Category: creativity

creativity

Wonder: The music in you

Christa Avampato

heartbeat“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche

A lot of people tell me they wish they could meditate, but they just can’t sit there. They can’t be silent. And then I tell them they don’t have to be. They actually can’t be. There’s plenty of music in all of us to keep us company.

There is something amazing about tuning into the music inside of us. The beat of our hearts, the coursing of our blood through our veins, the rhythm of our footsteps, and even the whirring of our minds all carry music in them. When I sit down to meditate every day, that’s the music I hear. That’s my focus. And it can be yours, too. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the unique music that is you.

creativity

Wonder: How to rediscover the light

Christa Avampato

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“Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness, and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.” ~Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott is one of my very favorite authors. I like her sass, crankiness, and craziness as much as I adore her poetry and poignancy. Her thoughts on faith are particularly inspiring. I’m not a religious person. I don’t go to any kind of house of worship (except to see art and architecture), and I don’t consider myself to be of any denomination. I do believe in the goodness of people and the wisdom of the universe. I do believe we are all connected and the very best we can do on this plane is to take care of each other.

Sometimes life leaves us shaking our heads. It leaves us confused and bewildered. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do people who behave badly often seem to skate by unscathed? Why is there violence, cruelty, loss, narcissism, and on occasion, massive disappointment? I don’t know any of those answers, though I do know this: the light returns. Always, always, always. The scene that the light illuminates is undoubtedly different after any kind of major emotional event, and it will be seen.

I often hate the mess of life. It can leave us gutted and uncomfortable. In those moments, I sit. I breathe. I listen to the beat of my heart. I remind myself that all over the world every living being is experiencing that same rhythm of life, whether they know it or not. If we can tune our senses to that oneness, then I find that we can bounce back from anything. Braver, wiser, and with more compassion than ever. We become the light.

 

creativity

Wonder: Snowcrew.org

Christa Avampato

I’m happily snowed into my adorable, cozy apartment this weekend. Plenty of delicious food, lots of creative projects brewing, and, of course, my sweet dog, Phineas. I’m lucky and I know it. Many are not. If you have a desire to get some exercise and help a neighbor manage through the blizzard this weekend and once it’s all over, check out Snowcrew.org. You can volunteer to help dig out neighbors in your city and even right in your neighborhood. If you need help getting your sidewalk or steps shoveled, you can request help right on the site, too. Grab a shovel, lend a hand, and warm a heart. Let’s get through this together!

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Snowcrew.org
creativity

Wonder: Grace Potter and the Magical Midnight Roadshow

Christa Avampato
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My photo of Grace Potter at 9:30 Club – an artist at work

I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Grace Potter and the Magical Midnight Roadshow last night at 9:30 Club. It’s such a joy to be in the presence of someone who is so comfortable being exactly who they are. She is a ball of wild and wonderful energy, and she took every person in that sold out audience with her. I couldn’t help but dance from beginning to end. There’s something about her voice and her music that just moves you, leads you into new places you never knew you could go. I’m so glad I took the ride all the way to the end. (Huge thanks to my pal, Josh, for introducing me to her live shows!)

creativity

Wonder: Decide that now is your time

Christa Avampato

b40cc749bf88672c15e6a7b015b8f510I saw a friend earlier this week who had a tough 2015. I can empathize. I did, too. But here’s what I’ve decided: this year, 2016, is my year. I’ve got some work to do to make that happen, but I’m going to do it. I’m going to make it happen. If 2015 was tough for you, too, I’ll make you a deal. Let’s dust ourselves off and get started on making 2016 amazing. This is our year. Deal? Deal.

creativity

Wonder: Fall in love with your path

Christa Avampato
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Clifton Ross III

“You’ve got to fall in love with your path.” ~Clifton Ross III

On Monday, I went to Eatonville’s celebration of Martin Luther King Day with special guests Clifton Ross III and the Howard University Gospel Choir. Clifton spoke about his challenges getting through college at Howard University and his winding career in music. “You’ve got to fall in love with your path,” he said. I couldn’t agree more. There’s a temptation for us to compare our journeys to the journeys of others. You are unique and so is your path.Revel in that. March to the beat of your own drummer. Enjoy the view. Do things your way on your terms, and love every moment of it. That’s the only work we ever really have to do.

creativity

Wonder: We can find unity through music

Christa Avampato

Here’s a beautiful display of the power of music to unite us: the black acapella group Naturally 7​ & Jewish acapella group The Maccabees​ collaborated on a rendition of the James Taylor​ song, Shed a Little Light, commemorating Dr. King at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This kind of work gives me hope that with all the problems we face in the world, we can stand side-by-side, raise our voices, and make a difference together.

creativity

Wonder: Embrace your inner weirdo

Christa Avampato

I saw this cartoon yesterday and it made me smile for so many reasons. We spend so much time trying to fit in and belong. I wonder what would happen if instead we embraced what makes us weird and different, what makes us stand out. And what if we encouraged and celebrated what makes others weird and different? Maybe then we could really see that what makes us different doesn’t divide us, but rather unites us. Let’s be weird. Let’s be awesome.

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creativity

Wonder: A message from street art

Christa Avampato

I love when I find just the message I need exactly when I need it, especially when that image is packaged in art. Thanks, Universe. Stay humble.

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creativity

Wonder: Behind-the-scenes at DC’s Union Market

Christa Avampato

On Friday night, I joined a meetup group to get a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Union Market. That area of northeast DC had been a bustling area of the city for a century before it fell into decay in the 1960s. About 10 years ago, just as I was leaving the city to go to grad school at UVA, this area started to be revitalized and Union Market is now a magnet for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

The premise of Union Market is a food incubator, allowing enterprising people to launch a food-based business for a fraction of the price it usually costs to enter the market. These startups are varied and thriving—from brothers who own a knife sharpening business to bakeries to a 1950s-style soda shop to spice vendors to seafood to BBQ—Union Market is showcasing the very best of DC’s future food scene.

The aromas and visuals were stunning, though what really got me was the energy, the spirit of the place. Customers were smiling, laughing, and chatting. Business owners were happily cooking and serving up love on many plates and in many glasses. Union Market is a place rich in possibility, and that is a wonderful thing.