Awakening Dreams season will soon be coming to an end. We have two more episodes and I’m still thinking about what Season 5 will be about. I’ve changed the podcast to twice a month on the second and fourth Monday. This month it’s on July 11th with guest Doreen Calderon, actor, and transformational coach.
Best Book Ever Podcast Interview
Julie Strauss of Best Book Ever Podcast interviewed me and we discussed Jonathan Livingston Seagull and my book Follow: Akashic Dreaming through Time. I had a great time talking with her. Check it out! It’s episode 95.
Poetic Resurrection Podcast – Bimonthly
It’s been about a year and a half since I started the weekly Poetic Resurrection Podcast. I’ve met many beautiful and talented people. I’ve had several seasons.
The first season was about perceptions, which is what the Poetic Resurrection podcast is about. How we perceive thoughts and emotions to learn later in life might not have been our own.
Season two was about the theme of a Journey of the Soul, or, as others might call it, the higher self, the inner voice, universal knowledge, and inspiration. That inner voice teaches us our purpose and loves all, no matter our differences. It inspires, it’s tolerant, it’s accepting and appreciative.
Season three was Colors of Life. A look at how our differences can come together with acceptance and appreciation of our differences.
Season four is Awakening Dreams. The awakening of acceptance and how even the most difficult times can open up new opportunities to grow and live the life you can live. This is also the next title of my upcoming poetry book “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams”.
Season five is up in the air. As of July 1st, Poetic Resurrection will be bi-monthly. It has been wonderful producing this podcast weekly but with two other podcasts: Chica & the Man (monthly) and soon to launch Overhead at Chica’s Café and working on acting projects it has become too much to produce, edit, and social media all the shows. Days to release will be on the second and fourth Monday of the month. So, in July it will be on the 11th and 25th.
Awakening Dreams – Thierry Kehou
In this week’s Awakening Dreams episode, our guest is multifaceted Thierry Kehou. We first discuss publishing and his journey in translating English literature from the black Francophone diaspora. Also, Lampblack, a non-profit organization, and magazine publishing Black writers globally that helped create. Thierry is the Director of Programs & Partnerships for Poets & Writers where they offer Mapping the Maze, a professional development workshop for writers who are ready to make a concrete plan to get their work published.
Thierry Kehou is a founder and board member of Lampblack, and a writer and literary translator from French. He holds a BA in Individualized Study from New York University’s Gallatin School and an MFA in Creative Writing from Rutgers University Newark. His writing has appeared in Departures Magazine, The Huron River Review, Lampblack, and elsewhere. His working translation of Francis Bebey‘s Three Little Shoeshiners has received support from the Breadloaf Translators’ Conference and was longlisted for the 2020 John Dryden Translation Competition.
Kahou was the guest speaker at the French-American Foundation’s 35th annual Translation Prize held in 2022. His translation of Haitian writer Jean d’Amérique’s debut novel Soleil à Coudre will be published by Other Press in 2023. He is currently working on a novel.
Poetic Resurrection Podcast page
Lampblack website: https://www.lampblacklit.com/
Lampblack Twitter: @lampblack_lit
Lampblack Instagram: @lampblack_lit
Awakening Dreams – Expectations
This week on Poetic Resurrection we’re going to discuss expectations. Why do we expect? What do we expect? I believe it depends on the circumstances. If I pay a vendor for a service or a product, I expect it to work. I also expect that this vendor has more knowledge than I do. For example, I expected I would do an episode last week. Well, I also expected to have the internet I pay for but that was not the case. It took me three days to get back online.
It’s good to be aware of expectations. Are they realistic? Are we expecting someone to act in a certain way? Expecting others to act according to a preconceived notion then we might have can lead to discontentment? Is that a requirement you’d like others to have of you? Sometimes, when we know the other person well, we expect them to behave a certain way. But people change and they should be allowed to change. There are many expectations that we have, and as I mentioned the vendor. Let us discuss expectations of ourselves and others.
Many expectations are connected to our perceptions of how situations and events need to work out. At the same time, who’s to say we’re, correct? Questioning our perceptions and seeing how they relate to our expectations can enlighten us on what we find important in our lives.
“First, merely expecting something to happen will not make it happen. For many of us, it is difficult to let go of the idea that expecting something to happen will make it happen.” Psychology Today
I did this with affirmations. If I state it long enough and with conviction, I expect it would happen. I certainly would be thrilled about it.
“Second, human beings have a natural tendency to pin their hopes for happiness on fulfilled expectations.” Psychology Today
My experience with this is perceptions. Our perceptions are if I move to a home, city, country, etc. Then I would be happy. It can be a new job, a new place, or a new relationship. I feel I had to ask myself: why am I wanting to do something different outside myself? Is it me? Am I running from something, someone, or myself? I’m going to go wherever the change is. Is this a pattern in my life?
“The problem of expectation occurs when we expect something to happen without good reasons for that expectation.
Expecting life to always turn out the way you want is guaranteed to lead to disappointment because life will not always turn out the way you want it to. And when those unfulfilled expectations involve the failure of other people to behave the way you expect them to, the disappointment also involves resentment.
Let go of expectations and find something to be grateful about, even when things do not turn out the way you hoped, and you will experience serenity rather than resentment.” Psychology Today
“I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values – and follow my own moral compass – then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own. Michelle Obama”
The poem for this week is Alliance from my upcoming book Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams. You can also read it in my compilation book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2.
Alliance
Sometimes my essence aches because of the many adventures and events others have had—without a mention and I wasn’t there. Is it me? Is the perception of what they sense I am—determining my behavior – thoughts? We spoke of holiday – two summers long—set for third. The third visit around the sun and asked—when are we going? I don’t know, was the answer. Facing the truth – social media—as I view the celebratory drink in hand with other. Visiting the places, of visual beauty of a distant land we planned. Why not explain—why falsehood? A sadness took over me—was it them? Was it me? Was it my perceptions of childhood memories which stood in the way of the truth? A truth that hasn’t existed in decades. A long ago feeling attached to a person whom I’ve surrendered my alliance. Taking responsibility for my emotions as I breath and let go. Let go of my ideas of the past. Do I blame them – no – I’m accountable for my beliefs. Would we plan again – No. Our characters unveiled the blinders I wore since childhood. Abandoning my memories and allowing myself permission to move on.
Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 is available on Amazon
Listen to it on the PR Podcast page.
https://poeticresurrection.podbean.com/e/awakening-dreams-expectations/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cui-bono/201802/the-psychology-expectations
Awakening Dreams – Evelyn Eccard
This week on Awakening Dreams our return guest is Evelyn Eccard from Bravo Leadership Int’l (BLI). (Available on 6/6/22) In this episode, we discuss what is important to us when it comes to employment, leadership, and what makes us truly happy with ourselves and others. Mentorship and coaching are reviewed (see link below for the previous episode). We discussed the Great Resignation and how employment expectations have changed. Tune in to this informative episode. It might be that AHA moment that is needed in your life.
Evelyn Eccard is the founder of Bravo Leadership International. She named the company after listening to a friend yelling out “Bravo, Bravo” at a tennis tournament. When the player won, she purposely looked for that solo voice yelling “Bravo” and rewarded him by tossing him a tennis ball. She appreciated him and his encouragement throughout the game. That’s when Evelyn knew the name BRAVO was perfect for her business. Evelyn said “My intention is to up-level people’s mindsets through training and coaching and help them become a better version of themselves. I want to cheer them on. Bravo! Bravo!”
Throughout her career, she has chosen positions in which she has positively impacted the company’s culture by training and developing executives, management, and hourly employees. She trained in everything, but her passion is leadership. She applied the leadership principles within her Sales team and saw first-hand, the positive impact (increase engagement, dedication, and productivity). Soon after, her team was sought after by other departments as well as corporate headquarters. They wanted leaders who had the experience of being on her team.
Evelyn had a vision of taking what she has learned in her 25+ year career and making it available to others. She knows there are many managers out there struggling because leadership training isn’t a priority in many organizations. Companies would rather deal with constant problems that arise vs. training their managers to lead. That thinking tends to cascade throughout the organization.
LEADERSHIP IS A LIFESTYLE
Bravo trains and coaches managers so they become LEADERS. We teach leadership so that leaders can create the environment in which all of us can work to our natural best. This produces trusting teams.
Evelyn’s goal is to train managers to become exceptional LEADERS.
Bravo consist of Evelyn Eccard and Stacey Aveling. Both are certified John Maxwell Team member and passionate about leadership with over 20+ years of experience. They specialized in leadership, communication, customer service and sales training.
Bravo believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating long term partnerships with a purpose, developing all levels in an organization and always striving for significant outcomes. When working with Bravo, you should expect a collaboration with transparency and consistency.
Our goal is to up-level your thinking so you can be the BEST version of YOURSELF.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynlozadaeccard
https://poeticresurrection.podbean.com/e/perceptions-of-employment-mentoring-coaching/
https://poeticresurrection.podbean.com/e/awakening-dreams-evelyn-eccard/
Awakening Dreams – Paul Meixner
On Memorial Day we have Veteran Paul Meixner discussing what Memorial Day means to him. We go through his journey from the military to the present day and how he applies what he has learned to the entertainment industry.
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. A holiday in the United States honoring the active-duty fallen soldiers. In 1966, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York the birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo was chosen because they had been celebrating their version of Memorial day since May 5th, 1866. They honored fallen soldiers by putting flags and flowers on their graves and closing their businesses.
Paul Meixner is a former US Army Infantryman turned Filmmaker and Weapons and Tactics instructor.
You can follow his adventures on Instagram @Mav11B and follow his podcast @ThunderPunkRadio with his co-host @FlirtCheap.
Awakening Dreams – Mark A Pearson
This week on Poetic Resurrection Awakening Dreams we have attorney Mark A Pearson. This is a must listen and save episode covering copyright law. It’s so informative, we discuss copyright law for authors, artists, musicians, and other creatives. If you have a question about copyright, this episode is a must listen and should answer many of your questions.
Mark A Pearson is the principal counsel at ARC Law Group, a law firm focused on advising Creative, Talented, and Entrepreneurial clients in the areas of business, entertainment, sports, and technology law. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but with clients in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Nashville, Mark is a former award-winning television producer who spent the past decade advising some of the hardest working acts in the music business, including international touring arts Con Brio, Front Country and DJ Mark Farina, as well as serving as production counsel for Academy Award nominee, Borrowed Time. Recently awarded the Governor’s Citation Medallion for his service to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy® Award), Mark also advises leading entertainment companies Rock the Bells (LL Cool J), Twitch, TuneGo, Caffeine, and Fandor. You can reach Mark at his website: https://www.arclg.com/
Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 Released
I’m excited to announce the Inspire Me Series Book 1 & 2 is now available on Amazon.
Some say we have a life to live, others say we have a Heaven to be earned. Some go through life alone. Others love the crowds. We move in a different beat. We are those who are not just dreamers, but dream makers, never an end to our possibilities, but only a beginning.
Get inspired by the ethereal and emotive words of Sonia Iris Lozada. In her collection of Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2, immerse yourself in a world of Sonia’s unique brand of poetry that is at once surreal, emotional, and dreamy. With each flip of the page, you’ll be transported to a new realm of possibility, inspired to pursue your passions and reach for your wildest dreams. Let Sonia’s words be your guide as you explore the depths of your imagination and create a life that is truly beautiful and magical.
These books are for anyone who wants to make a change in their life. It’s written by someone who has been there and understands the challenges that come with moving on from difficult experiences. The Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 will help you find happiness, which was once out of reach but now seems so close at hand.
Pick up a copy of Sonia Iris Lozada’s Inspire Me series today and let the magic begin.
Awakening Dreams – Memories
In honor of Mental Health Month, we discuss memories. Why do we forget them? What causes us to forget? How do we comfort a loved one who has dementia?
The last couple of months have been challenging in that my mom isn’t well, but grateful that she is quickly recovering. Last year, we needed to move her into a nursing facility because of her dementia. It was heartbreaking. Seeing this vibrant outspoken woman’s life change prompted me to find a comparison between depression and dementia. I’ve noticed not only my mom but some others I have known who have suffered from depression are also going through some form of dementia. Can this be true? I looked for a spiritual correlation between the two and didn’t find one that dealt with spiritualism alone and did not have an organized religion association. What I was looking for was are we made to lose cognitive skills in order to forget our depression? Is it a form of letting go of the past? Lao Tzu quoted “If you are depressed, you’re living in the past. If you have anxiety, you’re living in the future. If you have peace, you’re living in the present”.
A study of the association between depression and dementia by HealthDay News reported on WebMD.
“Depression is a risk factor for dementia, researchers report, and people with more symptoms of depression tend to suffer a more rapid decline in thinking and memory skills. While the study found an association between the two, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.”
A Healthline article on vascular dementia
“Vascular dementia is caused by a narrowing or blockage in the blood vessels that provide blood to your brain. This reduced blood flow deprives your brain of much-needed oxygen, which can damage your brain very quickly.
Numerous conditions can cause this reduced blood flow to your brain, including:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- aneurysm or blood clot
- heart attack
- stroke
Of those, stroke is the most common cause of vascular dementia.
Vascular problems, such as stroke, high cholesterol, and hypertension, aren’t related to Alzheimer’s disease, as they are with vascular dementia. There is no known cause of Alzheimer’s, though your risk of developing it increases with age.”
I guess I’m trying to make sense of memory loss. I’m at the stage in my life where many of my friends and family are dealing with a loved one with dementia. It saddens me to see such beautiful people with beautiful lives lose their history.
The poem for this week is Memories—dedicated to my mom; from my upcoming book Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams. This poem is also in my book Inspire Me Series Book 1 & 2 with excerpts from my upcoming book.
Memories
Today I go through my mom’s memories
I go through her pictures
I go through her life’s stories
I find her in the past
The memories she has forgotten
The ones from long ago
That linger in the glimpse of her life
Today I go through my mom’s memories
The ones she has tucked away
The ones her strokes cheated from her
The painful memories erased
What can I do to make your life easier?
What can I say to erase your traumas?
Do I ignore—when you forget?
Do I keep your sadness in my heart?
Today I go through my mom’s memories
The disappointments she kept close to her heart
The wanting to be loved yet feeling abandoned
The simple dreams she was deterred from
The disappointments fade
The abandonment fades
The sadness lingers
Today I go through my mom’s memories
And merge my memories with hers
Feeling the sadness, the disappointments
Wishing the sadness to fade
I love you, mom
AARP article on the Difference Between Dementia & Alzheimers
Symphony of Soul – Dementia a Spiritual Perspective
WebMD – Scientists Shed Light on the Link between Depression & Dementia