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Emily Mohn-Slate's avatar

I took a little time this morning to draw a picture and scribble some words on one of the Dear Friend Mail art project postcards...it felt deeply restorative. Such a simple act— but there is something about drawing & writing in this collaborative way on a postcard that came to me through the mail that made me feel like myself again.

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Jessica's avatar

A couple of weeks ago I downloaded the ScreenZen app and I’ve found my screen time has dropped dramatically. Also I’m less likely to find myself going into apps on my phone without even really thinking about it and my brain is feeling a bit less cluttered too.

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Emily Mohn-Slate's avatar

oooh thank you for sharing this! I hadn't heard of this app—I'm working on an essay about my phone/email rules and this is perfect timing. i want that feeling of my brain being less cluttered...

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Jessica's avatar

Someone recommended it in their Substack - ironically I can’t remember who because of all the input from spending all that time on my phone when I came across it!

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Emily Mohn-Slate's avatar

Hahahaha I relate to this! I just started using it yesterday and love it already. The enforced pause is so helpful

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Kay M.'s avatar

great post! I love the snow lanterns - they are so magical. :)

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Emily Mohn-Slate's avatar

Thanks, Kay! and yes, those lanterns are so magical, aren't they? wish we had more snow where I live this year...

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Robin LaVoie's avatar

I loved that Bill Hader interview, too! I enjoy a lot of the teachers on the 10% Happier app, especially Roshi Joan Halifax (strong back, soft front), Alexis Santos, La Sarmiento, Joanna Hardy. I could listen to their voices all day. I don’t have all day of course, haha…!

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Emily Mohn-Slate's avatar

Yes, so many of the teachers on the 10% happier app are wonderful. I'm working through the Roshi Joan Halifax course right now with the Dalia Lama -- but haven't tried the other teachers, so will add them to my list. I always want more time to meditate and listen to talks, too!

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Kelly Sather's avatar

Thank you for sharing Small in Real Life! Can't wait for Wednesday, 2/14 with you in Pittsburgh, and maybe we just talk about Better Things and Pamela Adlon instead?! My MOST favorite show

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Emily Mohn-Slate's avatar

Ha! Sounds like an excellent plan! She's a genius, isn't she? Very excited to see you in PGH this week. Hope AWP is treating you well xo

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Valerie Bacharach's avatar

So, I love the Dear Friend Mail art project and will be following them and downloading some postcards. What a brilliant idea. I totally agree that we all have too many things to read. I feel guilty if I don't read them, almost like an undone homework assignment. As far as "doing nothing" yesterday I watched a Cooper's hawk in a pine tree behind my house being hectored by five blue jays. The hawk was impervious to their shrieks. I also find that when I am swimming, I am there, in the water, letting my mind wander, imagining starfish and anemones at the bottom of the JCC's pool. Just me and the water, it's so wonderful.

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Emily Mohn-Slate's avatar

So glad to hear you'll try the Dear Friend project! I'd love to see what you make. And, thank you for sharing your nothings—I look forward to hearing about your bird sightings...there's a story in this one for sure xo

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