Just Keep Swimming.

Wherever I live, I make sure it’s close to a swimming pool. I gravitate towards large, outdoor pools with abundant lap swim lanes and once discovered, a part of me relaxes. It feels like coming home, diving into the clear water and seeing the familiar black line that has always kept me aligned. I grew up a swimmer so the water feels like my second home. Recently I was introduced to Lisa Congdon’s book “The Joy of Swimming: A Celebration of Our Love for Getting In the Water,” and she sums up the relationship between art and swimming so eloquently:

“There has always been a fixed and steady connection for me between art making and swimming. Both of these passions require similar things of me: enormous discipline and a unique form of endurance. They also provide motivation and direction in my life like no other pursuits.

Like art making, swimming is at the same time a rigorous exercise and also a form of play. It is also for many people a source of energy, vitality, and healing. Water wakes us up and holds us in times of distress or change. It allows the awkward to move with grace, the heavy to feel light, and the disabled to feel accomplished. It is an emotional blanket in times of recovery and vulnerability.”

— Lisa Congdon, The Joy of Swimming

So here’s to the swimmers and the artists (that’s YOU!) out there. We all know the hardest part is putting on our suit, bracing ourselves against the cold, walking along the freezing cold pool deck and getting IN the pool. Once we’re in, we’re good. The hardest part for artists is getting started and facing the fear that it ‘might not work’ and just making the thing anyways.

Just keep swimming. And making art. One lap, one brushstroke, one sentence.

But first you have to jump in.

The Alchemy of Friendship.

I love the alchemy of friendship- each person unlocks a different part of ourselves that only comes alive in their presence. So meeting a new friend is like meeting a new part of yourself. A unique side of yourself that emerges only in their presence.

With Roena, I come up with rap songs on the fly and do hip-hop dances in the aisles of Daiso. The playful way she approaches her life is a breath of fresh air. She swings the door open to my goofy, childlike side which feels so freeing. With Praveena, my understanding of spirituality is deepened. When I’m with her, I desire to be more self-aware and kind because of the way she lives her life. She unlocks the part of me that craves being more intentional, grounded, and mindful. With Cat, I’m inspired to look at the world through a different lens and make art across a wide variety of mediums. She has expanded my definition of what art can do for the world by the way she uses her projects for social and political change. And with Jeannie, it’s resilience. I’m reminded how we can stay rooted but not stunted or stuck. We can grow and bravely spread our branches high in the sky for all that is yet to be.

I love this. How we meet the endless parts of ourselves through the sweet fusion with others. How through time, we cultivate the best parts of ourselves by spending time with those people who call those parts out. Like invisible hands, molding us with love into who we are today.

The Forest Will Make You Happy.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

If you’re apathetic or uninspired- get into nature.

If you feel disconnected or lonely- get into nature.

If you’re overwhelmed or anxious- get into nature.

Marvel at the intricacies of a spider’s web. Stand beneath the tower of giant Redwoods. Witness the beauty of cycles and seasons, and the sacred way that death fertilizes the next generation of life. How new life springs unexpectedly from the cracks of fallen tree trunks as if to say, “See? You thought there was nothing left here. But we are just beginning!”

If you want to feel astonishment at being alive, to be reminded of the miracle that you are, to experience the consciousness of the universe, go to the forest. It WILL make you happy. And break you open to feel and listen and remember who you are- part of a bigger and interconnected whole.

A Beginner's Mind.

One of my favorite pieces from this year’s 100 Day Project.

Art is teaching me the beauty of approaching everything with an open mind. In particular, alcohol ink has been a tangible medium to practice allowing things to unfold naturally. As with anything self-taught, there’s a certain freedom and naivety that comes with not knowing the rules, and participating in the dance between your intuition, your hands, your heart in combination with the ink, alcohol, and airflow. Allowing things to settle, trusting the process. Being ok with being a beginner and learning as you go. There’s a certain sacredness and playfulness that dance together in this space. When’s the last time you tried something new?

I’ve dropped the word ‘passion’ and have adopted the mindset of ‘following my curiosity’- it helps me lean into the steady goodness of making things that I care about, staying open, and creating without pressure. Sometimes it helps to be gentler with your callings, your seasons, and allow them to flow seamlessly into each other. To relax into the comfort of being a beginner- ready to learn, eager to try, and open to what unfolds.

Micro-bravery.

Fear and excitement elicit the same physiological response in the body- increased heart rate, sweating, nervous tension. My relationship with fear changed when I intentionally began to cultivate a better relationship with BRAVERY.

When we choose to dance outside our comfort zone, we are really practicing micro-bravery. These small actions we once classified as *scary* are in fact opportunities to practice bravery. And in doing so, we open ourselves up to new experiences of excitement, curiosity, anticipation, and exhilaration.

I’ve been intentionally practicing small acts of micro-bravery every week to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable. To quell the lizard brain and teach it that not everything is to be feared. Not everything is a threat. By continually and practicing small acts of micro-bravery, I’ve learned to ask for what I need, share my work, and most recently, say yes to new opportunities that are taking me WAY outside of my comfort zone (hello, illustrating and designing wedding invitations!).

Micro-bravery can be blocking off your schedule and not taking meetings during lunch hour, agreeing to present and share your knowledge with a group, or meeting that person for drinks after work. It can be selling your art for the first time, or posting your real, deep thoughts on a big platform. It can be doing The 100 Day Project that begins on April 2nd!

Cheers to the ways we inoculate ourselves from fear by consistently and consciously practicing micro-bravery. May we all bravely continue to pursue our “MUST”. What are some ways that you practice micro-bravery in your life?

36 Questions For Creatives.

A few years ago, the New York Times published an article titled, “The 36 Questions That Lead to Love.” This list of 36 questions begins broadly and increasingly becomes more personal, fostering vulnerability between partners. The original research was conducted by psychologist Arthur Aron at Stony Brook University. He split participants up into two groups. One group was divided into pairs who small-talked with each other for 45 minutes. The other group was split into pairs and received a list of 36 questions. By moving through these sets of specific questions (each set of questions encourages more openness and vulnerability), this allowed each person to be more fully seen by their partner, resulting in a more authentic and deeper connection.

I’ve answered these 36 questions with long-time friends in the past, and each time it’s a beautiful experience that allows me to see them in a much deeper and intimate level. (It’s not just useful for romantic relationships!)

Back in January, my friend Prasun (who happens to be a musician, songwriter, engineer, artist, and all-around creative) and I re-wrote our own set of questions. 36 questions for CREATIVES. We’re compiling answers, so if you feel inspired to leave your feedback on any (or all!) of them, please feel free to email me at julianne@juliannekanzaki.com or leave them in the comments below.

36 QUESTIONS FOR CREATIVES

1. If you could collaborate with any artist on a project, who would be it? Why?

2. What is your earliest memory of making something that you were proud of?

3. When did you first experience Imposter Syndrome?

4. What are things, people, or places that fill your creative well?

5. Describe your ideal day as a creative.

6. How do you define success?

7. How have you changed as an artist in the past five years?

8. If you were to be remembered by only one piece/work of yours, what would you choose and why?

9. What advice would you give your younger artist self?

10. Do you have certain rituals that help you enter into a flow state?

11. Who are three artists that have influenced you and your work the most?

12. If you were stuck on a deserted island with only one medium to create with, what would it be?

13. What was your childhood like? How did your environment growing up influence your art and creative process?

14. What colors would symbolize your last 3 years as an artist? Perhaps pick a color for each of those years.

15. What are some books that have influenced your work?

16. How has social media affected your work and your creative process?

17. What emotional state do you find is the catalyst for your most creative work?

18. How do you prevent distractions?

19. Describe your working environment. What would be your most ideal environment for creating your art?

20. How has your work changed in the last year?

21. How have you changed in the last year?

22. How do you overcome the Resistance?

23. How do you handle the naysayers/the haters? How do you protect yourself from criticism that does not enhance your work?

24. Who do you most trust to critique your work? Do you have a trusted group?

25. What is the most useful $100 purchase that has helped/enhanced your art/process?

26. What are some ways you invest in your own growth?

27. Whose work did you study when you were starting out in your craft?

28. How do you know when you are done with a piece?

29. Your studio is on fire! You can only save one piece. Which one do you choose and why?

30. What was the most painful experience in your life? What art did you create from this experience?

31. Do you experience creative blocks? How do you work through them?

32. What is one piece of advice you’d share with your younger artist self?

33. Alternate sharing positive attributes on your partner’s creative work. What do you admire about their work?

34. What does being a creative mean to you?

35. Take a few minutes and share your artistic journey with your partner.

36. What are you most excited about creating in this coming year?

70 Days of Yoga.

At the end of last year, a dear friend asked me to join her beginning on January 1st for a daily “Yoga with Adriene” practice for the entire month of January. This was not only a commitment to my friend, but also to myself. Show up, show up, show up is a mantra I’ve practiced in regards to creativity/art within my 100 Day Projects, but showing up to the mat each evening after a long day of work was a new commitment that I was curious to explore.

Let’s be honest. I can bust out a yoga pose on top of a mountain, but I was far from having a regular yoga practice. It’s only now that I am beginning to understand the complexities and nuances that occur between the breath, body, and mind that only reveal themselves through a consistent practice.

Today marks Day 70. We didn’t stop on January 31st. We continued through February, and now through March. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned (so far) along this journey:

1. Accept What Is. And What Isn’t.

   Some days I could easily balance on one foot, and other days I was unstable and wobbling around. Accepting where my body was in that moment, on that day, was also an opportunity to practice self-compassion. With a daily practice I could clearly observe how my body changes day to day. One evening I could feel energized, sturdy and strong, while other days I felt shaky and uncoordinated. Instead of responding with my knee-jerk reaction of self-judgement, I am learning to be curious and gently ask myself, “That’s interesting. I wonder why my balance is so different today from yesterday? Was it because of my long run? Am I well-rested and getting enough sleep?”

   This concept of ‘accepting what is and what isn’t’ also revealed itself in my personal relationships. Instead of trying to change another person, adopting the mindset of gentle acceptance and compassion transformed my perspective, allowing me to release expectations and move towards others who more genuinely reflect my own values.

2. Notice the Asymmetry. Then Approach the Neglected Side with TLC.

   When you do asanas on both your right and left sides, it’s always interesting to see how one side feels different from the other. Maybe your right side is always noticeably tighter and less flexible than your left side. In life as well, rarely are things in perfect balance. Usually one part of life demands more of our attention, and other areas are neglected. I’ve learned to give that particular side (of my body, and also in my life), a little more TLC and time. Giving it more attention, space, and time allows it to release held tension, soften, and open up. Sometimes the parts of our life that cause us the most pain, discomfort, and tension are actually just asking for some much-needed attention and care.

3. There Is Power In the Breath.

   In vinyasa, I’ve learned that each time I inhale, it’s a new beginning. A fresh start. With every exhale, it’s a letting go. An empyting out. This daily yoga practice has taught me the power of my own breath and its effect on my physiology. I’ve been tuning into my body’s cues. When I feel a sense of negativity rush through my body, I breathe it out. I have unraveled on the mat, tears streaming down my face feeling the sweet surrender and forgiveness and letting go of all toxicity. I have inhaled the goodness of all the positive people in my life, inhaled the joy of new experiences, inhaled the feeling of fresh beginnings and felt that rush of life force and energy. There is power in the breath.

Yoga has been my beautiful teacher in these past 70 days. Whether or not you decide to roll out your mat, I hope you show up for yourself each day in a special way. That’s why I practice. May we always accept what is, and what isn’t. May we tend to the parts of ourselves that need attention and TLC, and may we never underestimate the power of our own breath.

Intentions for 2019.

May this year be filled with self-discovery and growth.

I hope you move your body in new ways and explore cities and places that have always intrigued you.

I hope you talk to someone who doesn’t look like you or who you may think you share nothing in common with, and discover all the similarities you share as human beings.

I hope this is the year you take classes or lessons in the things you’ve always been curious about.

I hope if you’re a night owl that you experience the solitude and calm beauty of a sunrise, and if you’re a morning person that you experience the energy, buzz, and excitement of the nightlife.

I hope you make new things and adopt a beginner’s mindset. All masters started out once as beginners.

I hope you have the courage to have those difficult and uncomfortable conversations, because on the other side is emotional freedom.

I hope on your hardest, worst days that you speak to yourself like a good friend- with tenderness, empathy, and compassion.

I hope this is the year you tune out the nonsense and tune into your true essence. 

Blessings,

Julianne

Follow Your Bliss.

When I think back on the past two years, I can honestly say that the largest ‘joy-sparkers’ were those that piqued my interest and curiosity. It all started with getting still and quiet enough to listen to my intuition. One of my favorite quotes is from Ursula Le Guin- “The creative adult is the child who has survived.” As a child, I loved to paint, make pop-up cards, perform tap dance in front of relatives during family gatherings, and write letters to summer camp pen-pals and my teachers. Recently when I was designing a custom pop-up card for a friend, I felt so incredibly joyful. It was so visceral- and at that moment I realized I was tapping into my childhood love and bliss of making things. Namely, 3-D art.

I get it. Life is busy. As a Type 3 Enneagram, it’s never easy to break my habit of putting aside my to-do list and cultivating more space to just tap into solitude. But I am learning how integral and necessary solitude is for happiness and well-being.

Solitude is necessary for deep creative work.

Solitude is necessary to hear what your heart is telling you in a quiet, subtle way.

Solitude is necessary to strip yourself from the ‘shoulds’ of your life and tap into more things that feel like play. Things that bring you joy. Things that feel like bliss.

Newest card design available in my SHOP!

For now, bliss means brush lettering, composing on my keyboard, learning new chords on my ukulele, closing doors to certain opportunities in order to make room for exciting coaching plans in 2019. It means deep-diving into digital art, surrounding myself with mentors, and booking retreats for 2019. I am excited and ready for all that already is, and will be, in 2019. How will you cultivate more deliberate space and solitude into your life? How will you follow your bliss in 2019?

The Invitation.

“It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain!I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!”

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.”

-Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Nourish Bowls.

As the weather gets chillier, windier and more rainy in these fall/winter months, those who identify predominantly with the vata dosha can easily find themselves feeling unbalanced, scattered, anxious, and more prone to dryness and cold.

Roasted carrots, roasted butternut squash, roasted beets and brussel sprouts, red lentils/quinoa, and sauteed kale with avocado.

Nourish bowls have recently become an integral part of my meals, and I’ve found that transitioning more to warm, cooked foods has helped me feel more grounded and aided with my digestion. And they just taste so darn GOOD, so it’s essentially a win-win.

Roasted brussel sprouts, roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, quinoa/red lentils with kale, pea shoots, sauerkraut, and avocado.

To save time during the week, I choose one day to make a large batch of quinoa and red lentils. Essentially it’s just 1 cup dry quinoa and 1 cup split red lentils boiled in 4 cups of vegetable broth. I add a dash of turmeric, cumin, mustard seeds, ground fennel, and cook it until the liquid has been absorbed. I’ve been adding kale or red chard at the end of the cooking cycle. From there, I’ll put together whatever other vegetables I’ve roasted- beets, brussel sprouts, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, delicata squash….the possibilities are endless.

Today’s creation- roasted delicata squash with a splash of balsamic finish, roasted beets, roasted cauliflower, quinoa/red lentils with sauteed baby chard, kale, and the fresh beet greens.

When I batch cook and roast my vegetables, it sets me up for success during the rest of the week. I merely put together my own nourish bowl ingredients and heat them up for a deliciously warm, nutritious and balanced meals throughout the week. Let me know what combos you’re inspired to try! The possibilities are endless.