Meditation hurts

How to give constructive feedback, my review of the ReMarkable 2 tablet, and some words of wisdom to wrap up a troubling week.

Eight things worth sharing this week:

1. In 1974, Tom Robbins gave this commencement speech to a group of students at an alternative high school in Washington state. It’s definitely worth a read (especially if you are, yourself, graduating from an institution this weekend), but one line in particular seems worth calling out: “The sad funny truth is adults are nothing but tall children who have forgotten how to play.” My wish for you: don’t forget to play.

2. Nerd Word of the Week: Squamous: covered with or characterized by scales. I’m thinking of all you fantasy writers out there, but props to any writer who can work this one into their prose.

3. Mindfulness Hurts. That’s Why It Works. This article addresses a common misconception about meditation - that it’s all about ignoring bad feelings to establish some blissful state. Nope. Mindfulness is about being with what is true, even when it effing hurts.

4. I almost never encourage multitasking, but there are exceptions to every rule. This one is for all the book-loving parents who find themselves spending countless hours at their kids’ sporting events.

5. This New York Times article about How to Give Constructive Feedback. “One reason we rarely share constructive criticism, the study found, is that we underestimate just how much other people want it…” (a good reminder for writers and other humans alike).

6. This article breaks down the most popular book genres by state. Apparently, Florida and Missouri are the only states hungry for literary fiction. Most states are seeking out fantasy and thrillers. Kansas alone is reading books about parenting. Good for you, Kansas.

7. My review of the ReMarkable 2 tablet. In short: I love it. It is slowly replacing all the paper files I use to keep myself organized.

8. “The role of the artist is the make revolution irresistible.” - Toni Cade Bambara. If you’re feeling like there’s nothing you can do to change the state of the world, remember that words have power. Use yours.

Have a fun, safe, Memorial Day weekend.