Wabi Sabi

Listen to the audio version of this post above.I have a mild, not-so-surprising confession to make. This weekend I deleted all social media apps off of my iPhone. I think of it as a somewhat rigid form of spring cleaning. Mind you, I didn’t delete these social media accounts (namely Instagram and Twitter) but I went ahead and decided to change the terms of my relationship with them. I did this for several reasons:As a freelancer and/or coach-of-one, I know that these platforms are a slippery slope at best. In all humility I was spending upwards of 4 hours on average per day between the platforms. Yes, in order to market my services, I do so on these platforms with a mixture of unofficial ads as well as platform-specific content creation. I really really REALLY seek authentic connection with the people, friends, and mentors I’ve made through these platforms. A surprising amount of in-app messages showed me that I do intend to keep connecting with these individuals, however I wish to do so on different terms. After the last 5 and a half years of doom scrolling (or what I lovingly refer to as disasterbation) I found that with this now 40-day old war that Russia has waged against Ukraine, I could no longer avoid very violent content that I did not consent to (thanks, Twitter). Nor could I avoid war propaganda just about everywhere (yes, even on LinkedIn). I’m not suggesting I don’t take sides (Putin is a dangerous autocrat invoking perverse Stalin-esque revisionist history), but I don’t want my social media experience to be steeped in politics. So what does this relationship change look like? It’s quite simple, actually…It started by deleting social media apps off of my phone, and choosing to access my accounts through Safari only. Which accounts do I access through Safari? Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I don’t have a Facebook account (I deleted that one in July 2019). This re-routing through Safari creates an elegant obstacle for me. Let me explain…By not seeing the actual apps on my screen, I start to crave them less. So when I want to access them, I go through Safari and it’s just adding steps, or friction, to my experience. It slows me down. Creates more opportunity to act with intent. If I’m going to go all the way to Instagram to check messages, it’s going to take more time and thus I spend less time on it. Same goes for the other platforms, adding the hurdle of an internet browser means I just spend less time fucking around and more time engaging in the possibility of connecting. That’s the backstory to my announcement — Slow Down with Adam: A virtual workshop space for a tech / life balanceI’m setting up a small group (6 people feels balanced, 10 humans maximum) to meet monthly, open to bi-weekly or weekly if there’s interest, and connect about tech / life balance, learning / sharing, drinking tea or whatever non-intoxicating beverage you want to drink, and some self-reflection coaching prompts. Is this a coaching group? Not explicitly, but if we decide together that’s what is wanted, then yes. Is this experimental? Yes. In all transparency I’m setting this group up as an alternative to sifting through social media platforms. I want to connect with humans in a curated, small, intentional space, and am happy to host that for others. Slow Down with Adam will be available to join on a drop-in basis to all paid subscribers. This is a bit conflicting for me. I don’t wield paywalls as you may have already noticed, but I want an intentional space. So if you subscribe monthly or annually, you will have access to this meeting space. Where will it be held? I’m leaning towards Jitsi Meet, an encrypted open-source alternative to the monolith of Zoom. Though am open to Google Meet, Zoom, Discord, or another if you have a prefere

Bill Loundy is the CEO and co-founder of Read Up, a minimalist platform sanctifying online reading that promotes / pays writers, is 100% ad-free, and kills distraction. Bill and I first met through the All Tech is Human community and this is the first of many discussions we will be sharing on this program. Make a $3 monthly contribution to the show through Buy Me a Tea Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Daniel Sherrell is a climate organizer and author. His first book Warmth: Coming of Age at the End of Our World was released in August 2021 by Penguin Random House. Wabi Sabi is hosted by Adam YasminStream anywhere you enjoy your podcasts.Intro music by Obakegaku Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Andrew Dunn is a humane technologist, writer, and mentor. We connected via the Digital Wellness Collective (which he co-founded) to discuss our subjective experiences of tech, the apparent lack of self-awareness by Silicon Valley, and what ‘humane tech’ needs from humane technologists. Follow Andrew on TwitterRead his writings via MediumSubscribe to his NewsletterVisit his WebsiteWabi Sabi is created by Adam YasminIntro music by Obakegaku Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Ben Nobuto is a musician, composer, arranger, and producer from Kent, UK. We discuss music, creative processing, and personal philosophies. Check out his BentoBeat a/v series on his Instagram Visit his website Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Cassandra Bianco is a social impact consultant, meditation teacher, and founder of WELL*BEINGS — a virtual learning lab that empowers employees with mindfulness techniques. Learn more about Cassandra at her websitehttps://www.cassandrabianco.comhttps://www.hellowellbeings.comConnect with her on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cassandra_bianco_Wabi Sabi is hosted by Adam Yasmin, Digital Wellbeing Coachhttps://www.adamyasmin.comIntro music by Obakegaku Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Christina Malecka is the founder of Screen Time Lifeline, a licensed mental health counselor, and facilitator of screen-free retreats. Learn more at www.screentimelifeline.com Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

My guest this week is Dr. Alex Dainis — Alex is a science communicator with a PhD in genetics. Her work uses digital video to make science accessible and engaging to broad audiences.  I recently discovered her video breaking down the Pfizer covid vaccine ingredient list and reached out for an interview. Here’s our first conversation on IGTV Follow her on TiktokFollow her on YouTubeFollow her on InstagramWabi Sabi is produced + hosted by me, Adam YasminIntro music by Obakegaku Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

My guest this week is Rachel Weissman — design lead at Google, Founder of Design to Be, EQ Coach, and Meditation teacher. We spoke about our experiences within and around the design community, the necessity of cultivating ones own emotional intelligence, and remote working in a pandemic. www.racheldweissman.comwww.designtobe.comwww.adamyasmin.com Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Carolyn Barron is a physician of eastern medicine and anarcho-taoist who operates Botanarchy Herbs + Acupuncture in Los Angeles— Holistic primary care guided by the poetry of nature. Web portalBotanarchy Instagram Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Shannon Lee is the CEO of Bruce Lee Family Companies and I’m privileged to share tea and conversation with her as she recently celebrated 80 years of her father’s legacy by authoring the newly released book Be Water, My Friend. @therealshannonlee Wabi Sabi with Adam Yasmin@adamyasmin_Intro music from Obakegaku Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Mar Cabra is a Pulitzer Prize winning Investigative Data Journalist, TEDx speaker, and creator of ‘The Self Investigation’ — a stress management program tailored to journalists. As head of the data & research unit of the ICIJ (International Consortium of Investigative Journalists) her work has been viewed by countless populations across the globe through the Panama Papers and Luxembourg Leaks We discuss the growing necessity of digital wellness for journalists, the unfolding implications of the Panama papers, and how tech has completely reshaped our society.https://theselfinvestigation.com Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Teodora Pavkovic is a NY-based psychotherapist, parenting coach and international speaker who specializes in utilizing principles of emotional intelligence and positive psychology to facilitate digital wellness. She works with children and adults in her private practice, delivers workshops and trainings in schools and corporate settings, and speaks on expert panels and at conferences around the world. As a member of the Digital Wellness Collective, co-chair of the parenting professionals group at the Children's Screen-Time Action Network and an advisory board member of several educational and mental health organizations, Teodora is committed to helping individuals and groups preserve and protect their wellbeing and relationships in this increasingly digital world. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teodorapavkovic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teodorapsychologistandparentingcoachTwitter: https://twitter.com/psycoachtpIG: https://www.instagram.com/psycoachtp/ Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Joseph Cohen, Founder & CEO of Universe, returns to Wabi Sabi podcast to discuss distributed workforces in a pandemic -- the future-proof utility of Universe app for creatives and entrepreneurs, and general life philosophies to survive and maintain in an age of uncertainty. www.onuniverse.com www.adamyasmin.com Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Audrey Tang is the first post-gender public official elected to Taiwans cabinet in the wake of the Sunflower Revolution of March 2014. They are a self-professed ‘conservative anarchist’ bringing forth bespoke DIY social innovations to re-tool the nations digital democracy. Audrey was sworn into office on Oct 1 2016 and I’m publishing this conversation today to mark the date (as well as mark my 37th solar return). Subscribe to the podcast to get a full transcript of this conversation thanks to Minister Tang’s team.www.adamyasmin.com Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Hello again.Given where we are collectively with our epistemological crisis here in “the states” and the very nature of everything falling out of sync… I’m choosing this moment to stop and say “hello, hi, how are you?”It is my intention to keep creating space for thoughtful, honest, and vulnerable conversations here at Wabi Sabi. In the spirit of vulnerability and humility, I bring you this short and spacious solo episode (the first one since debuting the podcast back in February 2019). Why so non-linear? Have you considered that time doesn’t exist — only clocks exist?I genuinely hope that wherever / whenever you may be listening to this that you are resilient and resourced. Here’s one thing that helped me this week… hope it may offer you some hope as well. How Taiwan's Digital Minister Hacked the PandemicMusic by ObakegakuDid you know I have a Tea Sponsor? Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

A conversation with Matthew Stillman while we shelter-in-place at our homes in LA / NYC.How are pandemics, conspiracy theories, and myths all connected?Listen and discover.Learn more about Mattwww.stillmansays.comPurchase Genesis Deflowered here:https://bit.ly/3eqUHVHWabi Sabi podcast has a tea sponsorwww.white2tea.comwww.enjoyslowtea.xyzwww.patreon.com/wabisabipodcast Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

A multi-dimensional conversation with Jason Wrobel in the middle of the covid-19 pandemic -- simultaneously live-streamed on instagram.Listen to Jasons podcast, This Might Get Uncomfortable podcast.wellevatr.comFollow him at instagram.com/jasonwrobelCheck out our tea sponsor, www.white2tea.comJoin me for virtual tea www.enjoyslowtea.xyzSupport the podcastpatreon.com/wabisabipodcast Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Weichao Kong of .standstill. -- a tea company based here in Los Angeles. .standstill. hosts tea ceremonies and sells impeccable tea + tea ware online. www.standstilltea.comwww.instagram.com/standstill.teaWabi Sabi is hosted by www.enjoyslowtea.xyz where anyone can learn more about our tea service and make a small one-time donation. www.wabisabipodcast.xyzwww.patreon.com/wabisabipodcast Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe

Words are matter with Dani Katz by Adam Yasmin Get full access to Adam Yasmin at adamyasmin.substack.com/subscribe