Last week I co-hosted it to celebrate an afternoon gathering Suleika Jaouad’s new book And then I left with a starter of budding friendship and a great conversation…
First, have you read Suleika’s 2021 memoir between the two kingdoms? At age 22, Suleika was diagnosed with leukemia, with a 35% chance of long-term survival. She spent much of the next four years in hospital beds. However, when the doctor ultimately declared her “cancer-free,” she faced her next challenge: learning how to live.
Now Sureika writes another beautiful publication: Alchemy Book: Creative Practices for Inspired Life. “Journaling saved my life during difficult times,” she told us, so she created a journaling guide with thought-prompts and essays from fellow creatives such as her husband John Baptiste, Anne Patchett, Gia Trentino and George Sanders.
In my living room, Sureika read an essay in her book and asked each to spend ten minutes writing something about our hands. This topic was so specific that everyone quickly came up with ideas and started graffiti. And when several people chose to share what they wrote, their stories were more than just physical parts. It’s incredible that even a single word prompt can lead people to deep observations about culture, identity, race, religion, and lists that follow.
I write about biting my nails and anxiety
Before the journaling, Suleika told us, she sometimes writes questions to herself. “Elizabeth Gilbert wrote an essay for the book,” she explains. “She has been practicing for many years, so she said, ‘Love Love, what will you let me know today?” I followed her lead and took my own freedom. At the top of the page, I am trying to write from a deeper place of intuition. ”
Another lighter prompt was to close our eyes and draw a giraffe. (The most difficult part was spots.)
Claire de Bohr and Deb Perelman
We laughed at the terrible outcomes, but this exercise helped us break the ice and reminded us that journaling isn’t perfect.
Amber Tamburi and Sleika
Finally, Sureika asked us to go around the room and instead of talking about our work, we would share something we would place on our “unofficial resume.” For example, she has three dogs and her husband has three ManySuleika now helps friends find their ideal dog.
Nell Diamond, Priya Parker, Britt Bennett
Priya Parker mentioned above said she is a good matchmaker for anyone who wants to go back to reading. What about Smitten Kitchen’s Deb Perelman? “I was swimming in high school, and it’s a really difficult sport.”
Payton Dix, Frishikesh Harway, Nell Diamond
Musician Hrishikesh Hirway explained that he is a chocolate chip cookie lover and can name the best chocolate chip cookies in any city he has visited. (His New York winner? Jack Torres. )
Hitha Palepu, Hunter Harris, Peyton Dix
“My secret talent is a fantastic wedding guest,” Hunter Harris added. “I dress on that occasion. I take great social media photos of the bride and groom. I always have extra hair tie/tampon/listerine strip/mirror. And I love to talk little things with your random family and colleagues.”
The whole afternoon felt so magical, Sureika and her book It was very magical. Journaling helped me connect very quickly, leaving many guests with ideas on how to collaborate personally, professionally and politically in the future. He is also inspired to start a journaling club. You can write about shared prompts and discuss what comes up for you. Do you do that? Highly recommended Sureika’s amazing book For yourself, gifts, writing, therapy, staring at the window, enjoying the meaning of life, it’s all!
Thank you very much, Sleika. xoxo
PS “9 Life Lessons Learned After Cancer Diagnosis,” 5 Ways to Become a Better Listener, and What are your core values?
(photograph Anna Murphy. )
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
