Lisa Ray Instagram – Dude, I’m old. This is (almost) 50. I am needless to say filled with gratitude. (ITS NOT MY BIRTHDAY) When I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2009 the prognosis was dire. The living since then has been layered with lessons on how to let go of toxic thoughts and behaviour and edging closer to my authentic self (hint: masti and madness) Knowing myself does not mean I am not a mystery even though being mysterious is no longer socially acceptable. Rather now I can leave a party mid-way in favour of an animated film and cuddle on the couch. Chase those ‘shoulds’ out of my head with a chair. (Try it, no one needs that shit) Nosy queries remain unanswered. This does not mean I won’t engage, but meet me next to the waterfall, where we can’t hear each other. Really, talking is over rated. Does knowing the carbon footprint of a banana compel me to throw it in the garbage? I have travelled excessively, in unmeasured ways, not knowing if I would land up on a mountaintop or in a souk. Even awareness is over rated. Why am I here? Why did I make it and not the other? Here I’ll answer out of sheer weariness. Maybe we will find what eludes us not by asking but by listening. Surrendering. And through the portal of love. Quiet your mind, restless ones. Quiet your mind. This is (almost) 50. (Oh yeah, and always wear sunscreen) 📸 Sufi Ray Dehni