Presence and light

5 things keeping me right now

Forest and I’s first time on the lake <3

Dear reader,

At the beginning of September, I met with my therapist and talked about the serious side effects I feel from the winter months. We talked about seasonal depression and ways I could seek to find moments of presence and light in such a dark season. The past four weeks have felt busy and so incredibly heavy. I’ve been hurting. I have felt sad. Disappointed. This time of year plagues me with loneliness. Uneasiness for a season is often decorated with togetherness, family, and joy.

I am reminded to seek activities that can bring me doses of positivity. So here are just a few things that hold me, inspire me, and bring me moments of joy in a world that feels further and further from home.

1. Kelliot! Podcast—I’ve intentionally paused my podcast consumption to avoid feeling like I need to do everything. I’ve started tuning into YouTube to feel less alone and support creators. I am eagerly catching up on Kelliot! episodes, a new podcast for designers who care by Kel and Elliot.

2. Eating Healthy — Towards the end of summer and the start of fall, I noticed I was eating what was convenient. And my body suffered the consequences. I am consciously taking the time to make whole foods and eat what’s in this season. I struggle the most with lunch and am thoroughly enjoying this new take on a tuna salad recipe.

3. Reading — I move in and out of being an avid reader. When I notice my mood is low, I’m doom scrolling, or reading too much news, I try to find discipline and grab hold of why I am truly not feeling my best. In light of recent news, here are some books on my reading list.

   • Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity in The Crisis

   • The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart

   • Social Movements: The Structure of Collective Mobilization

   • We Do This ‘til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transferring Justice

   • Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right

4. Walking — I’d be nowhere if I didn’t encourage myself to get out and walk every day. It becomes tougher and tougher as the days get colder and darker. But I always notice how it almost instantly makes me notice all that was beautiful that day. And it’s tremendously helping the pain I am feeling in my body.

5. Creating — Summer is my season to create, but since embracing this new way of making, I am encouraging myself to keep on keeping on. I have amassed a bunch of new prints that I cannot wait to share with you soon.

How are you?

If we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting—I’m Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this post, here are a few ways you can connect with me:

• Download the Artist Mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.

• Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I’m working through in my creative practice and life.

• Enlist me as your mentor—if you are a creative interested in support and guidance to grow your creative practice.

• Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.