The mind + matter story
Meditation, the simple act of taking a few moments each day to still our mind, changes how we experience life. It sharpens our focus, fuels creativity, fosters compassion and thoughtfulness. It’s been proven by neuroscientists, it’s been experienced by millions, it’s not a secret, it just hasn’t been a visible movement in our culture or the modern world.
We started mind + matter to create a destination where meditation is more accessible, more practical, more a part of everyday living. Our mission is equanimity. To carve out a little peace of mind while living fully in the material world, fraught as it is with commitments, desires, and deadlines. We’re here to provide a place where ancient wisdom meets the realities of living in the modern world with practical tools and inspiration.
We are real people, living everyday lives, just trying to find a bit more calm, focus, grace, a bit more joy throughout our day. We hope mind + matter helps you to find the same.
Tracy Hulett, Founder + Curator
Art, Stories and Motherhood Collide
My passion for mind + matter stems from my understanding that everything is connected. In my case, all my big and little steps in life have conspired to lead me here.
Growing up in Southern California I developed an appreciation for organic, natural beauty. Founding and owning a theater production company taught me a lot about chaos and that things always seem to work out in the end. Being a mom reinforces that lesson.
My style is uncomplicated, simple and eclectic. I’m drawn to elements in their most raw, natural form: amethyst crystals, sea worn stones or a hand-knit organic wool throw. I strive to live a simple, clean, minimal existence surrounded with just a few precious treasures I’ve gathered along the way (artifacts, family members, and dogs).
I’m not quite there yet. I still hold on to too many objects and I tend to cause much of my own chaos. Life is messy and complicated, yet I’ve come to realize that moments of gratitude can be found amidst the turmoil. My hope is that mind + matter is a useful resource to help you find those precious moments as well.
The Story of Our Little Blackbird...
According to Buddhist teachings, life is the joining of mind (nama) and matter (rupa).
Mind consists of the combination of sensations, perceptions and consciousness, while matter consists of the combination of the four elements of solidity, fluidity, motion and heat. Every day life then is the co-existence of these elements. A perfect name for our project, mind + matter.
I wondered however, how do we visually represent the idea of the expansive “mind” and tangible “matter?”
Then the birds arrived.
I saw blackbirds everywhere. In my sleep, when awake, everywhere I went, blackbirds. I kept visualizing the openness and freedom of the mind balanced with grounding elements of matter. The birds literally took over my brain for several days. My husband affectionately began calling me “bird-brain” because that’s all I talked about.
Compelled, I did a little research and was surprised to learn that if a blackbird shows up in any form in your life it means it is a particularly auspicious time and it is best to heed its message. I don’t usually buy into illogical pagan folklore, but I have to admit, I was both intrigued and a little freaked out by this intrusion into my head.
Digging a little deeper into the symbolism associated with blackbirds, I was struck by how perfectly it fit our vision for mind + matter. Here’s a summary of what I discovered:
- Blackbirds are a symbol of higher intelligence, thoughts and ideals.
- Blackbirds are considered a good omen.
- Blackbirds bring the lessons learned in meditation.
- Blackbirds lend you their energy and guide you.
- Blackbirds fly but stay close to the ground (mind+ matter).
- Blackbirds are a symbol of freedom.
- Blackbirds are a symbol of the future.
- Blackbirds are a symbol of domestic happiness.
- Blackbirds show us how to find beauty in unexpected places.
The blackbird came and we listened. We hope our little blackbird makes you smile.
(And our little watermark is the Chinese symbol for mindfulness. The upper portion represents "now" and the lower "mind/heart")
