Hello beautiful friends, as the year 2023 nears its end, I reflect on a year where I practiced the virtue of generosity, experienced my second Saturn return, and witnessed the peaceful passing of my amazing mother. I am extremely grateful for my life and the opportunities I both generated and embraced as part of my evolutionary journey. I read or heard once that once you lose both of your parents, you are completely free. In that sense, I must agree, as it has been my time to embody both inner and outer authority.
This year has also marked the conclusion of bigger cycles. As I prepare for the great unexpected unknown with grace, I am launching a series of creative endeavors that are somehow familiar. The first is a series of video-recorded monthly conversations [VOICES], where I will be engaging with friends who have a creative practice stemming from inner dialogue, in the shape of long-form dialogues.
The second endeavor is an upcoming publication, "The Nature of My Reality: EVERYTHING I NEED IS IN MY BODY." This book illustrates my process of individuation, showcasing my journey from disempowerment to recognition, turning toward vulnerability, and being open to myself. In sharing, it’s also an invitation for the reader to self-reflect. The publication takes a whimsical form, divided into three segments, each with a different purpose. More details about the book and how to pre-order a copy will be available in the next weeks.
My first guest is my dear friend
who is not only extremely creative and thoughtful but who is also launching a new venture in the form of a workshop called the Song of the Self. I invited him to share more about this new creative adventure and to be the spark that initiates these series and the AD 2024, where the theme in the collective is the courage one needs to be fully authentic.I decided to divide the interview into three installments, with one available today and the subsequent ones in the next few days.
A full version of the whole interview will be available in the third installment.
Part one of three
A long-form dialogue1
Introduction, deep listening, and courage: 27 mins
In this first part, Ellery and I spoke about:
-Our creative processes and the journey of self-discovery.
-We shared the challenges we both faced in defining ourselves and breaking free from societal expectations.
-Acknowledged the transformative moment we're experiencing as a society, where voices are rising with courage.
-The need to stay within our truth was stressed, using self-reflection as a vehicle to explore the delicate balance between receptivity and structure in the creative process.
Enjoy!
In the forthcoming 2 installments, Ellery and I delve into diverse themes that echo the essence of our creative journey such as:
-The Logos, G*D, and life force, contemplating the role of feedback in relational values and the imperative of self-discovery.
-The journey of self-reliance, the inherent limitations of seeking external validation, particularly in the realms of the art and music industries. Challenges posed by financial insecurity, the significance of staying grounded in reality.
-The intricacies of the creative vessel, the process of book writing, reflections on time, personal responsibility, and the tangible consequences of our actions. We touch upon my journey with Bitcoin, illuminating the direct link between human action, sovereignty, and authenticity.
-Lastly, Ellery shares his vision for The Song of the Self’s workshop, illustrating how he employs play and intention to shape his new role as a facilitator.
Through this Dia-logos, you will bear witness to the authentic and purposeful connection that defines our friendship.
Wishing you, my friends, a beautiful and meaningful 2024. Stay creative. And to you Ellery, a happy solar return!
The music playing in the background is "I Surrender, Metanoia tape." Ellery shared this sample with me over a year ago when he and Ebony [Lost under Heaven] were mastering their latest album “Something is Announced by Your Life”, The intention was for me to incorporate it into an animation project that I have yet to complete.
Monika (and Ellery), I’m SO happy to be along for the ride with you, and look forward to enjoying this conversation.
Your projects sound inspired and meaningful. I’m sure they will be a great gift for all of us.
Last, on a personal note, Monika, it’s fun (and a bit trippy in a good way) to notice the way our lives mirror each other while remaining totally unique. As I think I’ve shared with you, I lost my dear, generous father, Leonard, this year--the cheeky bastard left us through the 8/8 Lion’s Gate just after I’d been playfully poking fun of the “woo woo” concept with an astrologer friend!--and the past few days, as part of my ongoing grieving process, I’ve become more and more aware of that freedom of losing a parent you wrote about.
It was hard for me that I didn’t get to spend time with him in person since 2018 and to be so far from my mom over the past two years of his decline, not able to be there in person to help them, but I’m grateful that I’ve got the opportunity to go to the States and spend time with my mom in January when we will hold a party to celebrate his wonderful life.
Okay, best of luck with the projects! I’ll be with you!