Do you have something deep down that you want to express? Something that you know in your heart and soul that you must share with the world? These expressions come in the form of art, music, or even business. Are you creating yours?

In this episode, we’re connecting with Erica Wexler and she’s going to explain why, for her, it’s “Expression or Depression.” Erica is a badass oil painter, a beautifully deep soul, and one of my favorite humans to share a laugh with. Her story and perseverance are completely inspiring to me. Erica tenaciously works towards building a life on her terms, she has overcome unimaginable adversity, and still finds a way to be a shining light in any space she holds. We’ll discuss her creative flow; she’ll talk about the ups, the downs, and the hows of being a “full-time” painter; and she’ll tell us why she feels it’s expression and authenticity OR death— because art is truly her therapy. Erica and I have known each other for a couple years now, and every time I see her, I only find more depth and more love within her. She says that stepping into her soul’s true path has brought her to her “soul-fam,” and I believe that because I know it’s what brought us together.

I’m excited to share just a bit of this soul-fam’s magic!

Erica Wexler Show Notes:

(2:38) Garrett and Erica discuss meeting in Joshua Tree, running into each other in Los Angeles, and reminisce their magical time in the jungle of Costa Rica
(4:15) Erica talks about the duality found in her art and the message that inspires her
(7:02) Erica explains how every day leads to different forms and ways of expression; Sometimes it comes through in paint and sometimes it comes through in words & poetry
(10:13) Erica reveals how painting has taught her “The more you let go, the more it will flow”, as well as her practices that help maintain her flow
(11:11) “You have to keep expressing yourself no matter what- It’s expression or depression” -Erica
(12:00) Erica shares how losing 3 close people in her life to suicide lead her to becoming a full-time artist. She asks, “What’s important?”
(15:41) The soul’s path & the motivation behind Erica’s expression
(16:20) Garrett and Erica share their similar beliefs about money as an energy
(17:43) The premiere of Garrett’s sister Ingrid’s singing affirmation about money— “Money’s just energy, when I need it then I have it; just flows to me…”
(18:43) “The War of Art” - Steven Pressfield is brought up
(19:37) Erica discusses the resistance that sometimes comes with following her soul’s path and how she pushes through
(20:13) “So, I’m gonna have that determination of not giving up no matter what and that resistance is not going to get in my way...I get knocked down- I’ll get right back up again...You want me to jump over hoops? How many?...Keep ’em coming. Just let me have a water break every once and a while...and a bowl.” LOL - Erica
(21:24) Garrett shares his views on using Instagram as a positive tool
(22:22) Garrett and Erica discuss how following your soul’s path will, in-turn, attract your soulmates
(24:15) Erica shares the various avenues she uses to promote, sell, and share her art
(29:06) Erica provides personal practices to stay with her intention and in her flow (nature, music, life experiences + inspiring photos and art)
(30:34) Different music genres for creation: Tupac, Bones Thugs N Harmony, DirtWire, Polish Ambassador, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, Led Zeplin…
(33:45) Erica shares how being “people-pleasing” and going against your” authentic self” can stunt your creative flow and make you end up somewhere you don’t want to be
(38:57) Shout out to Jedi and Sophie for being such good doggies for almost the whole podcast!
(40:00) Erica’s three truths: 1) Be authentic 2) Be connected to spirit and yourself 3) Connect with others
(40:44) Erica and Garrett discuss spirit animals (Dolphins, Dragonflies, and Hummingbirds)

Download This Podcast:

itunes

Google Play

Spotify

Stitcher

Connect with Erica Wexler:

Website: www.ericawexlerart.com

Instagram: @ericawexler

YouTube: Erica Wexler

Facebook: Erica Wexler

I’m pretty pumped about this episode because we are connecting with my favorite musician Alex King-Harris aka Rara Avis (latin for “Rare Bird”). Alex is truly a dedicated master of his craft with over 20 years in production and performance. He has been a long time collaborator with with Craig Kohland and Amani Friend on the Shaman’s Dream, Desert Dwellers, and Liquid Bloom. He has carved a space for himself where electronic underground, yoga, and ecstatic dance music collide.

Within the music industry, you will find all different types of people. Some people make music to share their story and some make music to sell records. In this episode, we're connecting with Rara Avis who makes his music to heal. Heal himself and heal others. You'll hear how a severe car accident sent Rara on a life-long journey to learn about vibration, musical theory, and the history of music around the world. All aiding him in the creation of his own unique sound that heals and aligns our mind, body, and spirit.

He is also CEO and Co-Founder of YogiTunes.com, a world wide streaming and download service that focuses on delivering top quality sound tracks for yoga and other wellness activities.

I came across Rara Avis and his music during a huge shift in my life. When I was in the start-up phases of the healthcare company that I helped create, his music was the one thing that I could turn on to slow me down and bring me back to center. His music was such a big catalyst to my commitment to growth and healing. I legitimately listen to Rara’s music everyday. While mediating, doing yoga, journaling, walking, running, cooking dinner, eating dinner, taking a bath, or turning down for the night. Anytime I want the reminder to connect and slow down. I truly loved catching up with Alex and hope you enjoy too. Make sure to check out his links below!