Hamza and I recently joined Emil Drud’s podcast Creative Odyssey as guests. It was our first appearance as New Material.

I was describing how I thought about blogging, which I described as the trunk of my practice. Emil responded with a good question: what are the roots?

Hamza, Emil, and I discussed it for a little bit, and it has stuck around in my mind since.

While the roots of a tree aren’t visible, they set its foundation. Roots also absorb water and minerals to help nourish the tree. The leaves, which grow from the branches and trunk, also feed the roots.

For me, the roots of my practice are journaling, meditation, health, family, and friends. They are the less visible, very key, parts of my life that help keep things steady. 

This blog and New Material are the trunk. 

Social media, publicity, and promotional activities are the branches.