20 of 20 Interview by The Beijinger (Beijing's #1 foreign publication)

I was asked to participate in the 20 of 20 interviews series, where people who have lived in Beijing for 20 years or more are asked the same questions. It was a great interview to be a part of, and I loved answering every question. What is more interesting has been to read all of the 20 of 20 interviews, noticing some similarities and additional points that I didn’t think to bring up when answering my set of questions.

I hope you enjoy the read. Definitely getting alot of comments of “brings back so many memories” for those who once called Beijing their home, to “i love all of the details” for those who have never been to Beijing.

https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2021/11/14/20-20-musician-jess-meider

Be the change you want to see

One of my favorite teachers in school was Jim LaSalle. He taught computer science (which at that time included binary programming then pascal). He always started his year with the acronym “GIGO”

Garbage
In
Garbage
Out

He would write on the board. Whatever you input, is what would output.

I think this is the best way to describe what is going on in the world.

So much garbage. Watching this whole year pass by has been a very telling social study. This, folks, is directly related to how we’ve cultivated our children. Cultivated/educated.

With these blatant murders coming out on videos, by police officers (who are supposed to be helping citizens, not bullying them and/or killing them) there are many of us in complete shock, anger, distress. I see the whole world up in arms, trying to “do” something about this horror of injustice.

You want change, be change. Gandhi practiced that. This practice is not about voicing yourself, it’s about becoming more aware of yourself. Because what you put into the world is what comes out. Be aware of your language, your thoughts, your actions. Instead of rambling on and on with mental commentary, or the constant fishing to find what you’ll say next to the person you’re having a discussion with…just shhhhhh…turn the volume down and truly listen. If you cannot listen to your self, then how could you truly listen to someone else? Turn the volume down on the rage and upset, and turn your mind towards practicing a peace-filled attitude towards yourself and your life.

This is where many people just turn away. How could being peaceful be helpful to this insanity? Posting a black screenshot on your social media isn’t going to transform this world. It’s nice to see people are unified on a concept, but it’s even better if we cultivate this peaceful concept with a deeper awareness of our individual selves. This practice can unite us all in a calmer more open global society.

If everyone felt peace inside then there would be peace. If an individual is conflicted and far from peace, then he/she must first transform conflict into peace through practices of stillness…stillness is free, but most people have no time for this practice, so busy are we with our business. One minute of breathing deeply will ease the constant whatever happening in your mind. Practice for a minute. Practice for another. Anytime you think of it, breathe deeply and relax. Eventually the mind quiets, and new things can enter. Awareness deepens and that is the practice of being peaceful. Finding peace is part of the practice, but it is maintaining a peaceful practice in your every living moment that is the trick.

Obviously awareness levels vary from person to person. That cop was not aware of himself (or the man’s requests) and he killed him. Right in front of us all. What a seriously unpeaceful situation. And so sad for everyone involved.

That this kind of awfulness is perpetuated by unawareness is the saddest. How can a human be so cruel? It is perpetuated. It is one’s upbringing as well as social relationships and most importantly, our education, which could be teaching children to think and question and be aware.

May we all realize our capacity for peaceful attitudes towards our lives and others, one breath at a time.

Life Blog Number 1, May 28, 2020, on resting

You know, we are all just practicing our lives everyday. No one knows what we’re really doing here. Experience is key. Presence is key. Sharing is communal and helpful for everyone involved.

What has struck me deeply lately (with the worldwide virus and subsequent happenings) is how very important being well-rested is. Those that are well rested experience a confident self and an energy for doing what you think.

I experienced critical exhaustion over the past 3 ish years. Have a second child in your 40s…it’s ridiculously draining. I was also determined to continue performing jazz and booking jazz and running a skincare company and teaching. Then, add on top of that marital issues. A recipe for deep exhaustion. I was tired in my bones which made it almost impossible to feel energy to do anything but function as a mother while being mentally taxed with my relationship. When I am tired, mental clarity is muddy. I was carried away in my emotional tornados. I’d go out with friends and find that I could hardly be myself or add to a conversation. I felt I was constricted on all levels.

Now, 3 ish years later, I am experiencing good sleeps and less mental blah blah blah or obsessive thoughts. And suddenly, I am beginning to feel like myself again. Amazing how much I let myself drain under strain and stress.

Some might say, oh it’s because of your circumstances. Yes it has to do with it. But truly, I made choices on a daily basis that drained me. The situation sucked. But I made it suck even more because of how I reacted.

It’s the “HOW” that we can change. I always mention at the beginning of yoga classes to set an intention for the practice. It’s a theme or the “how” of your attitude towards everything. For example, if you choose love as the intention, then every breath, every pose, every moment is with love.

I highly recommend tuning into yourself and really making efforts to rest instead of dilly dally do all of the time. We are not machines. We are human animals and part of nature.

During this time of standing still in life, take advantage of this vantage point to look inside. You’d be amazed what you can see and feel. Napping is underrated! Nap. Try bedtime before or by 11pm. Eat and sleep more regularly. Allow yourself to relax. It’s amazing how energized you feel (after you’ve rested enough to make a dent in transforming that exhausting state of being).

Stable body, stable mind. That’s what I am doing these days. And it is so much more joy filled. Thanks for tuning in. Ease-filled breaths…ohm