Layers of Being
BEGIN HERE >>>
we think we are lost while our
fuller found and complete selves
are somewhere in the future
we get on our hands and knees
thinking self-improvement will
help us reach them
but this finding ourselves bullshit is never going to end
I’m tired of putting off living until I have more information on who I am
dancer
teacher
choreographer
photographer
designer
marketer
creator
performer
event planner
director
organizer
golfer
crafter
foodie
friend
wife
daughter
sister
doggie mom
packer fan
change-maker
squeaky wheel
critic
breakfast lover
coffee addict
city girl
wisconsin native
traveler
yogi
data-driven
introspective
multitasker
meaning-maker
FLUID
ACTION - REACTION
FOLD + UNFOLD
SPIRALING
WRAPPING
SEARCHING
LINGER + UNRAVEL
INTERNAL
TACTILE
ACCUMULATE
POETIC
SUCCULENT
UNFOLDING PETALS
EBB + FLOW
DRIP - SCOOP - POUR
EXPAND - STILL - CHANGING
REACH OUT OF THE BOX
LONGING
EMERGING
PENSIVE
I’m a new person every month
always becoming and unbecoming
only to become again
our fuller selves are not off in the future
they’re right here in the only moment that exists
I don’t need fixing
I will be searching for answers my whole life
not because I’m a half-formed thing
but become I’m brilliant enough to keep growing
LEXICONS
AUTOETHNOGRAPHIC:
(what is comfortable)
seca-besque
spiral + twist
fold + unfold
tendu fondu
invert
entangled limbs
LESS FAMILIAR:
(what pushes me to grow)
hopscotch
tick-tock
pattern to locamote
capoeira kick
pause with tension
whip + smash
everything necessary to live a vivid life
already exists in me
I am complete simply because I am imperfect
- Rupi Kaur, Home Body
THE PROCESS CONTINUES…
Layers of Being premieres at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s UpStart MFA Concert on Wednesday, July 30, 2025