Strong Medicine

in this photo: artist-Ayesha Clark, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado

+CHARACTER

In this life we exist amongst an infinite multitude of friends, family, colleagues, even enemies. Our every experience is shaped by our relationships and interactions with these people. However, we are not merely victims of circumstance. Everything that we receive is by choice, it is our pride that makes us believe otherwise. In our experiences, the degree of elegance is determined ONLY by our will and the perfection of our own character. Character is what brings us strength as individuals. It is the very foundation of our personalities. It is our identity. Building strong character is the most important asset for one to develop for it it makes us capable to stand alone in wellness in any situation. With strong character we are not easily swayed by others or outside forces and we are kept from regret. 

STRONG CHARACTER = INEVITABLE SUCCESS

+RESOLVE

In our beginnings our thoughts are hopeful as we prepare to embark on new journeys and endeavors. Although these thoughts are focused intently on the journey to come and the gleaming destination that lies beyond, all that determines its fulfillment exists here and now, in this moment. Every step along the way is a new beginning, a new and evolved foundation to build upon. As our experiences evolve and expand it is devotion that becomes the golden key to success. With devotion, we wield the lasting means to endure. Our devotion focuses our expectations, fuels our determination and sustains our enthusiasm. As we embrace our beginnings, let us not only be hopeful and optimistic for what might come, but also choose to devote ourselves to the successes that we inherently deserve. All to often we only hope for the fruition of our desires, very seldom do we elevate that hope to devotion. Thoughts and movements be blessed in this new year, this new day, in this new moment.

Fiesta bowl!!!

+PURPOSE & POSITION

From the smallest to the largest creation, all have their deserved placement and purpose. Although seemingly insignificant amongst and in comparison to one another, in the grand scheme of life, all are equally vital. We all carry strength in infinitely different forms and fashions, in turn creating differing means to negotiate the creative processes of life. Make no mistake, all of life experience is a creative process and should be managed as such. We alone hold creative control in our individual lives and have every capacity to create an ever evolving, constantly fulfilling masterpiece. This is our supreme purpose in life, individually and collectively. To create our own journey, fulfilling our ultimate potential in each passing moment. If you’ve ever been told that “just because” isn’t a reason, know that you’re living proof that it is. Thoughts and movements be blessed…carry on.

+EXPECTATION

At times in my daily grind and operation I run head first into the seemingly unavoidable brick wall of frustration and proceed to beat my head against it, trying to find some clarity as to the cause. In the end it’s always a result of my own unconscious expectation. Occasionally, I find myself losing focus and hoping for the best but expecting the worst. The power of intention and expectation is a powerful catalyst. All success or failure depends upon its focus. Inherently, all situations, people, places, things, etc. are well and successful and would experience just that, if they would only allow it. Failure is the product of resistance. I’ve learned my greatest lesson on this subject from music. As a producer and MC, I spend countless hours in the mode of creation, composing and writing. Never once do I lose focus or faith within this arena. I find myself constantly inspired, appreciative, and in expectation of magnificence. As my fingers trigger the deep resonant knock of kick drums and the gritty snap of old funk snares, I have no doubt how lovely the Hammond B3 organ chord progressions that just materialized in the depths of my thoughts and are now traveling to my fingertips are about to sound. Even though I haven’t put pen to paper for the particular piece, please believe I’ve already got 3 perfect verses ready to spill. In any case, I’ve learned (well, still learning) to employ the same methodology to work in every other area of my life. Truth be told, we all have total creative control of our experiences through our power of expectation and intention.

Strive to release worry and anxiety of failure by focusing your expectations on perfection and success. Envelope yourself in the exhilaration of your creative process (and EVERYTHING is a creative process) and appreciate the magnificence of the moment that is before you.

+RESILIENCE

Being from the southern plains of the midwest, living in the “valley of the sun” brings much contemplation as I’m out and about in this amazing sonoran environment. The thing that I find myself most intrigued by is the inherent resilience found in this place. You see it in the plants, animals and the people as well. I must say it is a beautiful strength to recognize and an inspiring quality to have reflected back to me. As I find myself strolling along between the mesquite & acacia trees, towering saguaros & ocotillos and the infinite other sharp flora of the desert I admire and appreciate their qualities. In the fall and winter they appear extremely treacherous and unforgiving but in the spring they are covered in gorgeous flowers and the fragrance of the desert sunrise is incredible! There is an intricate balance that is maintained in life. A balance that without resilience, would be impossible. Thanks to resilience we are able to find beauty in the roughest and most staunch environments. We are able to continue to shine our light when in the midst of overwhelming chaos. Against all odds, we are able to still dig deep and find goodness and divinity within ourselves. It is always there, every time, without fail.