So, I'm back.

How have you been? How did you handle the pandemic? And afterward? Do you have kids already? Are you grandparents already?

For my part: I retired from social media for 7 years because I saw, like many people, that it had a negative influence on my life. Now I return to them, but with moderation and care.

The last 7 years have been quite positive. I became a Spanish citizen. I traveled to many countries in Europe and Asia. I passed the C1 Catalan exam. I even wrote a solo show in Catalan. I spent a whole year memorizing it. Just when it was ready, the pandemic came and everything locked down. The show was an abortion and I don't know if it will ever be born. Since then, I have changed and the world has changed. So I'm preparing another show in Catalan; stay tuned.

During the pandemic, I became an online English teacher for thousands of people around the world, mainly children, mainly in Asia. It has been one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences I've ever had. I never knew how much I would enjoy working with children. They are fascinating to me. I connect very well with them, as you can probably imagine 😄 And they teach me a lot. They help me be a better person.

Also, after so many years working as an artist, dedicating my time to helping others was very rewarding. I don't dislike the artistic life, but it was also good for me to get out of my egocentric bubble and help others. I helped them learn English, but they also helped me learn many things. Not only did they give me a cultural education, but they encouraged me to work on patience, listening, understanding, and being more aware of how I communicated. A gift.

When the lockdowns ended, it was hard for me to return to the stage. Like everyone, I suppose, I had changed, as I continue to change. I have matured, mentally and physically. I'm certainly older. At the moment I'm incognito, trying new comedy material in small clubs. I will return to doing shows, but I want to be very clear about what I do so that it fits with the person I am now.

Also:

In the fall I completed a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat in Candeleda, Spain. I had never done meditation before. Along with becoming a teacher, it was also one of the best decisions I have ever made in life. It has changed my life for the better. I recommend it for nearly everyone.

Vipassana meditation is a technique that works on two things: 1) awareness, and 2) equinimity. In other words, it is a technique to strengthen our perception of reality, and the attitude of "non-attachment", or detachment to our circumstances.

In total, the technique helps to cleanse the mind, better understand the mind, and expand consciousness. All of this results in more tranquility, satisfaction, and the ability to perceive reality as it is, not as we want it to be. But to be effective, it must be done with consistency. As a result, I meditate for an hour when I wake up and an hour when I go to sleep. My life is going much better. I have more energy, I accomplish more in less time, and, most importantly, I am calmer and happier.

I will write more about Vipassana another time but for now that is all.

Have a good day and be happy! 🌈