Balancing Life's Seasons
Balancing Life's Seasons
Seasonal self-care, gratitude, and simplifying life.
Hello, dear readers,
I hope that the month of September is treating you well and that you are feeling aligned with this season of life.
For those of who you are new here, my name is Cyan and once a month I sit down with Graham to ask him questions about his life, things he’s been thinking about, and the events happening around us. I then compile everything shared into a newsletter format for you to enjoy!
Summer Recap
Meaningful professional engagements, travelling, and personal growth experiences.
Graham explains that this Summer was a great season for him, full of exciting adventures, podcast filming, and inner work.
At the end of July Graham travelled down to Nashville, Tennessee for The Bitcoin Conference. RFK Jr. was one of the many great speakers at the conference and he incorporated topics of technology, culture, and policy into the conversation of Bitcoin. This conference was a great opportunity to connect with people from around the world and Graham made many new friends. Although Graham did not have a lot of time outside of the conference, he did have a chance to explore some of Nashville’s culture and live music.
This Summer was a season of growth for Graham. He focused on listening to his inner voice and the direction it is leading him in. He says,
“I've been getting back into auditions, and it has been fantastic to flex that acting muscle and get back out there, trying my hand at some new parts for television shows and movies. And I've really enjoyed that, trying new things.”
Part of this season of growth meant simplifying his own life, one result of that was the decision to close down the Mighty Networks platform and move back to Substack. He emphasizes that this decision was originally a real struggle, but by listening to his inner guidance he can now see how this will play out into what's unfolding.
“Listen to that guidance, see the blessings that are in store, trust the process.”
Graham also noted that one of his favourite parts of Summer was working on his podcast! He enjoyed the creative process and being outside shooting various clips.
“When I'm shooting my podcasts, I'm trying to make little mini movies. I'm trying to create scenes that are not just a podcast. It's something a little different. I want to continue to make the podcast more like a hybrid of an interview, but also like a textured film about this person. I don't know where it's gonna lead, but I can feel myself excited and inspired by creating that path.”
Changing Seasons
In Canada the month of September represents a change from Summer to Autumn. As we transition from the vibrant days of summer to the calmer moments of Autumn, our lives too are called to change and align with the seasons. This period offers a rich tapestry of experiences, opportunities for growth, and a chance to embrace new perspectives. I was interested to know how Graham navigates the changing seasons.
Cyan -
“How do you feel about the transition from Summer to Autumn?”
Graham -
“This transition brings me into a place of more appreciation for the Summer, for the weather, for the activities associated with the warmer season because I know it's changing and I know it's it's evolving. I used to kind of get upset about the end of Summer. Almost like an anxious feeling about the weather changing. Now I take the approach of appreciating when it's a cooler day.”
You can listen to Graham’s full reflections on how he feels about the changing seasons in this video.
Here are some tips to counter the lack of sunshine and shorter days:
Eat outside with friends or family, when weather permits
Take a Vitamin D supplement
Exercise outside - this can range from a walk to a full workout
Meditate
Prepare - from making sure the house is sealed well to stocking up on canned goods
Simplify life
The emphasis that Graham put on this conversation was on preparing from a place of clarity, rather than fear or anxiety, and continually doing inner work. Graham explains this as,
“It's probably a good idea to store up on some food in my pantry or check for leaks in the windows that cool air is coming in. Simple things like that. And in in the internal world as well, just paying attention to what's going on inside. I try to always prepare for the changing seasons or for any sort of challenging time as - if it wasn't that bad, would I still be okay with this level of preparation? If it's not, if it's a waste or if it's excessive, then I think to myself, maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe this preparation is coming from a place of fear.”
In preparation for the colder months ahead, what aspects of your life can you simplify?
News
Poetry Postcard Collection
Graham’s Poetry Postcards are now available!
These postcards feature 5 of Graham’s most popular poems and a QR code on the back that leads to a video of Graham discussing the poem, the creation process, and the meaning.
Graham enjoyed the creative process of bringing these postcards and accompanying videos to life, as he explains,
“When making the videos it was really fun to find the right music to capture the tone and feeling of each poem. This project was a way to express a feeling, a perspective, and an insight that's been impactful to me. I hope that these poetry postcards touches other people in the same way.”
These poetry postcards can be displayed as a piece of art, in a 5x7 picture frame or hung on the fridge. They can be used as a journalling prompt or something to reflect on. Graham invites you to share the poetry postcards with those around you who would appreciate both the art and poem.
New Podcasts
There is a new podcast episode out today, featuring Dr. John F. Demartini! This was one of Graham’s favourite podcast episodes as,
“Dr. John F. Demartini is a very insightful man and I learned so much from him. Before the podcast interview, I read his book, watched his videos, and just absorbed myself in his content and his material.”
Graham shares more about his experience with this podcast episode on his Instagram page, which you can read here.
You can listen to Graham’s podcasts on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Reflections from Graham
Insights Gained
When I asked Graham what insights he has gained this Summer that he is taking with him into Autumn, he recounted his learnings from Dr. John F. Demartini. By taking a step back and asking deeper, powerful questions, we can balance our perspectives and avoid getting trapped in fantasies or resentment. Graham shares his own experience of feeling tightness around desires and learning to appreciate the benefits of not having certain things. This shift in perspective leads to a greater sense of love and appreciation for life as it is, rather than merely focusing on unmet desires or external advice to count one's blessings. Graham explains it as,
“I might not have x the way I would like it in my life right now, but what are the benefits to me not having it right now? I've never asked myself that question before. What benefits am I learning by not having exactly what I think I want right now? How is this benefiting other people that are in my environment right now? Will I have a bit more time for other people and things I love? Am I growing in a way that I never thought I would?”
Political Perspectives and Community Focus
Even as a Canadian, Graham follows US politics closely because of its global impact. In our conversations, he expressed a desire for a world in which love is chosen over hate and emphasized the value of respectful dialogues. He views the upcoming US election season, with all its anticipated chaos, as a backdrop against which he can focus on building community and nurturing personal growth.
You can listen to a more in-depth discussion in the video below.
Embracing Change and Finding Balance
One of the themes Graham passionately discussed was the concept of balance— balancing joy and sadness, activity and rest, preparation and spontaneity. Autumn, with its beautiful paradox of shedding leaves while preparing for new growth, epitomizes this balance. Graham encourages us to ask powerful questions to expand our perspective and appreciate the divine plan that often weaves joy and sadness together. By doing so, we can better manage our emotions and not cling to any single moment, allowing for a more harmonious life experience.
Media Recommendations
Book Recommendation
Graham read The Breakthrough Experience by Dr. John F. Demartini in preparation for this new podcast interview. He spent a lot of time reading, digesting, and writing notes about this book.
Movie Recommendation
Graham recommends the Wizard of Oz movie paired with the Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon soundtrack. He explains that,
“It matches so perfectly, it's weird. The scenes change and the song changes, the tone changes and the characters change. You're watching this and the whole time wondering what is going on? Now I wasn't high on anything, I was sober. A lot of people take a substance of some sort while they watch it. I was fascinated by just watching it completely sober.”
You can watch it here.
Song Recommendation
Graham has been enjoying tribal dance music lately, and has curated his own playlist. He even made the playlist cover artwork! Graham appreciates tribal dance music as it:
“Acknowledges these earth like rhythms, of African cultures, and but also older cultures that have this sort of primal rhythm. I really appreciate and love to tap into this type of music.”
You can check his playlist out on Spotify.
Thanks for reading!
In closing this newsletter, Graham invites you to enjoy a meal outside this month. Enjoy good food and fresh air with a friend, family member, or perhaps in your own company.
With gratitude and kindness,
Cyan
Full Newsletter Interview For Paid Subscribers
Watch the whole newsletter interview with in-depth conversation, thought provoking messaging, and questions to reflect upon below.