Mid Spring Update ☀️
Hi there!
Whew. Just like that, another chapter has come and gone. Goodbye winter in Mt. Shasta, hello spring in New York. Transition once again.
I have lots to share about the second half of the Hestia Winter Incubator experience. Some highlights:
Writing
I published The Path of The Humane Technologist to articulate an educational framework for entrepreneurs to create in a more life-honoring way, which led to a deep dive into the world of education reform, phone calls and collaborative opportunities with several folks I felt truly honored to connect with (e.g. Buckminster Fuller Institute), and dozens of prospective students for the proposed course.
It was joyful to be recognized for my work (e.g. invited to advise a progressive VC firm alongside role models) and know my words struck a chord (e.g. an essay-long response to the article was translated into Italian)! I’ve made some headway into designing the course, but am still feeling into what it really wants to be.I quickly turned around Gifting Games Round II: Nature Edition after a spontaneous nature connection experience on the Spring Equinox, integrating some of the learnings from my time on the land, eco-theology studies, and books like Braiding Sweetgrass. The re-enchantment of nature feels super important to bring our extractive relationship with life back into balance. In the coming times I’m excited to do some gardening, deepen my understanding of ecology, and continue learning from simply playing outdoors.
I edited down my Wharton Letter on Medium for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian entitled “A New Vision for Wharton” which has led to key relationship building across a variety of stakeholders, a forthcoming artistic collaboration (@WokeBSchool on IG), and the honor of delivering closing remarks for the Wharton Equity Diversity Inclusion Group’s inaugural summit. In the spirit of supporting the next generation of leaders, I also decided to become an alumni advisor for Penn’s ZBT Chapter (my alma mater).
Most notably, I began working on Autobiography of a Silicon Valley Savior, a case study in how I came into savior complex and have been working my way out of it. This has been the piece that keeps on giving, and teaching, and changing and challenging me. Writing it has been a somewhat psychoactive experience in helping me better understand my past, prompting endless research rabbit holes, and sparking ineffable experiences out in the real world. I’m getting closer to publication, and welcome feedback if you feel inspired to take a look. 1st half is personal story, 2nd half beginnings of an analysis.
Overall, I’m proud of my growth as a writer and grateful to have the time and space to dance with topics that matter to me. After I release the Siempo Postmortem and One Nation Retrospective, I think I’ll take a little break from long form, until the mood strikes again or I’m invited to contribute to a publication (open to that 😉).
Facilitation
While I initially craved holing up in the woods solo, I gradually opened to more social connectivity and wound up prototyping retreat experiences for two close friends. I enjoyed crafting unique rituals, practicing deep listening, and identifying points of mutual support with those who have been there on different points of my journey. I feel empowered to facilitate more of these for folks looking for a recharge, in nature, with the big questions. Let me know if that interests you this summer!
There was another special experience I want to share, from a last minute Oregon road trip to connect with Jewish community during Passover. One thing led to another and I wound up designing and facilitating what was intended as a 20-30 minute Seder for four friends (old and new), that turned into a five hour magical portal of love and joy, music and laughter, rich connection. It was one of those nights. I haven’t considered myself much of a space holder, but it seems like a skill to explore cultivating further. I’m leading a little something at an upcoming Dad-chelor party, and potentially developing experiences for an impact investment community.
Learning
Oy yoiy yoiy. Shasta schooled me in the second half! As things were winding down, there were two major incidents that led me to seriously reflect on my way of being in the world. The lesson of the first was around sensitivity, and the second around integrity. Happy to share more upon request. Both were curiously relevant to the studying and writing I’ve been doing. I’m grateful for the lessons and appreciating the unique constellation of things that led to such powerful experiences.
Meanwhile, through ReMembering for Life I’ve been re-learning the founding of America, the development of the property and intellectual property systems, the women’s movement, the California Genocide, indigenous sovereignty efforts and more. I also just began a course on Earth Based Judaism.
In embracing the identify of a life-long learner, I’m in inquiry around what to prioritize next. Permaculture? Critical theory? Finally take the blockchain plunge? A friend recommended naming and refining some of the big questions that I’m actually asking, as a way to guide my learning journey. In this moment, I’m wondering:
How can the laws of nature inform more harmonious economic models?
How can I translate decolonization ideas in an inspiring way to those with power?
What and how should the next generation of business and technology leaders learn?
What are the most effective integration frameworks for peak experiences?
Lmk if you have thoughts or resources to share on any of these questions!
On The Horizon
As the incubator program came to a close, we played with the metaphor of “birthing a baby” which included a birthing ceremony (on my 31st birthday & full moon!) to share what we had created during our time on the land. I felt I was birthing twins: the savior essay, and myself (re-birthed) with a renewed commitment to life, learning, balance, integrity, reciprocity, creativity, relationship, process. Slower, embodied, grounded.
I don’t know exactly what’s next. Logistically, I aim to be around New York for awhile (burbs/upstate/city). Livelihood-wise, I want to continue supporting entrepreneurs to create in a more beautiful way, and professionals to find deeper purpose and wholeness in their lives (see My Offerings - does anybody come to mind?). While learning from and collaborating with those at the intersections of education, justice, spirituality, technology and business. Serve and savor, > save. I welcome all support in making these intentions come to be.
Here’s to nourishing catch ups around the fire, playful adventures in new and cherished places, and FUN!
With love,
Andrew
Armonk, NY
Ancestral land of the Lenape Peoples past and present