Contemplations

Hi everyone,This video isn’t a goodbye but a see you later. I talked on the video so I won’t write something long here. I suggest for you to watch the video (I’m actually really happy to see Substack introducing the video feature).Until next time, may you never let go of your dreams, may you stay open and creative ~ and may you enjoy all the moments of your life <3 Love,Win This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

My Dear Rose BushMy dearCut yourself some slackA rose bush with wilting flowersThat are not getting the right nutrientsShe needs to flourishIs not beating herself up About being unable to celebrateThe blooming neighbouring bushes Her attention at present is too focusedShe's merely trying to sustain herselfWith what she has been givenAs best as she canIn the StudioThis week I’d like to put your attention onto two things. Number 1 - I recorded this episode for you, totally unscripted, filled with spacious gaps and vulnerable musings from today. I am prioritising to not go to bed at 1am tonight so no music, no scripting but pure riffing.The audio contains much more than what I am writing to you now. I hope it adds a bit of inspiration for your day. Number 2 - Last week I made a Youtube video that I am really proud of. A video that is starting to have some hints of the type of storytelling I like and would like to do more of. I will delve into my journey recording my life in another newsletter podcast. But for now ~ if you have a spare 14minutes of your day where you are not sure quite how to fill it ~ check out the following video. I would love to know what you thought of it. As always, thank you for tuning in.Love,WinSome housekeeping refreshers:* Firstly, check out this page if you have forgotten who I am.* I am using Substack to publish this newsletter. You will start receiving from right here in your inbox. Alternatively, you can check out Substack website or on the Substack app to read and listen to the full archives.* The audio file is also being broadcasted as a podcast so if you prefer, you can find it and follow on Apple Podcast and also on Spotify.3 things you can do to support my work:With love,Win This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphy@.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

If you like what you've heard, subscribe to my newsletter to get these episodes straight to your inbox on > https://winphyo.substack.comFind my paintings and poetry on >https://www.winphyo.com/gallery This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

This week I am back at my mum’s house to help her with the final parts of the cleaning and moving. Last week I shared the beginning parts of a chapter in a fiction book I was writing three years ago. I must admit, this was my first time I let it out into the world. Unfinished, raw, unedited.Are 1am decisions sensible? All I know is I woke up Sunday morning thinking, “Ohhh no, why did I do that?”But I am creatively impulsive. And I do believe that everything happens for a reason whether we planned it or not.The journey of this book is still to be confirmed.For now, I have been in my studio painting out stories rather than writing them.And I am enjoying that very much.Without further a do, this is part two ~ the part where the moon drops some truth bombs onto Ona.Love,WinSome housekeeping refreshers:* Firstly, check out this page if you have forgotten who I am.* I am using Substack to publish this newsletter. You will start receiving from right here in your inbox. Alternatively, you can check out Substack website or on the Substack app to read and listen to the full archives.* The audio file is also being broadcasted as a podcast so if you prefer, you can find it and follow on Apple Podcast and also on Spotify.3 things you can do to support my work:With love,Win This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Dear listeners, readers and loyal email subscribers,Between running household errands, giving myself the grace of having a break this afternoon to have some chickpea curry and masala chai at my favourite spot in Bristol…to then spend a delicious afternoon in the studio painting and filming before indulging myself again to make Vietnamese spring rolls and ramen with my boyfriend Brett, whilst watching the infamous EDM festival, Tomorrowland, on Youtube…I foolishly overestimated my capabilities that I would be making sense to write something at 1am in the morning. Today I gave myself the grace of rest and it entered me wholeheartedly than I have felt all week. I am grateful. But what has given is the perfection I normally take to compile my weekly newsletters. Forgive me. This week, the writing doesn’t match the audio. The image doesn’t match the strength and loneliness I feel in my heart in experiencing my mum, the cats and the pigeon move out of my house. Thinking I would record a short poem for you tonight, I came across a chapter from a book I wrote about three years ago. It was what I needed to hear. And I guess I was crazy enough to record it at the early hours of the morning. This one is special. Maybe it will materialise in the world one day. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week.Love,WinSome housekeeping refreshers:* Firstly, check out this page if you have forgotten who I am.* I am using Substack to publish this newsletter. You will start receiving from right here in your inbox. Alternatively, you can check out Substack website or on the Substack app to read and listen to the full archives.* The audio file is also being broadcasted as a podcast so if you prefer, you can find it and follow on Apple Podcast and also on Spotify.3 things you can do to support my work:With love,Win This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphy@.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

My youtube video mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpuTzNYob_USubscribe to my newsletter: https://winphy@.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

A Love Letter To YouFrom my studio to yoursThis week I write this love letter to you, to the you who is feeling that you are failing, to the you who feels like you might just give up, to the you who has the biggest dreams, to the you who cannot see beyond your current circumstances.Dear Beautiful Human,Now expect nothing but softness and vulnerability in this letter, because after all, we are made of the shining stars that are seen against the darkness. I will be gooey like the chocolate oozing out of a brownie because our lives are really that delicious.I know right now it seems like you can barely enjoy the flavours that make up the rich tapestry of your life. I know right now it seems like you are all alone.But dear one, behind you, are thousands of your ancestors. We are cheering you on. We are chanting to you to, “Keep Going”In your hands, you have the power of our souls. We have lived through many centuries, we have crossed many terrains, we have mastered many lessons and have overcome many challenges.I know. I know. These days are hard. These days are tiring. These days are confusing.To have a body, to take care of a body, to understand how to use a body well is one of the most joyous and difficult things of all.But my love, you are well equipped. Our energies live through your veins. Your blood pulses with life waiting to be embraced.Just when you think you are about to give up is when you are suppose to rise up to face it all with courage.Just when you are about to look outward for answers, look within.Just when you feel so weak, you cannot bear the thought of living like this for another day, dare to find what is love in this moment, even if all you can feel is little.Just when you feel yourself spiralling in your own mind, drop it all and lay down on a bed of wildflowers.We are made of the courage of the stars that shine in the darkness.Keep believing that you are a creator, making something from nothing; that you have always been a strong person with a clear vision that you have seen in everyone else all this time.Why do you think you see their good qualities in the first place?Comparison shows us not our weaknesses, but our biggest strengths.Trust that you do not know the big picture now but you are always guided into the right timing of things. Trust in everything that unfolds moment by moment, day by day. Trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.Live fully in your body. Recognise the nature of your mind. And together, know you are meant to dream big and you are meant to take brave and steady steps to get there.I am with you. We are all with you. You cannot see us but you can feel us when you enjoy how the sun feels on your body, when you watch the clouds go by in the sky, when you experience your heart beating like a steady drum. All the things that can go by unnoticed are our footprints that we have existed and that we are still here.Do not stay in the murky waters of self pity and guilt for too long. You can never do us wrong. We will always love you and forgive you.For as long as you are alive keep walking. Keep loving. Keep having faith.Love,Your AncestorsSome housekeeping refreshers:* Firstly, check out this page if you have forgotten or don’t know who I am.* I am using Substack to publish this newsletter. You will start receiving from right here in your inbox. Alternatively, you can check out Substack website or on the Substack app to read and listen to the full archives.* The audio file is also being broadcasted as a podcast so if you prefer, you can find it and follow on Apple Podcast and also on Spotify.3 things you can do to support my work:With love,WinInstagram | Youtube | Paintings | Hire A Poet This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphy.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Check out the reference images and videos mentioned in this episode in my newsletter {link below}Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Check out the reference images and videos mentioned in this episode in my newsletter {link below}Subscribe to my newsletter: https://winphyo.substack.comMy paintings and poetry: https://www.winphyo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com

Welcome HomeYou have been through aLong journeyYou have crossed theMost difficult terrainsEncountering the violent weatherParched from the dessertHeat from the rainforestYour clothes are drenchedYour skin is dryYour feet full of blistersWelcome homeNow dearTake a restDeep full breathsSip some teaLet’s put a warm blanketaround your bodyYou are hereAt the right placeAnd you are alwaysOn timeIn the StudioIt’s four days left before I take the train on Friday evening to London. Then an early morning flight on Saturday will take me all the way from London to Chicago O’Hare Airport where Brett’s dad will be waiting.We are due to spend less than a day with his parents in the suburb, just outside of Chicago.Then, an early morning drive on Sunday will take back us to Chicago O’Hare Airport again for a flight to San Francisco, where our second hosts, Brett’s brother and wife, will be waiting.That means, by the time you get this message, I will be getting ready to get on my second flight, baggy eyes and all.But look at me. Touring around the United States, kind of. I am happy to be with my American boyfriend, who has family there. It means I have a really good excuse to go back frequently. Experience the City life and immerse myself into a different culture.A time to really get outside of myself to meet reflections of the external world that exist beyond my own.Brett and his presence alone, gets me out of the house. That’s just the kind of person he is. He loves to stay active. He goes on lots of walks. He gets me out of my own world. He is very much a good influence, although the amount of travelling he does gives me FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) sometimes.If you get to know Brett, you would realise how much he loves travelling.When we got together, I very much saw that if there is one thing that gives back to him so much energy and appreciation for being alive in this world- it’s travelling.Since I started pursuing my dreams, I’ve become a messy person.The mess can wait if it means the idea is completed or explored.I don’t do it intentionally. I just seem to forget everything else around me when I really have something I want to focus on.And a week before this trip, I suddenly found myself working on this newsletter, rather than packing.What else is there to do but write, as I felt compelled to do?That is the thing about doing the work.There is no other way around it.The writer must write.The speaker must speak.The artist must draw.The traveller must travel.The identity itself is a label. We just do what must be done.And to give time to what makes us feel alive always has a trade off.For me this week, it’s the lack of sleep.We don’t have graduation in creativity or entrepreneurship.We don’t have right or wrong answers.Artists rarely compete with each other but instead we compete with themselves.And ever since I started asking questions about:* how can I create paintings that resemble the feelings from my heart?* or writing that stirs my soul?* or questions about how I can let go off this idea that to be an artist means we must always act from a place of being wounded, or naive or being too introverted or too extroverted?* and how to just let my expression be as diverse as my interests themselves?Ever since I started asking these kinds of questions, I’ve never been able to look back.I’ve become addicted to learning as an adult.Learning as an adult on the journey of pursuing dreams is like playing a video game.Every level completed gives a boost of confidence that this isn’t so bad after all.That it is possible. I can do it.And the deeper I go, the more I realise perfection is overrated.It prevents one from learning.It prevents one from taking risks and doing things.It prevents one from experimenting.And ultimately, it prevents one from growing and keeping an open mind in life.We try to have everything in order but chaos has been the fundamental birthplace of our solar system.So if you feel like you’re definitely not doing things correctly or that you are making things up in your own life, congratulations.I’ll let you in on a secret. This whole newsletter thing? I don’t have this figured out.But isn’t that how unexpected discoveries happen? You know, the stuff we tell stories about?If you want to hear more about imperfection, I talk about it in this Youtube video. You can find it on the link below:Some housekeeping refreshers:* Firstly, check out this page if you have forgotten who I am.* I am using Substack to publish this newsletter. You will start receiving from right here in your inbox. Alternatively, you can check out Substack website or on the Substack app to read and listen to the full archives.* The audio file is also being broadcasted as a podcast so if you prefer, you can find it and follow on Apple Podcast and also on Spotify.3 things you can do to support my work:With love,Win This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit winphyo.substack.com