Introspection

We have to stop using the excuse, "that's just me" or "that's just how they are" to accept people with clear material character defects. At some point, "just me" and "just them" needs to become introspective and evolve into something better. 

Photos by Darrin Baldrige  

I am currently at leadership training for work, and self examining has been a reoccurring topic--surprisingly, I have yet to grow tired of the subject. In my opinion, introspection is important. Often times when we look at ourselves, we see ourselves as what we want to be versus what we really are. I think diving into the layers of our existence and being introspective keeps us honest and helps us identify the areas we need to grow most in. 

I've observed, that it easy for people (myself included) to identify the good in themselves but calling out weaknesses, is another story. Truly looking at ourselves takes courage. I get it, we see mistakes and missed opportunities. But if we remind ourselves that life is a journey and with the right amount of time and pressure, coals can became diamonds- introspection becomes our tool of choice.  **Warning though**, we should be careful with this tool. Sometimes I think I am being introspective and in reality I am being over analytical. We can be our own worst critics, so we have to be conscious that when we self examine we are doing it in a constructive manner.

Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology the process of introspection relies exclusively on observation of one's mental state, while in a spiritual context it may refer to the examination of one's soul. To me, being introspective is the act of looking within and self evaluating, I think it's an act that everyone human should practice. 

No one, I mean no one on this earth is perfect and realizing that is half of the battle. However, as stated above our imperfections are not allowable excuses for us to  repeatedly make poor decisions or to hurt others. So to avoid being a shi%%y complacent person, be a constructive introspective. Constantly ask yourself, "How's my psyche, how's my soul?"  

The Lion in You

Astrology is the ancient belief that a person’s destiny can be found in the pattern of the stars and planets at the time of one’s birth. The “horoscope” is the chart that attempts to describe that destiny. While, I've never been one to constantly attribute every aspect of a person's character and life's outcome to their zodiac sign, I must admit I find astrology to be very interesting. 

However, If you are anything like me and were raised in Southern Baptist Church, you probably had a fear of researching astrology because it was perceived as witchcraft and a first class ticket to hell. On the contrary, if you are anything like me, you are probably no longer apart of institutions like that and you are now most likely free to define what spirituality looks like to you, think with an open mind, and maybe even look up your zodiac sign.  

Personally, if I have a need to understand perplexing situations in my life, I don't run to astrology first because I know that "there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets", but I do believe signs and seasons can effect and dictate certain behavior. "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years."

Welp if you haven't guessed it yet, I am a leo. Leo is the fifth zodiac sign. Leos tend to be dignified and strong, and it is this sense of power that allows us to get things done. We consider ourselves indispensable at times and this arrogance can cause us to be overbearing or autocratic. However, the thing I identify most with and enjoy most about being a leo is our creativity and boldness. Lions are symbols of strength, courage, and royalty. In a recent photo shoot with Darrin, I tried to embody that fierce spirit of a Lioness. 

Another Art Exhibit Post- The 14th Factory

The 14th Factory is a monumental, multiple-media, socially engaged art and documentary experience conceived by the Hong Kong-based British artist Simon Birch. The exhibit is located in an abandoned wharehouse on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles. For the last few months I've seen several post about the exhibit and this weekend I finally had the opportunity to attend. The exhibit gave me Kanye West MBDTF, Frank Ocean Nostalgia Ultra, and Back to the Future vibes (See pictures below to see how I came up with those references). 

The experience challenges the current political climate by celebrating creative diversity, unity and the act of overcoming obstacles and challenges as a global society through sculptures, paintings, and video. I definitely suggest it if you are in the LA area!