In Real Life
It’s been awhile since my last Substack. I’ve been putting off writing an update, because, well, I’ve been interacting with the digital world less. I’ve been prioritizing experiences in real life. Turns out, it feels pretty damn good.
Ironically, in the digital world (instagram, substack, etc.) I see so many people talking about this– expressing a desire to interact with their physical world more. There’s a reason junk journaling has taken off. People are literally collecting trash and glueing it down in sketchbooks. I’ve been collaging a lot lately. It feels incredible to touch paper, and to make something beautiful from something unremarkable.
The real world isn’t instantly gratifying. It doesn’t feed us hyper-curated content, designed to make us feel seen in order to sell us something we think might change our life. It requires patience, curiosity, an awe for calm.
In 2022 I started my mail club. I didn’t necessarily start it with all of this in mind, but today, it’s impossible to ignore. Mail is straddling a strange jagged line. It is one of our oldest forms of communication, millions of businesses rely on it, and the fate of its future is hazy.
When was the last time you received something in the mail that wasn’t an advertisement? When was the last time you got something in the mail with a REAL stamp on it? For me, it’s few and far between – I still get mail from my grandma on my birthday and major holidays, but that’s about it.
More and more artists are starting mail clubs these days, and it makes sense. It is kind of an amazing thing to make art, print it, and mail it to people all across the globe. It is so simple, slow, and special.
Beyond sending mail, I’ve been prioritizing other activities in real life, and I’ve been seeing the benefits. I feel more calm, mindful, and inspired. Go figure.
Here’s what I’ve been doing in real life:
Going on phone-less walks (for safety reasons I bring my phone, but put it in do not disturb and make a conscious effort to not look at it)
Reading books from my local library. I’m currently reading Dracula, and seeing the creased spine of this paperback copy makes me feel strangely connected to everyone else who has read this classic before me.
Collaging – there is something about paper. It feels incredible to rip, cut, and glue paper. Give it a try sometime.
Collecting and enjoying physical media – dvds, cds, vinyl.
Running – there is something so satisfyingly simple about putting on sneakers, picking out a playlist, and running.
Drawing in my sketchbook every day!
I’ve been trying to spend at least a few mindful minutes outdoors every day. Noticing the wind in the treetops, the signs of spring and the chill on my skin.
This resonates so much. (And, I just started a new job as a mail carrier—it brings me so much joy to deliver personable, non-ad, real-stamp pieces!!)