Shifting Perspectives

"I'm a godmother, that's a great thing to be, a godmother. She calls me god for short. That's cute. I taught her that."  ― Ellen DeGeneres

Hi, Lionheart,

Let's talk about gratitude. In trying to think about what can make each day the best day ever, I'm noticing that little things build on each other. The end result is a closer step towards bliss.

1. I have to go to the doctor often for the next couple of months for phototherapy for a minor skin thing. I'll be fine :) Instead of being angry that I'm losing my precious time for this treatment and that I have to go out of my way, etc., I'm thinking of how I can transform it. The phototherapy booth was like an upright tanning bed with certain UV filters for treatment. As I stood in the booth, I chose to think how the bright lights around me were so meditative - like "stepping into the light." I've been giving myself more sleep in the mornings due to late-night studio sessions and shortening my morning routine, so it was a way for me to incorporate meditation and mantras. I realized I'm so blessed to have this service available to me. It really is a luxury having this access in this 1st world country to heal some minor, inconsequential skin thing.

2. I overheard some women speaking spanish in the elevator. I used it as a fun little opportunity to check in on my Spanish. It made me think back to traveling and I walked out onto the New York City sidewalks light and free, as I usually feel in my travels. 

3. My mom called on the way home. I was thinking out some business ideas, but also planned for that travel time to be more open and not so regimented. Instead of feeling frustrated that I'd have less time to enjoy my walk in the sun thinking about coaching ideas on my way home, I decided to answer. For a millisecond, I thought how great the moment was to hear my mom's voice and that we could talk about some small things.

4.  I'm grateful to have Astin's support in my team, as I'm now freer to put my time into things that only I can do. A few years ago I had some team members helping me, but I wasn't in the same level or clarity with my vision and mindset as I am in now. A year ago, I was working solo and doing a lot of heavy lifting. I still am, though the heavy lifting is getting support and it's on its way to becoming lighter.

5. I really want to release this new music in a bigger way that connects with you, and it is a HUGE effort as an independent artist to do it right. My brain is switching between business, math, and scientific principles for certain hours, and then switching into creative play in others. Not too long ago, I used to be afraid that the business, math, and science elements would take away from my artistry. I shied away, only to remain in confusion, which resulted in self-doubt. Now I'm appreciating my expansion within the challenges that arise in developing my artistry and coaching. I can play and get curious within the expansion, though sometimes it is REALLY hard. I got myself a manicure as a reward this weekend. Feeling fresh.

6. I spent the afternoon working on vox fx (vocal effects) through Ableton. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the detail and high level of musicianship and tech knowledge as it applies to making groundbreaking electronic music performances, I decided to bring myself back to how I felt on the Transmute Retreat at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in Florida - a weeklong retreat in Florida, going from one architecturally stunning music and art studio to another via palm-shaded boardwalks over tropical plants and little creatures. I loved having that time in the studio without distraction with people I enjoy. I brought myself back to the real moment: hanging with my roommate's irresistible dog Sadie in my home studio, hooking up my wireless mic to Ableton, trying out all sorts of vocal effects, and walking around my room singing. It was so fun! I later brought myself back to that community in our Facebook group and in our online masterclass with amazing controllerist DiViNCi. The night before, we had another guest controllerist, Moldover. I'm blown away. 

Those are just some ways I'm shifting my perspectives and consciously creating my life, like an artist would create a sculpture. 

Lionheart, what are some things you can think and act upon in a new perspective today?

Looking for voice exercises? Want some technical trainings and guidance alongside accompaniment on mp3s? Want to take your voice and music to a new place in your life?

>>> Take my free 5-Day Singing Challenge here

Lionheart, April marks the beginning of a super fun new music coaching offer. You're gonna love it.

Hang with me live on Instagram and Facebook Live on Mondays at 8pm EST. If you missed yesterday's video, check it out. I broke down a series of vocal exercises I created for you in my free 5-Day Singing Challenge, and gave you two more to help you out.

>>>> Watch the Replay Here

What one thing can you let go of that that will make a profound difference in your life, Lionheart?

As always, I could never and would never do it withoutcha. Love ya.

Mad love. Wishing you inspiration and expansion.

XO  ALARKE AKA MARY ALOUETTE

P.S. If you're interested in elevating music in your life, go to setyourlifetomusic.com/lessons.

alarke.com
setyourlifetomusic.com

Mary Alouette (AKA Alarke) stands out with her compelling twist of experiences as an international opera singer turned Gypsy jazz singer turned award-winning electronic pop singer and songwriter. 

Throughout her 25-year professional career, Alouette has mesmerized audiences from the Kennedy Center, the Rainbow Room, and Carnegie Hall to Fabrica Del Arte in Havana, Cuba, Romani caravans in Samois sur Seine, France, and castles in the Italian Alps.

Her music is an exciting, vibey, future-forward melt of pop, electronic, dance, and world music.

Photos by Brent Eite , Mavel Valdes, and @patrikgama.