It is undeniable.
Words are powerful. What you speak into the universe can appear in magical ways. Intentional connection has the power to create something beautiful.
Music is a truly spiritual experience. What we sing and consume can become our thoughts, and also our futures. I tell people all the time “You are what you eat. From social media, to people, to food, to music, be careful with what you consume.”
When I look around here tonight, I feel people brought together for the same goal: peace and well-being. For their family, their friends, for the world at large. We all deserve safety and compassion.
For this event, we were raising money for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. Our vendors, musicians, and people alike have all gathered to support. This is our second time gathering for Concerts for Change, an idea founded by Megan, the manager at Objx Studio. The first was held back in July, with the purpose of helping Indigenous people in Canada have access to water.
I pray every day for peace and safety. I pray for the safe return of hostages, I pray for a ceasefire and an end to war.
There is an overwhelming feeling of grief right now. Collectively, we are bearing witness to suffering. It is a lot to hold, and oftentimes I’m lost in where to put it. I’ve found that these moments are the perfect time to lean into community. Speaking, sharing, and communal grieving is so incredibly healing. Know you can find support in the arms of others.
Vladi
As the night begins, Vladi opens up the space to breathe and meditate. As he guides us, you can feel the energy lighten and our hearts open.
At the back of the studio, I came across Leah Earthwalker, who was meditating. Drawn to her calm, she asked me if I would like to join her. She offered me Rappée, a powder used to cleanse and open the Pineal gland. As Vladi played hymns to soothe, I was honored to be invited to this experience. She instructed me to breathe, closing my throat, and she would blow the powder into my nose. Collectively, we meditated, I felt a deep release and alignment as my eyes watered and I focused on my chest.
Reading up on the benefits of Rappée, this quote stuck with me: “If someone in the tribe is ill, it is the community’s responsibility to ensure their health is restored. Unlike western society, individualism and personal property hold little value in a tribe. So, sharing sacred herbs and space is essential.” This idea of individualism versus community is something I’ve reflected on a lot lately. Our current society seems so driven by individualism and thereby division, but our true power comes from leaning on each other and collective healing.
Listening to Freedom’s Light, I was transported to another space. Singing Irish tunes, the pair brought up imagery of home, of war, of oppression. My favorite piece from them, A Home I Loved so Well, brought me back to my home, growing up in a small town where everyone knew each other. Their music was beautiful and impactful.
Tricia from Terrene Perfume
I had the pleasure of diving deeper into Tricia’s creation of Terrene Perfumery. I’ve known Tricia for almost a year now and when I heard about us running this fundraiser again, I knew I had to get her involved. Tricia is pro-environment and cares a lot about sustainability, so I knew that would be ingrained in what she created. It was all that and more.
Turns out, Tricia started making perfumes as a hobby during the pandemic. Tricia recalled exploring the woods, researching and picking plants that she would use. One day, she came across the Southern Magnolia flower tree. Interestingly, she tells me in great detail that this tree was around before bees, so it survived by having petals fall for pollination that would be moved by beetles.
I was curious about preservation; how does one preserve the natural scent of a plant for use?
Tricia explains that she has studied a lot of different methods, but the one she uses consistently now stems from a mix of African and French techniques. The “Soliflore” works by layering the flower finely, petal by petal, over a sheet of a chosen butter (Tricia uses Shea). She changes out the petals every day for about a month, and then transfers the scent into alcohol, where it will be made into a resin.
Before Tricia left, I made sure to get something from her, but only by her recommendation. We’ve discussed skin care and general wellness in depth, so she was pretty attune with what my skin may need, and recommended her face mask Conch. I swear to you the first thing I did when I got home was put that mask on. It smells so good, a soothing mix of jasmine, oat, calamine, and pearl; it feels so nice to put on! Not to mention, my skin cleared up in two days!! I swear this woman must infuse this stuff with the same love my mom had to bake for me growing up. Incredible.
Crescenzo’s deep and rich voice made for such a warm performance. His music was centered around love, his lyrics incredibly raw and honest. One of the most powerful aspects I find to music is its versatility; each artist has their own experience of which they project onto their tone and lyrics. Crescenzo warmed the space and our hearts, making this experience so valuable.
William McLean had such an impactful set. The tone of his voice was as unmistakable as his message. His set was focused on deep healing for the world, collective, and ancestral. William asked us to imagine a circle of fire in the middle of the room, where we could add our prayers and good intentions and then release them into the atmosphere.
Leah the Earthwalker shared a similar goal to William, with a focus on inner healing to help the outer world. One of my favorite songs of hers “Being Human” brought me to tears. I was so focused on her playing that I even forgot to take photos. I am grateful to have met Leah, she is a truly powerful source with so much to share with this world.
Ajay Veda was a perfect way to end the evening. We all laid down and listened as he used his crystal singing bowls and tools to lead us into meditation.
