We are all infinitely one . . . I mean, Juan.
Hi, I'm Juan—and yes, I was very tempted to call this set of reminders Infinitely One. However, every person I shared the title with heard “Infinitely Juan.” I wanted to call this Infinitely One because I didn't want to step into my power. I subconsciously thought, “What is more powerful (and vulnerable) than having your name on the title of your first book?“
I’ve associated power with people who are not liked - people who are despised, those who take advantage of others, are greedy, and don't understand how others feel.
From my perspective, power is a word filled with judgment. Then . . . I was reminded that powerful people are actually people who have joy. People who have clarity. People who are inspired to inspire. Powerful people serve. People who are moving on purpose with a purpose. I'm calling these set of reminders Infinitely Juan to remind myself that I'm not just juan . . . but that I am JUAN. I am seen, heard, valued, and that I belong to something bigger than myself.
As a gay Cuban immigrant, it is something that I’ve had to remember often. I am divinely inspired, guided, and protected. I am infinitely interconnected with nature and every other being in our Universe. For these reminders, I am in deep appreciation.
I decided that I would create workshops based on this work to remind us in person that we are truly all one. I decided to call our power by name and leave blank spaces so you can leave a physical energetic print on this work.
My intention is that as you engage with these 18 reminders, you feel connected to something greater than you. That you remember that you are not alone.
If you only take ONE thing from these reminders inspired by Lao Tzu take this:
You are Seen.
You are Heard.
You are Valued.
You Belong.
I am grateful to have had the privilege to travel and serve as an executive coach to leaders in the corporate world and teach classes on leadership, team building, and service excellence within the hospitality industry. Now, I find myself immersed in the intersection between leadership, activism, and spirituality to create brave spaces for meaningful connection. I teach leaders how to lead with courage and bring to life inspiring cultures of belonging. I am not reinventing the wheel. I'm just enjoying the process of remembering. I hope you enjoy this journey of self-reflection and remembering.
We are all infinitely one . . . I mean, Juan.
Jaun Tamayo is a poet and author who lives in Philadelphia.
