Homebody
To be home , to be settled, to be still and enjoy the mundane familiarity of the sight I walk by daily is comfortable. As I indulge in voluntarily checking out my brain while scrolling through social media I just read a quote by Damien Echols that said “ Stop asking what’s next. If you can’t find God in washing a dish , you won’t find Him on any mountaintop” . Although I am not religious , and the definition (or gender expression) of God is open to interpretation, this is a good reminder to be satisfied with the state of being. Existing is enough. Being here and now is all that matters and there is beauty in simply breathing.
Having been sedentary for a bit longer than usual for the past few months I can feel its benefits as much as I feel the benefits of movements. I embrace the summery hibernation of kind, remembering that stillness is not stagnation. To be present allows for self reflection, growth that comes from within rather than outwards stimulation. I enjoy both and I need to make time for both. Movement and stillness are a a balance that quench my thirst. They are both vital.
This time spent at my home base has given me the time and space to (re) engage in some important practices and re-centre myself , be grounded in a way that has been important. I am dedicating time and energy on crafts that I had put aside for a bit and finding joy in just doing it. To learn again, to feel that I am adding to my life , adding to my philosophy and spiritual practice as much as just exploring freely to see where things will take me.
In light of this I am therefore staying put in London without any travel plans until October.
And since I am here I would be very happy to take on some new tattoo projects while on British soil. Let’s utilise this grounding energy to embody skin rituals for both body and mind expansion.
And as ironically as it is to announce what’s next , given the opening of this article , here are the future guest spots I will be doing. Taking bookings for those dates already. I contain multitudes I suppose.
Los Angeles October 6-10
Chicago October 13-15
New York October 20-24
Hongkong November 14-16
Drop an email for any enquiries at anttheelder@gmail.com
Two things I would deeply recommend this month to all is to go see the new Yushu space and their stunning exhibition of Mitch Iburg ceramics
Do get a test tasting in if you can also for some of the best tea and teaware experience I know of in London
Also I got to try Naïfs in Peckham this month and enjoyed their food thoroughly! Seasonal, vegetable focused, simple and delicious. Just what I like.
And finally just remember to breathe, eat healthy, drink water.
As always , thank you to all for getting tattooed, buying some artefacts, making a referral to a friend or sharing my work