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Hello Sojourners!

Much has happened in the world since our last edition of 8 Good Things. In one weekend, we collectively seemed to have revisited the best and the worst of the sixties. The murder of George Floyd was both reprehensible and incomprehensible. The riots, the protests, the outrage that poured out across our cities, and throughout the world in support of Black Lives Mattering. At the same time, in the same breath, we launched a new era of space exploration with two NASA astronauts taking the first commercial aircraft to the International Space Station. The hope, the optimism of citizens being able to go into space, for me, was exhilarating. The extreme emotions of these simultaneous events were, and is, a lot to hold. That on top of the fear, isolation, and uncertainty that COVID-19 has already brought us over the last months.

At the coronavirus’s outset, I encouraged that we spread a pandemic of love and kindness in the coming days. I believe this even more so today. I am now adding in compassion and education for a socially just world. Yes, we one hundred percent need and must address the inequities for African-Americans right here and now, though we need to do this while still remembering other generational inequality. We still need to take care of Native Americans, Latinos, Asians, Jews, Refugees, Women of all color and nationalities. The list goes on and on. Indeed, everyone matters. Let us use this time to raise the “collective consciousness” bar.

In this edition, my team and I tried offering resources to navigate this moment as well as a bit of levity and escapism.

One more thing, I am continuing my 1000 mile walk for Stand Up To Cancer, raising money to support patients and caregivers with COVID-19. This week, I broke two hundred miles, under 800 miles still to go. I would be grateful if you would consider sponsoring me. You can do so for as little as five cents. It is super easy.

One. Go to my pledge page and enter a per-mile amount.
Two. I walk a 1000 miles.
Three. Once I complete my end of the deal, you will be contacted by email for your credit card details.

Click here for my PLEDGE PAGE

I want to thank those who have sponsored me so far, including the Transformational Travel Council and Wanderwell Travel Insurance. Your support means a lot.

8 Good Things is a curated newsletter of inspirational and informational articles, videos, and quotes. If my thoughts about an article or video interest you, please click the ‘source’ button (e.g., NEW YORKER) to learn more. If you come across a story you would like me to consider sharing, please send it to explorer@sojourn-intl.com. This newsletter comes out once every three weeks.

Inquire About Media Partnerships

1#BlackStoriesMatter: TV Programs You Can Stream Now. As storytellers, we have the ability and responsibility to educate, motivate, inspire, and create awareness. Here are films that are suggested by the Academy of Television Arts and Science.

• American Masters is honoring the memories of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and the many other lives lost to police violence and racism. Below are some of their programs that amplify Black storytellers and shine a light on Black cultural figures in American history.
Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise focuses on the untold aspects of her life through never-before-seen footage, rare archival photographs and videos, and her own words.
Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart profiles the author of Raisin In The Sun (the first-ever Black woman to author a play performed on Broadway), explores her complex life and influences that shaped her childhood, future art, and activism.
• Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am on June 23rd at 8/7c on PBS and PBS.org/tonimorrison.
• In 1959, Miles Davis was unlawfully assaulted and arrested by two New York police officers outside a jazz club he was performing in — PBS and Netflix subscribers can watch Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool.
• 13th (Netflix)
• 16 Shots (Showtime)
• American Son (Netflix)
• Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (PBS)
• Burn MotherF*cker, Burn! (Showtime)
• The Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 (Amazon)
• Clemency (Amazon Prime rental)
• The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix)
• Dear White People (Netflix)
• Fruitvale Station (Tubi)
• The Hate U Give (Hulu with Cinemax)
• I Am Not Your Negro (Amazon)
• If Beale Street Could Talk (Hulu)
• Just Mercy (available free during June on all digital platforms)
• King in the Wilderness (HBOMax/Hulu)
• Selma (available free during June on most streaming platforms)
• Time: The Kalief Browder Story (Netflix)
• When They See Us (Netflix) [ARRAY 101 provides a learning companion and field study lesson, intended to be a catalyst for conversation and change.]
• A series of videos on race (New York Times)
• Netflix has launched a collection of film and TV content for U.S. subscribers, which highlights “powerful and complex narratives about the Black experience.”

Additional Anti-Racist Resources. Here are articles, podcasts, and more that explore the potential to reduce prejudice in society and ourselves.

2Launch Recap: NASA and SpaceX Fly Astronauts to the Space Station. If you read the opening to this edition of 8 Good Things, you know how I feel; this is a historical moment to be excited about and applauded.

Also, ‘Space Launch Live’: SpaceX Coverage Hits Ratings High For Discovery and Science Channel.

3Serengeti. Now for a little escapism. I recently watched Discovery’s heartwarming series set in the Tanzanian bush. I loved it. It is the story of a year in the life of some of the most iconic African wildlife. The six-part series unfolds as a dramatic story narrated by Lupita Nyongo. I have made many trips into the bush to watch lions, elephants, zebra, wild dogs, baboons, cheetah, leopards, and this story captures what I have experienced. The cinematography is both stunning and surprising. Its footage creatively inspires me. A lot of love and thought went into the filming of this show. The use of music is inspiring, as well. While you may not be able to get to Africa any time soon, this is an armchair journey well worth the watch.

Inquire About Being Happy

4Too Much Alone Time? Tips To Connect And Find Joy While Social Distancing. The longer we are staying at home, the lonelier, more anxious we are feeling. That is because we are wired for connection. Even though things are starting to open up, we will still be practicing physical distancing for some time. This article offers creative ways to feel more connected. Here are three ideas you can do online: 1) Connect with real-time activities. 2) Participate in art projects that you share. 3) Become a citizen-scholar, volunteer tutor.

53 Breath Techniques That Could Save Your Life. Or, at Least, Make You Feel a Whole Lot Better. This is an article I recently wrote. As we move forward, surviving this moment and the ones to come, sorting out and making sense of the world, we all need to be taking some deep breaths.

Inquire About Travel Destinations

66 Distance-friendly, No-touch Greetings Used Around the World. As we consider venturing into the world again, we will be rethinking how to greet each other. There is the mutual “air hug” that many of us are already doing, myself included. Though how else can we warmly greet one another? I like how this article looks to other cultures for inspiration — Japan’s bow. Or, Southeast Asia’s namaste, prayer hands to the heart. Hawaii has the shaka, “hang loose” sign. Find out the others, along with some unexpected backstories of these greetings.

7The Post COVID-19 Future: Transformational Travel Transformed. As I am writing this (June 3rd), I just heard that Tanzania is opening up to travelers. We are seeing other destinations, resorts, and cruise lines releasing dates for reopening as well. Our world has and is changing, so how will travel change? In the industry, there is a growing felt sense that we will be more thoughtful, more mindful travelers. We will want trips that offer ways to grow, self-reflect as well as improve the places we visit. We will wish for locations to be observant of COVID practices. We will want to engage with other cultures. We could very well be trending towards “renewal tourism,” where people will go to places with a greater appreciation and a sincere desire not to rekindle the over-tourism we have seen in the past— to no longer look at a destination as a commodity to be used, instead it is to be respected and preserved.

815 Hot Springs Around the World That Are All About the Natural Views. A little inspiration for when we can travel again, especially if you are longing for a spa getaway, though not ready for crowds. Try going natural! I would love to plunge into the pool that Marc Anthony gave to Cleopatra in Pamukkale, Turkey! Though, truthfully, you may not be able to go into all of these hot springs. However, you could still enjoy their natural beauty.

” Thoughtful

“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life.
It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.”
~ Joseph Campbell, A Hero With a Thousand Faces

☺ The Art and Science of Happiness in Action
Active Listening

This is a good practice anytime, especially when there are misunderstandings or disagreements.
One, find a place to talk where you will be uninterrupted.
Two, invite an open conversation.
Three, paraphrase what the other person has said.
Four, when appropriate, ask questions.
Five, express empathy by trying to understand the other’s feelings,
whether you agree or not.
Six, use body language that shows that you are engaged,
like eye contact, nodding.
Seven, avoid judgment. Simply take in the other person’s perspective for what it is, even if you disagree.
Eight, avoid giving advice. Wait until you both have spoken before problem-solving.
Nine, take turns speaking, following steps three through eight.

Why this works: It helps prevent miscommunication and hurt feelings. The listener better understands the other person’s perspective. The speaker feels heard. Ultimately, active listening strengthens relationships.
Time Required: As long as it takes
Frequency: As many times as you need

! Levity

Looney Tunes Cartoons: Dynamite Dance
HBO Max is bringing back Warner Brothers Animation’s Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.
As we head toward the 4th of July, I thought this would be a fun throwback to cartoons of another era, circa 1940s.

Sojourn Programs

As a way to stay inspired, resilient, and happy, I am offering donation-based online courses.

Mindful Creative Writing Salon | Through June
Fridays, 12:15 – 1:30 pm Pacific Time. Suggested donation, $12 for each session.

Being Resilient Practicum | Ends June 27th
Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:45 am Pacific Time. Suggested donation for the series is $40, $10 for each session.

All are welcome. Sessions via Zoom. Donations are not required, though much appreciated.

Part of The Sojourn Experience’s mission is to help our community cultivate a healthier mind, body, and spirit. While we are all staying a social honoring distance apart, I would like to share some other offerings to support your at-home self-care.

First is a downloadable PDF guide and recording to my Love, Gratitude meditation practice. Two things we can all use a lot of right now, and always.

Second, you can enroll for free in my online course, Happiness: Art of Life Balance.

Stay safe. Stay well.
Maria and Team Sojourn
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