.new domains. [ grief > stagnation > re_imagination > re_definition ]
fresh domain name - peace for palestine - shroomy walkabouts - decolonizing medicine - reflections
Freshly returned to Brooklyn from a brimming November, a fulfilling trip to unceded Ohlone Territory (Oakland, CA) and this past visit has really solidified that moving out West is the way… feeling much more grounded as my energy begins to nest in alignment with those lands and I’m grateful.
There have been many emotions that have come and gone in waves that were loving and calm, some silkened with softness, and others torrential—confronting the child crying within me, wailing for a way out. A lot has been purged throughout these 21 days, a will that has been awakened, hope that heeds visions for future, and breath that births beginnings—pulling me out from pits of deep despair, depression, and isolation.
My partner, infinity, invited me to join an AAPI community group event called C.R.E, led by artist, activist, performer, and Korean Shaman (mudang 무당; 巫堂) Dohee Lee. It was incredibly profound to have had a glimpse into the collective healing of the diaspora where we shared stories, food, laughter, intention, dance, and connection. I met so many new souls that resonate on a deep level that I’ve been seeking for most of my life. Could it be that since I’ve stepped into myself, my queerness, my vulnerability and am leaping into a massive change, opened me to new love and new relations?
I was graced with being moved by Korean drummers, elevating and expanding through movement and trance, walking with grief and intention with Palestinian, Ohlone, Kanaka, Asian, Pacifica, and Indigenous relatives from Shellmound to Shellmound where the sacred graves are desecrated by parking lots and malls built for capitalism. Listening to the voices of Palestinians and Palestinians for Youth speak, to witness the ceremony of dance of the Mexica people, and be guided by Corrina Gould and her daughter from site to site… it has been a honor to stride with all of you.
What a blessing it has been to share sunlight and find ways of allyship through Asians who believe in land back, uplifiting, unifying, and supporting the original peoples of the lands we reside on. I pray to continue doing my part to fight for this Earth, learn from this Earth, and listen and act with reverence and determination for all oppressed people on this planet and beyond.
“It’s important to have this history known. It’s been an erased history—part of the continuous erasure of our people. What if we were to actually have a place where Ohlone people could talk about not only the past, and how we survived a genocide, but the resilience of still being here today? To talk about what it could look like to be in reciprocity with one another living on this land. Wouldn’t that be a great gift, not only to ourselves, but to future generations of people in the Bay Area?”
Corrina Gould, Tribal Chair of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan/Ohlone, a Chochenyo and a Karkin Ohlone woman.
DONATE: SHELLMOUND :: Ohlone Heritage Site + Sacred Grounds [Take Action]
November began with being birthed into the story of PANGU (盤古) a trans/nb entity of Chinese cosmology who was born before time and space from a black egg. This movement ritual was performed at H.o.E (House of Elevasiyá) // DIVINE TROPIKA event, here’s a peek as we await for more videos/content to share:
We believe that a strong foundation of a home is built on familial bonds. There is true healing power in community. So in honor of our chosen family and the city that shaped us our core team, Daryl Escobal, Francis Labra, and Willa Ace, are coming together to bring an experience for our community that cultivates connection and honors the divinity within us called Divine Tropika.
DONATE: House of Elevasiyá Startup Fund
Thankful for Baltimore-based, LAKAN UBAYA NAGSALAD (HE/HIM/SIYA), a fellow acupuncturist, new tattooer, talented artist, (among many other things) and incredibly hilarious and gifted individual for inviting me to speak on his Decolonizing Medicine Podcast. We discuss the intersections of tattooing and acupuncture, our respective journeys with medicine and I’m honored to be a part of this episode—looking forward to potentially doing Part II!
There are several interviews and podcast episodes in the works, that go deeper or into varying pathways of these practices and I’m genuinely looking forward to sharing more with y’all.
Healing work is a reality-bending magic. Whether it is a constant neck pain that is no longer there, lifelong debilitating PMS that disappears in a few months, speedy surgery recoveries, an ancestral connection that seemed impossible, the list goes on. The work is not always easy and it is not always fast, but none of us have to go through it alone. Are you curious about what is possible for you?
LAKAN: SERVICES [Hilot Healing, Chinese Medicine, Tattoo Ritual_cmngsoon]
As my move approaches with more sense, more embodiment and belonging, it has also been met with stagnation and struggle around new creative + exploratory mediums—farming, foraging and writing being at the forefront. Vulnerability and blocks are apparent for me when I think of sharing parts of myself that I haven’t shown to the public before and I ask myself, “who is this for?” The thought of creating for consumption leaves me cowered in the corner, unwilling to turn around and see that the lights are dim enough to see but not bright enough to blind.
One day, while tattooing a client, they offered me some resounding words of encouragement. I respect them as someone who is kind and reads-up, a wealth of knowledge that I have the honor of working with them. Hearing them share how they felt about my writing helped me find more of my voice and continue to push through those barriers that keep me in my own shadow.
I call on community to please be patient with me as I find my way on how to share my writings and heart with you all. It’s a place of immense sensitivity and part of these newsletters and shares is my way to slowly seep into the next phase, finding the mycelial tendrils that intertwine me with what’s transforming for all of us.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Fresh domain name is now up while my new website is still in the works: MUGEN.LOVE! All links have been updated in email, linktree, and will gradually get updated over time.
RESOURCES:
TIPS & RESOURCES for folx worried about backlash for supporting Palestine
THERAPY: QUEER CRESCENT "Queer Crescent imagines futures where LGBTQIA+ Muslims are building possibilities towards collective liberation"
BAY AREA FORAGING | Shroomy Walkabout with Tony Alvarez: Can vouch to Tony’s genuine intention for people, sharing knowledge, excitement, generosity, love and care throughout the early and extensive mushroom foraging in Portola Redwood State Park. Here’s an article: Mushroom foraging becomes ‘a spiritual journey with nature’
BIPOC + Queer + Trans Therapy(shared by Inclusive Therapists):
Asians for Mental Health “created to help Asians feel seen, heard, and empowered in their journeys towards better mental health"
Brown Girl Therapy “therapists who responded to the @browngirltherapy's callout for mental health care professionals of color"
DMHS BIPOC Provider Directory "Mental Health & Cultural Wellness Professionals who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and QTPOC & LGBTQIA+ & Affirming Providers"
Latinx Therapy "founded in 2018 with the mission to destigmatize mental health in the Latinx community"
Melanin & Mental Health "born out of a desire to connect individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities"
National Deaf Therapy "to eradicate mental health stigma and thus helping the deaf community gain awareness, facilitate personal growth and build a trustworthy relationship"
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network "Advancing healing justice by transforming mental health for queer and trans poc."
Queer & Trans Therapists of Color "a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC)"
Therapy for Black Girls "an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls"
Therapy for Black Men "provides proactive, multiculturally competent care to men of color"
Therapist Neurodiversity Collective (offering mental health adjacent services) “therapists, consultants, and businesses that align with our mission, vision, ethics, and values...emphatically ABA-free and neurodiversity-affirming."
Therapy for Queer People of Color "a group of psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, and administrative specialists who provide quality mental healthcare exclusively to queer and trans people of color"
Absolutely love the way you weave words in your storytelling mugen! Appreciate all the orgs and resources you uplifted &&& a big congrats on your new domain! Thank you for being such a light and gift & for sharing your offering at Divine Tropika. I'm looking forward to learning more about you thru this medium. Extending gentleness, love, & booty shaking & healing vibrations to you, me, & all of us.