Hey Reader,

In front of my eyes, I delight in seeing the Salève mountain freshly dusted with snow. I was scared we would get a dusting here in the city. That wasn't the mood I was going for.

You see, every March, a local influencer explodes onto the scene and for days on end, he (I think it's a he) draws us in.

Crowds gather, a lot of parents with cute toddlers rush over, and everyone gives into the snaps/selfie mode. Including me.

The attraction is none other than the spectacular magnolia in front of my house. I'm completely under his spell. It says a lot about how much I love my work that I didn't spend the last few sunny and warm(ish) days, sitting underneath its extravagant, pink canopy. It genuinely warms my heart to see how turned on humans are at the sight of Spring.

I wonder if we could plonk select world leaders under blooming trees for some version of forest bathing (flowering tree bathing?). Do you think they'd reconnect with their shared humanity and give peace a chance?

Our connection to beauty was the theme of the guided meditation I offered on Insight Timer this afternoon. In dark times like the ones we are living in, it feels like an act of radical hope to connect to beauty and joy where we can. While we witness (or live through) destruction, insecurity, war, there is also love, connection, beauty, and kindness. I don't love the paradox, but I've learned to live with it.

All these things are true at the same time. It's the gift of my personal mindfulness and mettā practice that powers up my love and gratitude for the explosion of flowers we experience right about now. They also give me a sense of purpose.

There is a beautiful quote from Munindra Ji (Anagarika Munindra), a beloved vipassana meditation teacher that speaks to this.

Today's an abridged version of the Digest, because we hosted an in-person event yesterday.

Upcoming events in person and online are below.

Sending you much mettā (or loving kindness), until next time.

​This week's gatherings

Online

Most people think they have a communication problem. A confidence problem. A clarity problem. What they actually have is a story problem. And once you can see it, everything shifts.
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The Story of You: Fundamentals — Sunday 17 March Two hours that will change how you see
and speak about yourself. A few spots remaining. Book your spot →​

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Not sure if it's for you? I've built a new home for the methodology, the workshop, and the thinking behind why this particular thing is so hard for so many of us. If you've ever felt the gap between who you are and how you come across, start here. Read it →​

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New dates announced. Several of you told me March doesn't work — I heard you. Upcoming dates for May and June are now in the Luma calendar. Find your date → ​
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​Metta Together — This Thursday A guided practice in meeting yourself — and others — with a little more gentleness. We'll ground, open the heart, and work with loving kindness as a practical tool for difficulty. Join us →​
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​Guided Meditation on Insight Timer — Sunday 22 March —A free weekly practice, live at 12pm ET / 6pm CET. Join me here →​
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In Person​
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Salon: The Silk Road as a Model for Cultural Encounter - Wednesday 19 March — Lexing Zhang, curator, researcher, an dear friend, joins us to trace her own story from Shanghai to Paris to Miami, and to explore what the Silk Road can teach us about how cultures have always shaped each other through movement and encounter.
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She'll bring two of her exhibitions to life for us, and, with her artist's kind permission, we may even watch a short film whose work now lives in the permanent collection of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.
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Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Book your spot → ​
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PS — this may be our last salon at my current, beloved home. If you've been meaning to come, now would be the moment. The magnolia-influencer is also at peak bloom, if you need an extra reason.

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