubai, I haven’t had the chance to participate in such fun office shenanigans.
I continued my daily meditation practice, mostly at home, as it seems it was a bit windy for outdoor sessions. This week marked 60 consecutive days of meditation—well done, me! I remember this habit being life-changing, and 2017 turned out to be a very transformative year for me. I wonder if meditation played a role in that. Back then, I used the free app “Insight Timer” and stuck to the same meditation every day.
On Monday, there was a fire at the Oceana building (on the Palm). Thankfully, no one was harmed. On a completely different note, that same day, I dressed up in the same color as my car (Picture below!)
On Tuesday, there was a big announcement at work that ultimately led to my job becoming redundant a year later (spoiler alert!). It was the beginning of a significant shift in my professional journey.
On Thursday, I was excited to receive my order of FLOW magazines and other workbooks. FLOW’s “Book for Paper Lovers” has been a huge source of inspiration for my journals. I still have seven of them, and this is a great reminder to open them up again 🙂. Each book is filled with stickers, cards, beautiful prints, and activities spread over 300 pages!
During the weekend, I attended a CrossFit social at the local nightclub “Societe” and went to a lettering workshop. You can see some of my newly practiced skills in this week’s spread!
Lastly, an important (and slightly tragic) update: I didn’t enjoy my bubble tea on Saturday. It looks like I was utterly sad about it.
Now: December 16-22, 2024
(note: this summary was partly generated by AI based on my voice-over)
This week was unexpectedly profound, filled with meaningful discoveries, connections, and a renewed appreciation for beauty. Here are the highlights:
- Slowing Down and Reflection:
- Attended a workshop by Design Shifts centered on slowing down, inspired by the quote: “The times are urgent, we must slow down.” This challenged my perspective on urgency, productivity, and the systemic pressures to rush decisions.
- The discussion on how “you can’t speed up a symphony” resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of allowing things to unfold naturally in both work and life.
- Reconnecting with Beauty:
- Discovered philosopher Bayo Akomolafe’s work, which opened my heart to the power of beautifully crafted words. This led to signing up for his newsletter, finding an online course he was offering, and serendipitously realizing it included a contributor, Ganavya, whose music I’d admired in November.
- Musical Inspirations:
- Immersed myself in Jon Batiste’s music and energy, revisiting his work after a year. His artistry feels like a celebration of resilience and beauty, and the synchronicity of my brother sharing a video of him while I was watching one deepened my connection to his message.
- Closing the Year with Friendship and Nature:
- Traveled to Cardiff to visit my friend Simone, enjoying time by the beach and collecting rocks. It was a grounding and heartwarming end to the week, filled with laughter, connection, and memories.
This week reminded me to lean into life’s natural rhythms and trust the signs that guide us toward beauty and connection. Thank you for being here, sharing this journey, and celebrating these moments of discovery with me. 💖
Here’s my recording:
Companion Links: Extend Your Journey
- From the Skin of Things to the Bone of Things with Báyò Akómoláfe:
“Báyò Akólomáfe is a philosopher, (recovered) psychologist, professor, and poet. He is a teacher and public intellectual renowned for his unconventional views on global crises, activism, and social change.”
- Jon Batiste - Für Elise:
- DesignShifts.org:
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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.
