Andy Patterson (he/him/his)

was born in the heat of San Antonio, Texas, and raised among the cows of Amish Country in Chester County, Pennsylvania. His childhood was overflowing with outdoor adventures as a Boy Scout and balanced by hours in the studio as he worked his way to becoming a Black Belt in Tang Soo Do at Odyssey Karate. At thirteen, he traded the studio for the stage as he discovered the world of theater and dropped nearly everything to dive into the community. Five years later, he found himself walking in cap and gown at Coatesville Area Senior High School with his diploma, and four years after that, he left the hallowed halls of Temple University with his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic no less. With all of these rich experiences as his foundation, he is grateful to dedicate his time to a spiritual practice grounded in activism and self-reflection, a life teeming with creativity but countered by visionary discipline, and a lifestyle led by learning(it’s never too late to harness the beauty of a beginner’s mindset). His work is underscored by his dedication to sustainable practices, ethical working conditions, equal and equitable opportunity/representation, and his yearning to make space for queer and othered voices of all kinds in the world, no matter what he is doing, where he is going, or who he is surrounded by. Whatever community he finds himself in, he will bring all of himself to it.

(A) Key Ring

(b) Sambucus Elderberry Cough Drops

I am a singer. Enough said LOL.

Other Favorites:

• Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Lozenges

• Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Drops

(C) Pens, Pencils, Markers; the assortment

Sustainable, ethical brands:

• Earth Hero

• Other great picks

(D) Books (at least two at all times)

Featured:

• Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good

• Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology + the Chakra System as A Path to the Self

• The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom

(E) Zenni Blue Light Glasses

These are a MUST have because I spend so much time on screens engaging with technology, 24/7. I’m sure you do too. Affordable, durable and so worth the investment if you feel like the need is there!

(F) Aquaphor

Since I was a child, every winter, my lips have been chronically chapped. A whole cracking, bleeding mess. Until the fall of my junior year of college! If you have chapped lips and can’t seem to solve the issue, this may be your new go-to product!

(G) Journals

I am a HUGE journal lover. From traditional diary entries to bullet-journaling, to goal setting, to to-do lists, I put my pen to paper daily to process events, strategize solutions and visualize my dreams.

(H) Meaningful Jewelry

I am not a big jewelry person, but these are some of the staple pieces that have come into my possession over the past few years.

Featured:

• Chain

• Chakra bead necklace

• Circle Necklace - gifted by my mentor, Maggie Anderson

(I) Water bottles (at least two at all times)

Favorites:

• Klean Kanteen

• Welly

• Other great picks

(J) We’re Not Really Strangers

I love connection, and love to foster it deeply with whoever I meet. This game helps to create that connection, by allowing you to slowly get more acquainted with people you are less familiar with, at your own pace while still pushing you to the edges of your social comfort zone. This is a favorite of mine for sure.

(K) Essential Oils Roller Bottle Blends for:

Anxiety

Essential oils for de-stressing: rose, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, bergamot, marjoram, ylang-ylang, lemon, geranium, orange, sandalwood, chamomile, vetiver

Focus

Essential oils for improving concentration: rosemary, basil, peppermint, helichrysum, cedar, vetiver, grapefruit, pine, juniper

Sleep

Essential oils that help induce sleep: lavender, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, chamomile, neroli, marjoram, cedar, bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, rose

Digestion

Essential oils pairs for digestive health: thyme + rose, cardamom + clove, peppermint + ginger, tea tree + oregano, fennel + tarragon

• Essential Oils 101

• Roller bottles

• Essential Oils Carrying Case

(L) All-White Converse

If you know, you know. I wear these all the dang time.