Alive You Took Them, Alive We Want Them, We Say Collectively. #MayDay (at Union Square Park)

The fact that they were three Muslim students, I think, has had something to do with the muted – relatively muted response we have had and I think that it’s time to say all lives matter.

Geraldo Rivera on The Chapel Hill Shooting (via themindfulmuslim)

Unknown Artist (Anyone know who made this?)

Bob Marley | Could You Be Loved (RAC Remix)

“My parents brought me from Guatemala when I was fourteen. Immigration wasn’t as big of a deal back in the 70’s. When I got to New York, I joined a soccer team with players from ten different countries. And you could just go to work and nobody asked any questions. My mother worked as a housekeeper at the Hilton for forty years. I was lucky. I didn’t have too hard of a time. I got to come over on a plane. But today it’s different. Right now, as we speak, people are hiding in bushes by the border. They’re running through deserts and swimming across rivers just to feed their families. I feel very bad for them. Things are very tough for the Latino immigrant. But it’s our turn. The last one to arrive has to pay for the broken dishes. You’ve got to blame somebody for the problems. It’s been like that since the first Thanksgiving. First it was the Irish, then the Polish, then the Italians. When the war came it was the Japanese. It’s just our turn. I’ve considered myself an American since I was born. I was born in Central America so that makes me an American—you guys even try to claim the name! I love the Yankees, the Giants, and the Mets. But it’s not too important what you call me. I’m just Louis, from Guatemala, living in New York. And I’m the luckiest guy alive.”

Fortune cookie

<3 

Continuing the revolutionary love note series with Sandra Cisneros. 

Currently reading “A House of my Own” and relishing on the memories of this amazing chingona elder. Reminding myself of my power, of my magic, always. 

If you’d like to support me and my work check out my art at www.angelicabecerra.bigcartel.com

El Grito 3- my rendition of Ecuadorian painter, Oswaldo Guayasamin’s piece. I gravitated toward this painting after hearing today’s news. #elgrito #oswaldoguayasamin #thecry #peshawarattack #pakistan

Homemade #ceviche de camarón para el alma. #feelinggood #ecuayorkerlife

So beautiful you are Inti-Sun-Sol. Painting the canvas of my life with bright colors and pure light. Your stillness aids me to quit the aching from the memories and the mind. I am aware of your light for its essence and beyond without attaching any label to it anymore. I now see your light like no other time before. I feel your light. O, shine upon me! Cover me in your pure light, Sol And become one. Here, Still, Now. I Am Your Light. I Am Light. I Am Now. I Am.

3 parts of building a habit: a cue, a routine & a reward.

As part of transitions, I am developing new habits both naturally (like sleeping longer ☁) and those at will (like working out more ☜). But how does the human body, brain and soul develop new habits? AND how do we build a positive habit over a negative habit? But first, we should acknowledge that only YOU have a say in what is a positive or a negative thing that you want for yourself at at given time and space. With that being said, here are some good tips I just read about developing new habits, and repetition or self-torture are not the answers. 

What are habits and how are they formed anyway?  Habits are made by synapses, or gaps between cells that send impulses to the brain. This helps facilitate what a person thinks or does. If this is repeated constantly, it becomes more accessible -- or a habit. 

Now to the 6 ways to breaking a bad habit and developing healthy habits:

Link the new behavior to a routine or environmental cue: Repetition is only part of forming a new habit. It is useful to develop a habit loophole, which means performing something at the same time of the day. This becomes a response to specific cue.

Link a difficult task to a reward: Pretty much think “If i do this tough task, then I will reward myself with something that I like” The idea behind the if-then principle is to link the new behavior, which may be uncomfortable at first, with something positive so the new behavior is associated with positive. This enhances confidence in performing new habit and thus increasing positive feedback and desire to do it again. 

Repeat new behaviors and keep track of progress: Okay, I did say repetition but 24/7 repetition is not what makes a habit successful. In addition to repetition, keeping track of new habit and response to performance is a helpful technique in developing new habitual behavior. Be mindful that life happens (let it happen) and it is okay to miss a day or two of your routine. It is much more important staying schedule most of the time rather than ALL the time. This helps build a new habit. 

Keep it simple: Focus on one habit at a time, otherwise it becomes overwhelming and easy to give up

Use peer support for accountability: Tell a friend, partner or join online support group for motivation or a even a little peer pressure. 

Make a detailed plan: As with many other personal or professional goals a plan in mind will provide more direction. This can be very helpful when building a new habit as well. 

Forget the 21-day habit myth, there is no exact time for developing a habit but with a cue that reminds you and makes you comfortable to do something, a routine that fits you, and a reward for your hard work, a habit will be formed.