DIRTY DIGEST July 2023

Contents

In this edition, we will focus on moments of joy, happiness, and excitement. The participants of this edition will share a time they felt joy in the past, something they are happy about now, or something they are excited about in the future that’ll bring them joy. Participants are also welcome to share stories of moments they created space for the joy of LGBTQIA+ people or themselves or something that would bring them joy currently if it existed. (I.e. I’d be really happy if I had a big mac right now) The limits of what each participant can share are not super rigid, it just needs to center, on joy, happiness, or excitement. The main focus of this edition is the moments past, present, and future of joy, happiness, and excitement.

lication. Dirty was created by Alexa Conrad back in January 2023! Every edition from March 23’ and onward will be available on our website free

ing submissions from creative individuals like you! If you have

tent that aligns with our vision, reach out to us through our submission portal on instagram.

@sayjeweled

Dallas custom tooth jeweler, with options like 18-22k Gold, Swarovski crystals and Opals. This month I had the pleasure of getting some bling from Stephanie and I am obsesed!! The team is so nice and has an amazing studio! When you visit Say Jeweled say “DIRTY” for 10$ off! Grab yourself a loyaly card and book your appointment through instagram DMs!

Rowan’s Treasures features eye-catching handmade beaded and wire jewelry. My products include beaded bracelets, wire-wrapped bracelets, hypoallergenic earrings, ear cuffs, ornate necklaces, as well as other trinkets, like size-inclusive frog rings, aesthetic good-luck charms, key chains, spell jars, and intricate sun catchers. Most recently, I’ve released themed jewelry collections and whimsical acrylic paintings of the sky. From elegant decor to cute, quirky designs, I prioritize making unforgettable pieces of art that are inclusive, personable, and unique.

This piece is a Mixed Media Collage with paper, scrapbook materials and tape. Done in 2022 titled “Alas De Flores (Wings Of Flowers)” 18x24

The thing about herbal or green teas is they have little or no caf feine. I've never been a coffee drinker, I found caffeine to be unpleasant. Black teas have caf feine, but usually much less than coffee. I've since learned that I'm allergic to caffeine, it's not good for my heart. It's interesting how the body guides us to do what's best for us. This of course can be overpowered by Habit, as in smoking or drinking, two things that are highly addictive and not good for us. This is a physical duality where one thing is contra to another. We experience quite a bit of duality in our lives, liking something we know is not good for us; or feeling I'm a victim when it's a perfect opportunity to know myself better.

Working with or understanding the dualistic nature of things is a common theme in spiritual practices. An example is the dualistic nature of men and women, opposite in so many ways but both essential for survival. Duality, what may seem to be opposite, is the opportuni ty to see the bigger picture and not fall into a negative, bias, or prejudicial view that would obscure the reality of how things are. Exploring and uncov ering the mental and emotional patterns informing our feelings is greatly facilitated by meditation, we notice the tendency to feel attachment to one thing and aversion something else; liking this, not liking that.

Join me in honoring Popo's 80th birthday on July 5th! As we read this segment Popo will be spending his special day at a meditation retreat in france. Our heartfelt love accompanies him on this journey, and i eagerly anticipate his safe return! i love you popo <3

self-cherishing. The mature spiri tual view recognizes a difficult feeling as the opportunity to see the attitude or opinion causing me to feel angry or irritated. It's the opportunity to see us both with greater clarity, more objectivity. As Ken Wilber puts it, 'subjectivity at one level, become objectivity at another.' With spiritual maturity we have fewer preferences, attitudes, and beliefs causing us to feel we're unique, different, separate, or apart from anyone else.

was sinful, disgusting, and wrong. But as I came into my queerness I realized how beautiful fully expressing yourself is. Instead of running away from the label I have now decided to identify with it and embrace it because if who I am is wrong I don't want it to be right.

Nate Bishara rocking their sinner merch.

Copyright ©2023 by Alexa Conrad

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication can be copied or transcribed or otherwise used, except passages excerpted for review, without the expressed written permission of Alexa Conrad.