A BASS LINE
About a year ago my daughter and I embarked on a musical experiment. We had been listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers quite a bit and found ourselves consistently perplexed.
There is little debate that the band itself is composed of some of the most talented and respected musicians in the industry. Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante regularly play on tracks for other musicians, even writing parts for well known albums and singles. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis has serious range and a voice that expresses the softness of a ballad and the grit of punk. All the ingredients are there. But sometimes we just don't get it.
And also, the lyrics are weird. Right?
We tried breaking them down, really being present with the narrative of each song and kept coming up with little beyond the face value of the words. I have written before that I tend to think the vibe of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is that Keidis’s voice serves more as an instrument than a vocal. It is less about what he is saying and more about how he is saying it. Still though this didn't give us much to go on in terms of feeling like we understand the artistic choices when it comes to their lyrics. So we decided to experience the band from a different perspective.
One afternoon in the car, while listening to our favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers album my daughter said to me, “What if we just don't get it yet?” My brain began to melt immediately and I think I actually stopped the car and pulled over. I replied, “So you are saying maybe they are on another level and we just haven't expanded enough to understand them yet?”
“Yeah.”
The conversation went on to imagine Anthony in an underground room with access to a multi-dimensional time machine and was able to see things we didn’t really have words for yet. The idea was, perhaps he is putting things together in a way we have yet to witness. Perhaps as a band they are writing from a place of incredible expansion and we just have to be patient until we meet them there. This small exchange between the kid and me kind of changed everything. We looked at each other, laughed, and agreed that this lens was a pretty fascinating one to look through.
We play with this lens all the time now. The idea being that when we do not fully appreciate something, particularly art or music we consider that perhaps we are just not ready to enjoy it yet. Granted this practice is more challenging to do with some things than others. I do not anticipate that my daughter will enjoy Taylor Swift anytime soon, (no shade to Taylor - it’s just not her vibe) but it has been interesting to witness a teen practice the mental exercise of what if there is something here and I’m just not ready for it.
Attempting this lens with political figures yields hilarious results by the way.
We’ve been having fun with it.
When I step back and think about what we are actually engaging in with this experiment, the state of neutrality becomes clear. Approaching something this way yields curiosity instead of judgment. There is potential here. Something is opened up instead of closed down. There is space to play and this seems like an ideally creative place to operate from. Also, it can get hilarious pretty quickly and amusement is one of the best states for moving energy and of course cultivating creativity.
I’m adding this idea to my underground stream or baseline that I wrote about last week. Just going to let it fun there underneath for a while and see what it yields. Don’t be too surprised if I am offering a whole training soon on the expansive effect of the Red Hot Chili Peppers :)
xxx
LAS
SOLAR TRANSIT
5-27-24
Gate 16
Gate of Skills
As the sun journeys through Gate 16, the Gate of Skills, on May 27, it signals a celestial shift inviting you to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery. This transit prompts introspection into your talents, skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to mastery, emphasizing that true excellence lies not in perfection but in dedicated growth and resilience.
Gate 16 embodies expertise and leaves an enduring impact through the mastery of one's craft. However, it can also manifest as perfectionism or hiding one's true self due to unresolved shame, leading to fixation on correctness or procrastination.
To harness the transformative potential of Gate 16, it's essential to recognize and address patterns of frustration or disappointment, redirecting energy towards the pursuit of mastery rather than perfectionism. Embracing resilience and continuous growth fosters a lifelong journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on a skill or talent you possess that brings you joy. How can you cultivate and further develop this skill, focusing on growth rather than perfection?
2. Explore a time when you felt pressured to be perfect in a certain aspect of your life. How did this pressure impact your journey towards mastery, and what lessons did you learn from it?
3. Consider a project or endeavor you've been hesitating to pursue due to fear of imperfection. What steps can you take to overcome this fear and embrace the journey of continuous growth and learning?
4. Reflect on a recent experience of frustration or disappointment. How might redirecting your energy towards the pursuit of mastery, rather than perfectionism, have changed the outcome or your perception of the situation?
This transit emphasizes that true excellence is found in dedicated growth and resilience rather than perfectionism. While Gate 16 embodies expertise, it can also manifest as perfectionism or hiding one's true self due to unresolved shame. To harness its transformative potential, individuals are encouraged to redirect energy towards mastery, addressing any patterns of frustration or disappointment along the way. Embracing resilience and continuous growth fosters a fulfilling lifelong journey of self-discovery.
NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it below.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though I am afraid that I am not fulfilling my life purpose, I now choose to relax and take focus away from perfection knowing I am in the right place at the right time and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
SOLAR TRANSIT
6-1-24
Gate 35
Gate of Change
On June 1, the sun gracefully moves through Gate 35, also known as the Gate of Change, marking a celestial shift that beckons you to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery. Gate 35 extends an invitation, offering a unique opportunity to delve deep into your inner realm, with a specific focus on the spirit of adventure, emotional exploration, and continuous learning.
As the sun illuminates Gate 35 you are tasked with the opportunity to contemplate curiosity as a powerful force, infusing life with the magic of discovery and embracing every moment as an opportunity for growth.
This transit may manifest as boredom and impatience, leading to a quest for stimulation through various means like excessive indulgence in pleasure, distractions, or information overload. These tendencies can hinder genuine learning and emotional depth.
To experience the expansion of Gate 35, immerse yourself in adventures that evoke genuine emotions and challenge your boundaries. Embrace the courage to pursue the experiences you truly desire, allowing yourself to explore the depths of your emotions without fear or inhibition. By engaging authentically with life's adventures, you can unlock profound lessons and enrich your journey of self-discovery.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on a recent adventure or experience that evoked strong emotions within you. How did this experience contribute to your personal growth and understanding of yourself?
2. Explore a time when you felt bored or impatient with aspects of your life. What activities or experiences did you seek out in response, and what did you learn from these moments?
3. Consider the role of curiosity in your life. How can you cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences, even in mundane or routine situations?
4. Reflect on a recent learning experience that challenged your existing beliefs or perspectives. How did you approach this opportunity for growth, and what insights did you gain from the process?
The Sun's transit through Gate 35 on June 1 prompts a journey of self-discovery, urging exploration of curiosity, adventure, and learning. Beware of boredom and impatience, which may lead to seeking superficial stimulation, hindering genuine growth. Embrace authentic experiences and delve into emotions fearlessly to enrich your journey.NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it below.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though in the past I struggled to stay focused and move forward, I now choose to trust myself and take the next actions toward my dream and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
THE CREATIVE
Welcome to The Creative. Twice a month I share quotes from the books, Art is the Highest Form of Hope and The Creative Act. I find perspectives on the creative process to be so meta when it comes to life. We are a creative process and everything we do is subject to the same rules. Creation is non-linear. It's messy. It moves forward and backward. And also gets stuck. Oftentimes we do not realize the purpose of a singular creative process until years later. Creativity likes to surprise us.
“I am the painter of space.” - Yves Klein.
I’ve been working with quite a few Mentorship clients who are in the middle of a variety of long term large scale creative projects. I absolutely love bearing witness to this kind of work. It’s always such an honor to be invited in to support and also help critique creative works in progress.
Working with experts is an endlessly interesting pursuit. There is a refinement that is very hard to replicate without experience. As I’ve often written, I wish there was a way to cut this line. There’s just not. The work my clients are creating, whether product, literature, brand pitches, or fine art, becomes less about adding or building and more about taking away. Experts live in the realm of understanding the essence of something and being prepared to express it. The work becomes about subtraction. Making decisions about what is beautiful and also necessary.
I wonder if there is anything more subtractive than the idea of simply coloring space. Yves Klein has filled in space so brilliantly throughout his career. We can all imagine the exact color blue associated with his name and the simple shapes he allows it to inhabit. A color so impactful that a simple shape is all it takes to translate the essence.
GEMINI SEASON
Gemini Season embodies the intellectual and communicative qualities of the air element, fostering curiosity and innovation in the cosmic tapestry. With a light-hearted and adaptable approach, Gemini values new ideas and collective contribution, serving as the communicators of the zodiac. This Season brings wisdom through exploration and connection, embracing change and refinement as pathways to growth. Ruled by Mercury and residing in the 3rd House, Gemini emphasizes thought, communication, and local interactions. Here, personal opinions and expressions are shaped, influencing relationships with siblings, neighbors, and the local community. Mercury, the cosmic messenger, guides Gemini's intellect and expression, facilitating the exchange of ideas and insights. In this season of versatility and adaptability, embrace the mutable energy of Gemini, navigating the realms of thought, communication, and personal expression with fluidity and grace.
The versatile energy of Gemini Season can lead to dynamic and innovative outcomes. Embrace Gemini's curiosity and adaptability to explore new ideas and approaches. Brainstorm, collaborate, and communicate effectively with colleagues or clients, fostering a stimulating exchange of ideas. The communicative prowess to network, negotiate, and connect with others in your industry is present this Season. Seek versatility and flexibility in your strategies, remaining open to change and adaptation as needed. Intellectual agility and imaginative flair can fuel your projects with fresh perspectives and creative solutions. Experimentation and exploration, will allow your creativity to flow freely and adapt as inspiration strikes. Gemini season offers an ideal opportunity to infuse your work with curiosity, innovation, and a spirit of intellectual curiosity.
