Hi everyone, Thank you for reading and for the nice reflections about this new newsletter. Here I am back with a selection of beautiful things for you on this lovely almost-spring day!
A fresh perspective on creating
“If you make really beautiful things that you love, and you articulate them really clearly and well and fearlessly, and you leave them in the world for people to find— there’s a particular kind of gravity that comes to those things, when they’re thrown with freedom, and abandon, and trust.” - Jacob Collier
In honor of the culmination of the epic Djesse project and its cosmic final album, I wanted to gift you with a curated selection of Jacobean inspirations. These conversations, lectures, and creations — and the way Jacob himself lives and creates — are radically expanding my own approach to creating. May we each find such inclusive, warm, and committed ways to articulate the creative impulse within!
Someone I’m grateful for
Thank you Steve Paxton, for believing there could be an organic, body-friendly, connecting yet liberating way to dance — and for gifting humanity with contact improvisation. I treasure the CI dance community and the many extraordinary people it has brought into my life, including my partner Stefan. About Steve Paxton’s life.
His passing reminds me to practice expressing my gratitude for people who have made a difference in my life.
A book I am devouring
Naz Deravian’s Bottom of the Pot! So many easy-to-follow Persian recipes that turn out just delicious— along with useful context, sparkling family photos, and touching stories that add a dimension of meaning to the cuisine. Love the many yummy constellations of sweet + savory + sour. My favorite feast so far included Chelo Ba Tahdig, Everyday Turmeric Chicken, and Roasted Squash & Grapes.
This is a perfect time to dive into Persian culture as Noruz approaches on March 19th! (More about that soon!)
Thank you for reading this, and I look forward to conversations sparked by this material! Happy almost spring, Mitra