THE GOOD STUFF
Welcome back to The Good Stuff. I’m having a lot of fun pulling these together for you every few weeks! Keep sending me what’s lighting you up, let me know by hitting reply to this email. What's your summer pleasure?
Here’s what I’m into this month…
Soothe
I’ve touted the incredible benefits of this magic in a jar for years and it seems as I continue to have it in nearly every room in my house, I find new uses for it. I’ve spent a lot of time at the beach this summer. Not the warm beach, but the cool NorCal Pacific. Listening to the crashing waves and being consumed by this gorgeous and rocky coast. It’s been bliss and also the salt and sand has done a number on my feet and legs. I’ve been using Egyptian Magic on my feet and legs a few hours before bed and not only has it moisturized my beachy feet, I think it is actually making a difference over time. Not sure why it took me this long to just use it as an all over body moisturizer, but I’m glad I finally did.
Glow
This summer was all about the juggle. Getting the kid back and forth to work, while seeing clients from about a million different locations. It’s been a lot of moving pieces, but I’m stoked to say we did it! Leaving the house early left me little time for me skincare routine, so I was in the need of something that kind of took the edge off my skin before and after Zoom meetings. This Reset spray is kind of a miracle. Not sure how they did it, but Iris & Romeo created the most perfect dewy glow in a bottle. A few sprays creates a subtle glow that also hydrates. I honestly wore this alone some days and felt my skin looked great. Plus it gives my skin a kind of bounce that honestly I would pay anything for.
Read
This book was sent to me by my colleague Oren over at Telos. I’m not completely through the book yet, but that’s because every few paragraphs I have to stop and highlight an entire passage. A fascinating look at why we work they way we do, from the disastrous impact on our body and mind as a result of the switch from hunter gatherers to agriculture and farming, to how we can prepare for a workforce that is changing faster than ever before. Tomorrowmind is also full of the brilliant positive psychology insights we love from the one and only Martin Seligman.
Carry
Did I really need another tote? No. But, this one is pretty boss. Not sure if Remi Wolf and I would be best friends. I mean I’m pretty sure we’d get along. She seems weird enough and gives witchy, woods, magic, rainbow vibes. This bag is basic in terms of a tote, but the message is fun and got me all nostalgic for the old school Marc by Marc Jacobs totes that he used to sell in his Fillmore Street store in the early 2000s.
Watch
Ever since I came to terms with my zombie obsession, thanks of course to Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us, I’ve been a lot more open to sci-fi storylines. Super powers are cool as shit and it’s fun and interesting to see how characters come to terms with being so different. Supacell was a random Netflix pick for me and I totally loved it. Exciting, dramatic, beautiful and also super gross, this show was the post dinner chill I needed this summer. Looking forward to hopefully another season.
What are you about this month? I'd love to give it a try!
xxx
LAS
Hi Friends! A quick note, I have updated my calendar for late summer Human Design Readings and Mentorship Interviews! Hit the buttons below to access my calendar to set up a full guided Reading or to schedule a fun chat to learn more about entering Mentorship with me.
NEW MOON
8-4-24
Leo
Gate 33: The Gate of Privacy
The transformative energy of the New Moon invites us to set intentions and begin new cycles, urging us to plant seeds for the future and embrace fresh beginnings. This New Moon in Leo, the Fixed Fire sign, resides in the 5th House, illuminating themes of creativity, self-expression, joy, and personal passions. During this celestial event, we are called to explore and celebrate our unique talents and the ways in which we can shine our light in the world.
Ruled by the Sun, Leo embodies the qualities of courage, confidence, and authenticity, urging us to pursue our passions with exuberance and self-assurance. This is an optimal time to focus on self-expression, creative endeavors, and the celebration of individuality. The Sun's influence emphasizes the importance of stepping into the spotlight and embracing your true self with pride and joy.
Paired with Gate 33, the Gate of Privacy, this New Moon presents an opportune moment for introspection and retreat. Gate 33 encourages a profound exploration of your inner world, honoring the need for reflection and the wisdom that comes from solitude. This alignment between your inner privacy and outward expression is crucial for cultivating authenticity and self-awareness.
This New Moon is a powerful invitation to dive deep into your internal landscape, reflecting on your personal journey and the stories that shape your identity. Assess how your need for privacy and reflection supports your growth, and consider how you can create a balance between your inner and outer worlds. Embrace this period as a catalyst for shedding external pressures and embracing a more authentic and intentional path.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this New Moon:
1. Reflect on your current creative expressions: How aligned are they with your true passions and desires? What steps can you take to bring more authenticity and joy to your creative endeavors?
2. Consider how your need for privacy aligns with your true self: What aspects of your life require more introspection and retreat? How can you honor your need for solitude and reflection while also embracing self-expression?
3. Explore the balance between your inner and outer worlds: Are you giving yourself enough time for introspection and privacy? What adjustments can you make to better balance personal reflection with external expression?
4. Contemplate any external pressures or expectations that you are ready to release: How can you transform these into opportunities for growth and authenticity? What new practices or boundaries can you adopt to support your journey toward self-awareness and true expression?
By aligning with the energy of Gate 33, you can enhance your capacity for introspection, authenticity, and balanced self-expression. This transit encourages you to trust in the power of privacy and reflection as a means to connect more deeply with your true self and to shine your light more brightly in the world.
SOLAR TRANSIT
8-5-24
Gate 7
Gate of the Role of the Self in Interaction
On August 5, the sun gracefully transits Gate 7, the Gate of the Role of the Self in Interaction. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of leadership, collaboration, and contribution within your community. Gate 7 encourages a deep exploration of your role in group dynamics and how you can use your unique strengths to support and guide others.
The energy of Gate 7 advocates for embracing your natural leadership qualities. It is a time to step forward with confidence, using your influence to foster unity and collective progress. This gate emphasizes the importance of understanding your position within a group and how you can inspire others through your actions and words. In this leadership role, you gain the ability to guide with integrity and empathy, making a positive impact on those around you.
However, this energy comes with its own challenges. Those experiencing the transit of Gate 7 may struggle with feelings of self-doubt or reluctance to take on leadership responsibilities. The urge to retreat or to avoid the spotlight can be strong. It is crucial to recognize that the power of Gate 7 lies in its ability to encourage cooperative leadership. By embracing your role and fostering collaboration, you can harness the full potential of this gate’s energy.
To enhance the frequency of Gate 7, cultivate practices that support leadership and community involvement. Engage in team activities, volunteer work, or any endeavor that allows you to connect with and support others. This period is ideal for reflecting on your leadership style and the impact you have on your community. By embracing your role, you create a space for collective growth and progress.
Gate 7 tasks you with the opportunity to develop leadership and empathy. It is a reminder that true leadership often requires understanding and supporting others. This gate also provides a chance to reflect on how you can use your influence to create positive change. Consider how your ability to lead with compassion and integrity can inspire those around you.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your leadership qualities: How comfortable are you with taking on a leadership role? Consider how you can use your strengths to inspire and support others.
2. Explore your role in group dynamics: Are there areas in your life where you tend to avoid leadership responsibilities? Reflect on how you can cultivate more confidence and collaborative action.
3. Contemplate your impact on your community: How can you use this period to contribute to collective goals and progress? Consider the steps you need to take to enhance your influence and support your community.
4. Consider your influence on others: How does your ability to lead with empathy and integrity impact those around you? Reflect on how you can foster a supportive and unified environment through your actions and words.
By aligning with the energy of Gate 7, you can enhance your capacity for leadership, empathy, and collaborative action. This transit offers a valuable opportunity to embrace your role in group dynamics and use it as a foundation for collective growth and positive change.
Gate 7 also invites you to contemplate the value of cooperative leadership. How can you balance guiding others while remaining receptive to their input and perspectives? Gate 7 is all about honoring the dynamic interplay between leading and collaborating. To truly inspire, envision a leadership style that incorporates the voices and strengths of your community. Trust that by fostering a collaborative environment, larger goals can be achieved collectively.
NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button bellow.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though I sometimes doubt my ability to lead, I now trust that by embracing my role and fostering collaboration, I can inspire and support those around me. I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
MERCURY RETROGRADE
8-5-24 - 8-28-24
Gate 59: The Gate of Sexuality
Gate 29: The Gate of Perseverance
Gate 4: The Gate of Formulization
Mercury retrograde cycles prompt us to turn inward and explore the creative themes presented by the planets. As Mercury, the planet of communication, goes retrograde, it offers a chance to realign ourselves for greater creative influence and impact. This period encourages mindfulness with words and taking time with major decisions, contracts, or significant purchases. Delays are common, so patience with ourselves and others is essential.
From August 5, 2024, to August 28, 2024, this Mercury retrograde invites us to ask what we need to stay sustainable, avoid burnout, and reignite our energy after a year of significant change and transformation. It reminds us that sheer effort and force can only take us so far before our energy or resources are depleted. Instead, we can harness a more consistent and effective quality of energy by waiting, observing what emerges, and cultivating a deep, devoted practice that anchors our mind, body, and spirit in possibility.
We are learning that greater creativity and abundance come from rest and receivership. Trusting in ourselves, the universe, and being in alignment with our energy. Healing can happen while being in receivership and so can abundance.
Journal Prompts to Contemplate During This Retrograde
1. Reflect on your intimate connections: How do your communication and behaviors affect your relationships? What can you do to foster deeper and more authentic connections?
2. Evaluate your perseverance: Are there areas in your life where you are pushing too hard? How can you balance effort with patience and self-care to maintain sustainability?
3. Examine your problem-solving strategies: How do you approach challenges and formulate solutions? What adjustments can you make to better align with your goals?
4. Consider your energy management: How do you regulate your energy and prevent burnout? What practices can you adopt to ensure a sustainable and abundant lifestyle?
By engaging with these journal prompts, you can align with the introspective energy of Mercury retrograde and use this period for healing, realignment, and personal growth. Embrace this time for contemplation and trust that rest and self-regulation can lead to greater creativity and abundance.
Have a great week exploring these transits! Ready to learn more about your Human Design? Hit the buttons below to schedule a reading with me and download the free Human Design information sheets to learn more!
THE CREATIVE
Twice a month I share quotes from the books, Art is the Highest Form of Hope and The Creative Act. I find perspectives on the creative process to be so meta when it comes to life. We are a creative process and everything we do is subject to the same rules. Creation is non-linear. It's messy. It moves forward and backward. And also gets stuck. Often times we do not realize the purpose of a singular creative process until years later. Creativity likes to surprise us.
I was sitting with a classmate this afternoon, contemplating surrender. We had both been working under the picture that surrender is a loss. Something needs to be given up. But is that really true? In an effort to surrender, he had tried for many years to wrestle it to the ground. Force, push, coerce himself to surrender, believing that this was the only relationship that existed with surrender. We discovered that this act was indeed a theme. He is quick to wrestle all things to the ground. Assume all expansion and havingness requires great effort and beyond that great loss. How we talk about surrender colors this. We surrender to, instead of with. Interesting to think about. What if surrender is based in havingness?
I was thinking of my classmate when I decided on this quote from Rubin - though he is certainly not the first to contemplate this concept. This wrestling to the ground is such an impingement on our ability to create. We dictate, force, and lead, without listening. I’ve been in this space many times with creativity only to discover that wrestling prevents collaboration and exchange. If I am wrestling my creative act to the ground, I am not listening. I am not present. I am not collaborating. I am not actually creating.
Since the pandemic, I’ve become somewhat of a plant lady. We have a beautiful cacti garden now, along with thriving house plants. It is said in my house that, “Lisa can grow anything.” And this might actually be true. My mom who has historically struggled with plants, although managed to always grow things, asked me how this was possible. “How can you grow anything?” she asked. My answer surprised me, but makes a great deal of sense. “I don’t force them,” I said. “I let the plants, be plants.” A seemingly simple idea, but one that it took me years to cultivate into action and certainly one that was birthed from my lessons of frustration in wrestling art to the ground. There is so much we try to control. Letting plants be plants reminds me to listen instead of dictate my creative process. While I can maintain it, this is different from control. It seems this idea, “the way we do anything is the way we do everything,” can be a practice. What ways do you see you doing anything influencing the way you do everything?
