Having been born in North Africa but never ventured to the continent’s south, I took a self-made sabbatical and backpacked West and Southern Africa. Here’s what I saw and learned:
Two Months in West Africa: A Travel Diary
One Month in Southern Africa: A Photo Journal
I’ve had a meditation practice - on and off - for the better part of a decade. It has spanned everything from 20-minute sits, to a 10-day silent meditation retreat in Joshua Tree, California. My late mentor and therapist - Lee - opened my eyes to the benefits of being more attuned to my body as a source of wisdom and grounded-ness. Here’s more on what he taught me:
When Your Therapist Passes: Three Lessons From A Decade With Lee
My early childhood years in Tunisia, Poland and the US – societies steeped in Christianity and Islam, capitalism and socialism – gave me, I feel, a unique perspective on the threads that bind us. Noticing an increase in political polarization in my adopted motherland – America – after graduating from business school I set out to help find create some common ground by starting The Mantle Project. I was honored for it to be featured in the Christian Science Monitor, a 100+ year old nationally-distributed magazine.
Rewriting the story of polarized debate: He got Tea Party and Occupy to talk
Nature for me is an endless source of healing and adventure. These days my favorite pastimes include sailing (and sometimes windsurfing!) the Charles from MIT’s sailing pavilion; snorkeling the clear waters off the coast of Tunisia (with occasional diving-trips elsewhere); and when visiting LA, getting back on my surf board. Also - the mountains outside of NY and Boston aren’t too shabby. If you’re in the Cambridge/Boston-area, sailing’s on me. ⛵️
Exploring the murky waters off South Africa (and encountering my first shark)
Jake - LA friend and surf coach
Hiking the hills of New York with college buds (William & Mary)
An autumn sail on the Charles, Cambridge MA
Snorkeling Cap Bon, Tunisia