Thoughts

Everything the light touches is our kingdom.

This was taken on the night my family celebrated my sister's 30th birthday. My sister is the 4th child of 5 and has always been the glue of the family. Although she's 2 years younger than me, I've long looked up to her for her grace, her warmth, and her relentless compassion towards others at any cost.

Here, my sister with her loving parents.

Daisy was born with a short spine and malformed vertebrae — genetically defective as many Frenchies are. She is 17 lbs, whereas the average female Frenchie ranges from 20–25 lbs, making her much smaller than typical.

Despite her petite stature, Daisy has a notable propensity for what can only be described as "sass". One blustery winter day when she was 8 months old, I waited patiently for her to relieve herself for the night. After an hour spent hunched against the bitter winter winds, I forced my reluctant Daisy to come back inside. Scornful of my domineering reign as her owner, Daisy protested by peeing on the bed in which we both slept, leaping to the ground, and curling up in the bathroom behind the toilet, as far away from me as she could get.

I snapped this photo on a much-needed vacation I took with my dogs to Marin County, CA. To help relax my mind from the stress of tech life, I chose for us to stay at a horse manor where the horses roamed freely in the fields. I figured it would be good for the soul — and it was.

This was taken at sunrise, when the animals of the house were just beginning to start their days. The energy was calm, peaceful — but full of life and vigor. The animals milled around each other familiarly but not without intrigue. Their dance was beautiful.

International Photography Awards 2024 – Honorable Mention – Gods & Beasts

Though I haven't had much luck in the way of modern therapy, I do find a lot of value in working with an executive coach who specializes in somatic therapy. She is teaching me how to connect my breath with my body and mind, which I find incredibly grounding and soothing.

Below is a snippet of one of my favorite breathing exercises she taught me; the full version is much longer, but this part helps me feel more connected to my surroundings. Note that this is my rendition of the exercise — the words can change, but the goal is the feeling.

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Take a deep breath in and out.

Feel your ribs expand.
Feel them reach out to your sides.
Feel them reach out to touch the world around you.
Feel the web of life that surrounds you.

Take a deep breath in and out.

Feel your presence in this world.
Feel your connection to all living things.
Feel the space you take up, and know that you belong.

Take a deep breath in and out.