Love,

This week I return to India. Excited. A little nervous, but less than last year.

No return ticket: I can stay up to 180 days.

Last year, I thrived on daily face-to-face connection.

Then I came back to the U.S. and it vanished.

Back in the hyperindividualistic, isolated consumer culture, I couldn’t figure out how to bridge the gap.

These past six months have been heavy, full of grief.

Watching American culture and capitalism work on the bodies of those I love, including my own.

After I returned, I drifted for weeks.

Cooked and learned Indian dishes

Developed a family chai recipe with my kiddo

Barely worked

At least my houseplants thrived with all the care!

It took me ten weeks to land back in my life.

I wanted to keep the light-heartedness I’d found in India, so I created Camp LightHeart, an anti-capitalist summer camp for adults.

Teaching what I wanted, by donation, was delightful, but ultimately unsustainable for earning a livelihood in the US.

In India, I am Pavini: temple every day, singing, praying, living in magick.

In the U.S., I am Vin: running a business, writing, teaching, helping couples and leaders thrive.

This trip, I want to stay more connected. To you, and to the part of me that cares about writing and teaching.

I’d love to promise weekly Substacks, but based on last year, that’s unlikely.

So here’s my idea: a short, frequent podcast from India.

Just enough time to drink a tiny clay cup of chai

Soundscapes, colors, textures

Musings, what I’m pondering in the moment

Would this bring beauty into your life? Would you feel more connected?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply and tell me.

Love,