Prepping for an era of transformation
Figuring out your role in the revolution
As I was finishing up today’s letter to you, all of Lisbon experienced a power outage! Reports are saying that some parts of Spain and France have also lost power. Today’s newsletter happens to be all about being prepared. Eerily good timing.
Friends,
“I finally started packing my emergency go bag,” I wrote in a recent letter to a friend.
2 weeks later, I read in the June 7, 2025 journal entry of Lauren Olamina, the main character in Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, “I’ve finally assembled a small survival pack for myself—a grab-and-run pack.”
Synchronicity. I pause and pay attention.
If you haven’t packed an emergency kit yet, this list from FEMA is a good place to start. There are also a lot of places that sell pre-packed kit bags, which you can later add to and personalize.
As I was making copies of important documents and thinking about what kind of socks would make the most sense in an emergency—Knee-high? Ankle? Sweat-wicking? Wool?—I remembered how I responded with laughter when a decade ago, my sweetie asked me, “Where would you go if a nuclear bomb was dropped in NYC?”
I thought to myself, “Oh, how things have changed since then…” and stuffed the First Aid kit into a backpack I hope I will never have to use.
Face your privilege, then move forward.
As I type now, however, I want to edit that thought to “Oh, how things have changed for me.” For centuries, millions of people around the world have had their lives turned upside down because of the greedy rich. But because I was born in a country and into a family that aligned themselves with the greedy rich, I had been untouched by the destruction they brought upon the rest of the world.
From my western, capitalist bubble, I watched in horror as other countries were destroyed by war and famine without questioning who was behind the destruction. U.S. propaganda had taught me that I was not the problem. And if I wanted, I could “help these poor people” not by demanding my government to stop the wars they started, but through donations to U.S. non-profits and politicians.
While I have been an anti-war treehugger since I was a child, I was fed U.S. American exceptionalism and, as by design, became completely distracted by all of the flashy pop culture that reinforced it. Repeat this a million times and you have a docile, distracted population that cannot think critically for themselves, that will not resist even when the world is falling apart.
I don’t want to be distracted. I want to be awake. I have this body, this voice, and I will use it.
What does moving forward look like? Collective preparation.
Currently, as I think about my skills, I can write, draw, inspire and move people through my art, cook a hearty meal from scraps, read books to kiddos, clean, take care of kids, elders, and the sick, and project manage like a demon. Thanks to NYC Action Medical, I also know some basic street medic skills. Maybe that’s enough for this life… but as someone who loves learning and helping people, I can’t stop there.
As I was reviewing this list by Traumatized & THRIVING, I noticed that I had some gaps that I wanted to fill:
Since landing in Portugal, I started growing and taking care of more plants and flowers. Because I want to expand my skills to growing food, I am looking for community gardens where I can learn more about sustainable agriculture. I’ve also been studying and practicing Portuguese and getting to know my local community. To make the language learning process fun (and also fulfill one of my long held dreams), I am thinking of reaching out to the Portuguese folk musician who recently followed me on Instagram and asking him about singing lessons. Singing can create warmth, belonging, and connection in difficult times. I want to provide that for people.
Have you also felt called to reflect on your skills and how they could come in handy as empire falls? I’m interested in hearing what questions and insights have come up for you.
These words by poet Saul Williams has been keeping my inner flame strong lately. They inspired me to write this letter to you today:
How you can immediately help some folks right now:
If you are in a position to contribute to mutual aid, please send your support to my two dear friends, who are requesting financial assistance.
🌷 My friend Ahmed whose wife and two kids are currently surviving in northern Gaza. Since March 2, Israel has blocked aid from entering Gaza, making food very scarce and expensive. You can help them here, via the fundraiser I created.
🦋 My friend Marisol who is trying to escape a difficult housing situation. You can help her via Venmo, or book her for tarot and astrology readings and more!
I’m sending you off into the week with this song that’s been on repeat in my studio. Uptight by L.A. rock band, Nitefire.
One world, one ruv. 💗
Haruka
I moved to Lisbon in January and the blackout yesterday really shook me. I realized how disconnected and alone I am. I'm going to start prepping an emergency bag, but I also want to find a way to connect with my community.