Bushwick Book Club artist Tomo Nakayama

Tomo Nakayama shared an incredible song at the Ink Aloud showcase called “Mantra.” His song explores the strength, compassion, and openheartedness it takes to keep practicing and turning towards the world, even when confronted with horror and difficult beauty. He brings in the sacred chant from the Lotus Sutra into this amazing song that reminded me that even 14 years ago, I was turning towards writing as a way to process trauma, violence, loss and grief and to try to better love the world.