Hip Hop: A Surprising Entry Point to Mindfulness with Alexa + Edreys from Eat off Art

Healthy Illness

Ep. 104 Kelly Marie continues her conversation with visual artists Edreys and Alexa Wajed. They share their own experiences with mindfulness and offer practical tips for incorporating it into daily life. They also discuss the significance of cultural icons like Lil Jon and Andre 3000 embracing mindfulness practices.

The conversation picks up from last week, effortlessly flowing into topics such as mindfulness in relationships and the unique intersection of mindfulness and black cultural identity. Alexa and Edreys share their insights on using creative outlets as means of self-discovery and healing, recalling memories of their own childhood creativity as avenues to reconnect with their inner selves. Kelly Marie, feeling inspired by their words, reflects on how embracing youthful creativity aids in her professional and personal journey, especially in navigating the complex world of mental health advocacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindfulness and art can serve as powerful tools for self-expression and personal wellness, allowing one to reconnect with their true self.
• Creative activities, such as doodling or playing with Legos, are not just restorative hobbies but are essential for maintaining a sane mind amidst challenging discussions on race and health disparities.
• Practicing mindfulness involves recognizing and cherishing small, present moments, leading to greater peace and clarity in everyday life.
• It's important to identify and embrace resources that resonate with you and your cultural identity, even when they come from unconventional sources.
• Staying true to oneself in various aspects of life, whether professional or personal, can lead to substantial shifts in mindset and opportunities.

Resources:

• Eat Off Art: A collaboration of artists, educators, and entrepreneurs working for community empathy.
• Cultrue, Inc.: An initiative aimed at making arts accessible for healing.
• Kelly's Review of Lil Jon's Total Meditation Album Review

Mental Health Resources:

• 211: National service for local resources (via phone or online).
• 988: National helpline for immediate mental health support.

🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC

📲 Instagram @thefrontseatlife FB @thefrontseatlife, Email [email protected]

🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros

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About the Guests:

Husband and Wife team Edreys Wajed and Alexa Wajed, co-founders of Eat Off Art and Culture, Inc. are a creative duo with a focus on mindfulness and art. They are particularly known for providing tools that allow people to reclaim moments of stillness and creativity in their busy lives. Both have a background rich in artistic endeavors and have made significant contributions to conversations about mindfulness, individuality, and cultural identity.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction to the Healthy illness podcast

0:01:33 Using art to be creative and recharge

0:02:49 Showing up as your authentic self

0:04:10 Being selective with who you let into your life

0:06:25 Infusing mindfulness in daily life

0:07:24 Being present and aware of the world around you

0:08:47 Finding mindfulness in little moments

0:10:57 Lil John's meditation album

0:15:29 The album is not for everyone, but it serves a specific group

0:17:12 Hip hop artists like Lil John and Andre 3000 are introducing mindfulness to new audiences

0:18:23 The importance of healing and mindfulness in the black and brown community

0:19:30 More people are recognizing the need for mindfulness and self-care

0:20:16 Resources and helplines for those in need of support

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