Hello, hi, welcome to, from the desk of Rachel Leeke!
This newsletter is where I share weekly observations on two important forces in my life: love + travel.
In addition to narratives, I provide tools to support you in creating the confident, loving, and adventurous life you deserve.
Read up on my last newsletter, an invitation to care for yourself the way you would nature here, or the entirety of my work here.
Some updates:
Over the weekend, I giddily allotted myself three hours to read the work of other fabulous writers, and it was such a rewarding experience to slow down and savor. Starting this week, I’ve added a new segment to the newsletter called COMMUNITY CORNER to highlight works I read and enjoyed. Consider taking time to indulge in their offerings, too.
I was tapped by
of the publication “Faith Redefined” to share my thoughts on and walk with faith. It will be released on March 26th. Check out the rest of her features and work in the meantime.
That’s all for now.
Without further ado, this week’s share:
I can't decide which I love more, the skeletal or muscular system.
The woven fibers of muscles capture me. They extend and contract - rippling outward - turning flesh into flashy form. They're the origin of all movement, a source of containment, and are literally made to be taxed. However, for all of their independence in design and purpose, they remain helplessly reliant on their foundation. Muscles respond in the direction of the bones they are draped and attached to.
Bones, on the other hand, are the bedrock. The skeletal rests buried under all other matter, providing silent stability and the scaffolding for life. They connect and align, are rigid where necessary, but glide and offer space when appropriate. Wise to their core, they tell of rain and atmospheric changes but are hardly a forethought. In fact, their consistency is why they are easily overlooked - save for high cheekbones and a studly chin.
muscles & bones
Two separates operating for the benefit of the whole.
Awesome alone but outstanding when paired together, like,
breath & laughter
intention & effort
presence & love or
commitment & respect
There lies so much possibility from forces working together.
When I get on my mat I often think I know what's best for me. "This aches", I say, in acknowledgment of discomfort in some limb or joint. And then I press and bend and flex and heave and try all the things to make the pain bow in submission.
I think I know, but I don't know.
I simply repeat what works in other spaces.
But the body is different. It knows no master but itself.
Sometimes, the expression of discomfort isn't the site of it at all.
The body is one moving part.
Sometimes, the exploration points in another direction. To something so tender, so touchy and inflamed, ignoring it in all of its affliction is the only way to get through.
The origin is rarely the site of the expression.
So, the body tends to hold itself in a way that imbalances all other parts, but at least the ache is dulled.
It must not feel the ache.
Perhaps it is the nervous system I like best. The ability to perceive what is going on. Full immersion in the physical world. Aware of every touch, movement, irritation and stretch.
I feel and follow.
I encounter and explore.
They say the mat is a mirror because it is all one. The practice of moving through space.
Everything is a tell. I am fully exposed. Am I rushing? Where do I have to be? Do I look away when it hurts? Do I ignore? If I stumble, if I fall, do I try again? It's all there laid out.
I am flayed.
Do I laugh, or am I trying beyond all reason to get it right? Why do I want to get it right? I can see myself wanting so much, so much to get it right.
There I am.
I am utterly naked.
I am both two parts and also one. Who witnesses me at play, who sees me trying so hard? Who feels the pain and wants to dissolve it away?
Separates.
The muscles, the bones, and the nerves.
The body, the mind, and the soul.
How do several separates create a whole?
—
Stay in the light,
RL
TODAY’S TOOL:
When settling in to write, I enjoy a cup of tea, listen to dancehall, and burn a candle or incense.
With yoga, I either crave an outdoor practice to enjoy the sounds of life or put on a really good playlist to free-flow at my own pace.
I created something special to spend time with myself and want to share it with you.
It features all of the defining elements of love—desire, honesty, intrigue, and mystique -to name a few. Enjoy.
COMMUNITY CORNER:
The truth can hurt and it can also set you free.
delivers a loving uppercut to a friend that made me cackle out loud in “Breakfast or Dinner?” Also points for the creativity of his publication name, Jollof Writes.- shares a heartfelt, layered and moving piece in honor of his grandfather’s dedication to consistency in “Not Another Math Lesson”
When it comes to genres, sci-fi is my jam.
gave me another reason to look forward to Sundays after dropping “What Happens at 9:15…?” Read it once. Then read it again.
There are now over 300(!) of you receiving my weekly notes. I am moved, I am humbled. Special shout-out to my paid subscribers. Your support allows me to continue doing what I love.
To tangibly support my work, consider buying me a coffee or purchasing a book for my library.
LET ME KNOW:
-Do you practice yoga?
-Do you take time to witness your thoughts?
-What albums and artists are on repeat for you?
-What makes you open this newsletter every week?
The body holds no lie.. Here is more on the topic:
-Guests in my house
-Accepting that which I can not change
- Finding healing and escape in Jamaica
-Little Rachel finding the light in NYC
I still cannot touch my toes. But I’m happy to say Myles has not taken after me ❤️
Yes, I practice Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, I started as a teenager (14), my older sister introduced me to it, and that means I’ve been practicing off-and-on (more on than off) for 44 years.