444 - Validation
Namaste,
Welcome to the latest edition of 444. My name’s Max. I’m a photographer and yoga teacher travelling South Asia.
444 is my monthly recap of recent conversations, thoughts, and events. It’s a series reminding me to connect with my heart. I hope reading this gives you a moment to listen to yours.
This will land at 4:44 on the fourth from wherever I am in the world. Today I’m writing to you from Roots Institute in Bodh Gaya, India.
Bodh Gaya’s two-week winter is over meaning mornings on the rooftop are back. The sun is reaching over the trees, light spreading on the plastic dining set. I’m at the level of the leaves. Close enough to hear the birds and squirrels, and on alert for the rogue langur.
I recently launched a ‘buy me a coffee’ page to show the impact small groups of people can have in the world.
A big thank you to the first supporters of this page: Zach, Rhiannon and Jordanna.
If you’re enjoying these endeavours, the funds of this will go towards covering essential photography costs. Anything raised above this I will contribute to the community projects shared online.
This month I'll share updates on:
A reforestation project in South India
Media with another rural school in Bihar, India
Find my buy me a coffee page here.
4 me - weeding
Creating with more intention is a goal for 2026. Aligning to things that impact people and readers of this newsletter. Recently, I’m noticing it unearth my cravings for validation.
Questions from a dear travel friend Jack in his upcoming book ‘Opening to Life’:
Is this motivation clear and authentic?
Am I grasping?
Am I denying it?
The honest stage of my relationship with validation is illumination, not elimination.
The cycle continues in this piece. The part of me seeking approval thinks how ‘well’ this could perform on algorithms because it’s raw and open.
Ugh.
At the same time, it’s an acknowledgement of imperfection. A vaccine into my arm to meet what’s doing me harm. Perhaps this opening of my life will relate to someone else’s journey of release.
4 you - Jack
Quoting an unpublished book is strange. Here’s Jack’s substack.
I had the joy of being with Jack for two weeks at this dharma centre. He simplifies complex human psyche and religious concepts into something digestible. It’s a profound communication skill to practically help people in their everyday.
I hope his pieces benefit you as much as me.
4 us - Dogma?
I can’t control dogma perceptions.
Extended stays at FPMT centres in India are supporting recent personal growth.
The world conflicts happening now are heavy. In response, curiosity is drawing me to Tibetans and their non-violent buddhist practices. Their devotional depth to heal from oppression and genocide is remarkable.
FPMT centres are global. If you’re wanting Indian course recommendations feel free to reach out. I’ll share some more learnings soon.
This is my last 444 in India. Thanks for tuning in.
Join the mailing list, buy me a coffee and more here.
Love,
Max
