Be on the lookout for lots of new happenings here at UrbanMamaSong. Stay Tuned!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
An Artist's Commitment
I am reading the book “Conscious Loving” by Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks with my partner. It is am amazing tool in assisting individuals and couples in co-creating relationships from a place of love and harmony. In “Conscious Loving”, there are six “Co-commitments.” As my partner and I read and discussed the commitments, I began to realize how many of them, if tweaked a bit, could apply to what it means to be an artist.
I have come to believe that all things are about relationships and that “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Meaning, how we love, how we listen, how we resolve conflict (or for artists, those internal conflicts we call “blocks”) will be reflected in how we move/act and be in the world. How we relate to ourselves will influence how or if we are willing to face and fix the stories we are telling ourselves that keep us from experiencing a conscious connection to our creative self.
We are all creative. Creating all the time. Many of us are not "consciously" creating for many different reasons. For me, one of the stories I tell myself is that I have to be inspired to write a song (or poem) when in actuality, the truth is, that am afraid of writing “bad” songs, so I let time go by and not write at all, then berate myself for being lazy, when the truth is that I am allowing myself to be motivated by fear of mediocrity, rather than the love of my craft.
So with that said, I have decided to create a set of “Artists Commitments” a list of agreements that will act as a road map for me cultivating a more intentional and conscious relationship with my craft.
This week’s Commitment
1. Responsibility
I commit to taking responsibility for what I create in the world. I will show up to the empty page, tape recorder or track daily, regardless of how I feel. I take responsibility for the stories I tell myself about my art and choose to tell myself stories that are empowering and from a place of love. I take responsibility for creating work that is motivated by love, integrity and honesty.
In Greatness,
GaBrilla Ballard
5p6cntu5dj
I have come to believe that all things are about relationships and that “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Meaning, how we love, how we listen, how we resolve conflict (or for artists, those internal conflicts we call “blocks”) will be reflected in how we move/act and be in the world. How we relate to ourselves will influence how or if we are willing to face and fix the stories we are telling ourselves that keep us from experiencing a conscious connection to our creative self.
We are all creative. Creating all the time. Many of us are not "consciously" creating for many different reasons. For me, one of the stories I tell myself is that I have to be inspired to write a song (or poem) when in actuality, the truth is, that am afraid of writing “bad” songs, so I let time go by and not write at all, then berate myself for being lazy, when the truth is that I am allowing myself to be motivated by fear of mediocrity, rather than the love of my craft.
So with that said, I have decided to create a set of “Artists Commitments” a list of agreements that will act as a road map for me cultivating a more intentional and conscious relationship with my craft.
This week’s Commitment
1. Responsibility
I commit to taking responsibility for what I create in the world. I will show up to the empty page, tape recorder or track daily, regardless of how I feel. I take responsibility for the stories I tell myself about my art and choose to tell myself stories that are empowering and from a place of love. I take responsibility for creating work that is motivated by love, integrity and honesty.
In Greatness,
GaBrilla Ballard
5p6cntu5dj
Friday, July 17, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
UrbanMamasong Podcast: A Conversation with Ayanna Molina
Ayanna Molina is an author/poet (Run Away Girl), teacher, and emcee (Uplift Yo' Self). Raised in the arms of New Orleans, Ayanna's vibe is an eclectic mix of spoken word and Hip Hop. Her work is dedicated to uplifting women and using Hip Hop as a tool to teach young people. She has performed in venues across the country...New York (Nuyurican), Atlanta (Women Who Jam) and Houston (Blackout Arts Collective). She is proud to have opened up for the Last Poets in New Orleans. Ayanna continues to do workshops to promote self-love and wellness for women of color. Her CD, "Uplift Yo' Self" is her first project. To order a CD, book or to inquire about a workshop in your area, contact Ayanna @ www.truelovemovement.com.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Expansion
I have been thinking a lot about my music and how to expand its direction, i.e my sound, how and where I perform, etc. Thinking about my music in this way brings up many things for me. How can I use my music to cultivate community? How can I create more intimacy through my music? As an artist, constantly performing is critical to my growth and success. It is also key in building a community of supporters. If people don't hear my music, they won't know who I am-- Bottom line. So with this reality, I am embarking upon a journey of expansion in the way I share my music, expanding by reaching into smaller spaces. I have decided to start a concert series that is held in small intimate spaces—people’s homes, yards, gardens, cafes, bookstores and galleries.
I have been mulling over this idea for quite some time now and some recent experiences have made it clearer to me that this is something that I must move forward with. My intention is clear and I am soooo inspired.
More Later...
I have been mulling over this idea for quite some time now and some recent experiences have made it clearer to me that this is something that I must move forward with. My intention is clear and I am soooo inspired.
More Later...
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