My Goals for 2023
I’m excited about what is ahead this year. I made some big and brave changes at the end of 2022 - like shifting my focus from commenting on art to making it. In 2023, the first big project will be writing my mystical memoir (more on that shortly). I will be documenting the journey on my YouTube Channel and more in-depth here on my website/Substack. Subscribe to hitch your wagon to this wild adventure. It’s going to be quite the ride.
*This is a dynamic document. I will be updating it throughout the year.
**You can listen to this post down below
Learn to Build a Story
…like you construct a house
In 2016, my new wife and I set out to build a tiny house. Soon into the work I took a step back and realized that I needed to learn the principles of construction - foundation, framing, layout, waterproofing, staging. This year, my goal is to learn how to build a story like I did to build a house. I have many more stories to tell. It’s time to get it right from the get-go.
My aim is to build an enchanting place people can enter without being disturbed by water leaks or plot gaps. I will be reading a few this is how you write books, but mainly reading as many stories as possible and taking good notes - see my reading list and notes sections below.
Write a Memoir
Finish writing my mystical memoir by September 22, 2023. Why that date? It marks the 10-year anniversary of the day I came home after years of traveling afar. My goal is to share my most profound spiritual experiences and tell the tale of my wild journey in hopes to help people better navigate theirs.
Shift the Focus to Original Art
I’ve shifted my major focus to creating original art and aligned the other activities to support the main thing. I won’t belabor explaining this goal. You can read more about it in another letter.
Bring the Mind Down to the Heart
Take a break from being intellectually driven and be more heart-centered. I’ve downloaded enough knowledge to fuel my creative endeavors and spiritual practice for at least a year or two.
Rather than listen to 3 hours podcasts about prayer, I’m going to pray. Instead of talking about symbolism, I’m going to apply it to my life and my art. As I learned in the book Into the Silent Land, it’s time to bring the mind down into the heart.
Clear the Deck
I have shifted my focus from commentating on art, to making art. I want to transition well. My goal is to complete what I committed to. Word is bond. I will be clearing the deck as best I can of outstanding articles, podcasts, and projects that I committed to doing. At the least, I will communicate if I cancel or postpone.
For example, I am setting the Arrival film essays to the side. It pains me to do so. I’ve spent so much time on them. And I so much want to share them with you. But I simply don’t have time to do two major projects at the same time. It’s not a never, but a not now.
Reading List
My goal is to read lots of great stories of people’s lives, so I can write a good book about mine. It will come at little surprise that the books overlap with my main writing project.
Thank you to those who thoughtfully shared their book (and film) suggestions in a Thursday Thread. I am finalizing the reading list and will be sharing it with you shortly. But not to leave you completely in waiting, here are the next books at the top of the que:
The Gurus, the Young Man, & Elder Paisios (finished, a page-turner)
The Son of the Deathless - Nicholas Kotar (finished, wondrous)
The Way of the Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way (currently reading)
Father Joe - Tony Hendra**
On Writing - Stephen King
** A gift from a good friend - thank you, Andrew! If you too are feeling generous and would like to gift me a book, you can pick one from my wishlist on Amazon and my wishlist on Thriftbooks.
Publish Notes
I take lots of notes. This year, it is my goal to share the good ones with you - books from reading list, podcasts I host, podcasts I listen to, films, and so on.
Book Club
Reading books and taking notes are one thing, talking about books is another. Insightful comments from you are some of the most valuable gems. It keeps me publishing content online. It makes every minute of hard work it takes to get letters and videos and art out there into the world worth it. So, my goal is to make this grow by creating a book club.
The book club will consist of a collection of spaces for people to engage with the books (and films) from my research. You can share your thoughts in the comment sections of my book notes, YouTube videos, podcasts, and threads. I’ll be (not-so) secretly recruiting conversation partners to join me in book club podcasts.
Podcasting
Focus on the discussions that support my projects’ research and explore my worldview. My goal is to have 1 or 2 conversations each month. I have created a guest list of people I will be reaching out. I was going to share it like I did my reading list, but I decided not to out of respect for the potential guests. It could cause unnecessary pressure that would be disrespectful. Just know that I am lining up some exciting discussions that will focus more on story - unpacking theirs and exploring mine.
Topics include transformation, mystical experiences, psychedelics, new age spirituality, Christian mysteries, pilgrimage, quests for inner peace, traveling, the wilderness, revelation, and more. I will also continue to explore symbolism, phenomenology, and the logocentric/dentrocentric worldview, albeit, on a more minor degree.
Paid Subscription
Create a paid subscription for patrons, supporters, and people who want a deeper engagement with the art and the creative process. More people have been requesting ways to support and have membership perks. You ask and you shall receive. I will be using Substack as the home for interaction with paid membership content - access to early drafts, early access to videos/podcasts, Q/A, member-only threads, interview question submission for guests. It’s going to be quite the expedition!
A Few more Goals
publish derekjfiedler.com (complete)
Write 2 articles for the Symbolic World Blog
expand podcast to other platforms
Facilitate more IRL gathering opportunities
move older newsletters from convertkit to substack
create substack of 2012 to 2013 traveling newsletters
Teach 5 students to learn how to play piano beautifully and meaningfully
Go on 2 backpacking trips in the wilderness.
Build home garden: 400 sq ft of raised beds, build chicken coop for 6 chickens.
Final Thoughts
I’m excited for what is to come this year. I’m glad you are along for the ride. If you haven’t already subscribed, please do. It would be great to have you join us.