There are too many words competing in my head to attempt to place the gravity of this moment into perspective. We shared a lot of those words on Conspirituality 33, investigating the manipulation of the Hero’s Journey by QAnon-influenced wellness influencers—a theory that drove many to the Capitol. Specifically, we discuss how Campbell’s influential message has been co-opted by the very forces the hero has long sought to destroy.
While it would be nice to believe the insurrection was an isolated moment now behind us, I’m not assured that’s true. An uptick in radicalization on social media is currently occurring, especially as QAnon-infected figures (like Trump) and apps (like Parler) are being deplatformed. Now that we can see the ramifications of social media spilling over into real life, tech companies and politicians are scrambling to save face. Regardless of what the coming months bring, they must remain accountable for their complicity.
While the nation reels and rocks, my inner world continues to be guided by playlists and the great albums that make me who I am. Music grounds me, lifts me up, and keeps me eternally inspired. My latest Spotify mix is Modern Soul, a collection of my favorite soul tracks of the last decade (or so). Unlike my yoga mixtapes, which capture a particular moment in time, my Spotify mixes are regularly updated as I come across songs that strike that sweet spot in my heart. This mix will certainly be seeing more life as the months evolve, as music breathes life into me.
I hope your weekend is going well. I’ll be back tomorrow with a new format to my weekly subscriber newsletter: one main story and a number of quick takes on the wide world of health and fitness each week. If you’re interested in supporting this newsletter for $5/month or $50/year, please consider a subscription. I’ll do my best to keep you moving and thinking in the right direction.
I just listened to your Earthrise yoga list, and Safe N Sound was a very fun groove. Your playlists and recorded yoga youtube channel have really made my quarantine yoga at home so fun. Namaste!