Lauren Flavin

joy is as contagious as a strangers yawn

The potential of impacting one another deeply is a beautiful truth of being human. Sometimes I feel we forget how connected we are to one another, like heart strings threading across distance and culture, we feel for one another. Like everyone in the world, this experience of COVID has me processing the whole spectrum of emotions, even ones for which I have no names! I’ve found, through much trial and error believe me, that every emotion can be nourishing if we follow it and allow it to be. For example, experiencing deep grief can lead to realizing how deeply we love. Personally, I’ve been continually moved by the ways communities are coming together, from musicians all over Europe serenading their neighbors from rooftops and balconies to mutual aid funds being set up across neighborhoods, we’re all trying. Inside the walls of my home, I reflect on joy and the internet's seemingly magical capacity to lead us to discovery. I want to share with you some gemstones I have found across corners of the internet. Gemstones that have led me to find that surfing with women all over the world, sensuality, and music are my heart's greatest joys.