being a multi-passionate creative
being a multi-passionate creative
a blessing or a curse?
The concept of being a multi-passionate creative is one that often invites contemplation on whether it's a blessing or a curse. On one hand, having multiple passions can feel like a blessing, opening up avenues for exploration, creativity, and personal fulfillment. Each passion offers a unique outlet for expression and growth, allowing individuals to lead rich and multifaceted lives. It provides a sense of excitement and purpose, as there's always something new to learn, create, or immerse oneself in.
However, the flip side of being multi-passionate is that it can sometimes feel like a curse. Juggling multiple interests and pursuits can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of fragmentation or being spread too thin. It may be challenging to find focus or achieve mastery in any one area, as attention and resources are divided among various endeavors. This can lead to frustration or a sense of unfulfilled potential, especially in a society that often values specialization and expertise. Additionally, societal expectations or pressures may cast doubt on the validity of pursuing multiple passions. Multi-passionate individuals may face skepticism or criticism for not conforming to traditional career paths or for seeming indecisive.
Last year, in a professional setting, I encountered such skepticism about my diverse range of interests and skills. Someone remarked, with a hint of doubt, that they weren't quite sure how to explain my varied work. This led me to ponder whether I should streamline my offerings, even though I am, by nature, someone who thrives on exploring multiple passions at once.
I know a little bit about a lot of things. I’ve had a lot of different jobs - In the early days of craigslist I was a private eye for an Upper East Side lady who thought her fiancé was cheating on her! I’ve started multiples businesses, and have studied ayurveda, astronomy, marketing, taoism, bookkeeping, and songwriting. I had a knitting era, a candle-making in up-cycled wine bottles era, a hula-hoop dancing era, a DJ era, and a filmmaking era to name a few.
I’ve also spent a substantial amount of time and energy on a few areas study to the extent that I feel confident sharing what I’ve learned with others as a profession.
I am a certified yoga instructor, certified herbalist (with a special passion for aromatherapy), sound bath facilitator, meditation teacher, and reiki master.
I’ve been studying holistic wellbeing and spirituality almost non-stop for the past 26 years. I will never stop learning or creating.
It is part of my DNA.
The comment about my multifaceted nature did give me pause though, leading me to question whether I should streamline my focus onto a singular path. For a time, I even deactivated the aromatherapy section of my website, succumbing to the fear that my offerings were overwhelming. However, recent experiences have reaffirmed my belief in the power of diversity.
Since the beginning of November I’ve been teaching a weekly class at West Side Yoga 108 called Presence & Peace, where we explore the limbs of yoga beyond asana. I’ve been able to draw on my diverse experience within holistic wellbeing and spirituality to create unique experiences, incorporating breathing exercises, guided relaxation, mediation, chanting, sound healing, aromatherapy and reiki. Each session is a tapestry woven from various threads, reflecting the depth and breadth of my knowledge and interests.
In addition insights gained from my own personal experiences, recent research1 into how the brain processes music discovered that the brain recruits both generalist AND specialist neural populations to do so. Prior to this study is was thought that music was processed in a special “music” region of the auditory cortex, but this study found that generalist neurons and music-specialist neurons are both integral and perform completely unique roles, underscoring the significance of both general and specialized neural pathways in facilitating our appreciation and understanding of music.
Undoubtedly, there's merit in focusing intently on one pursuit, and mastering it to perfection. The sense of security and accomplishment derived from such dedication is palpable and understandable. However, for individuals like me, the curiosity and the thirst for knowledge drive us to learn, create, and innovate ceaselessly.
Just as we need both generalist and specialist neurons on task to help us process music, both of these paths of exploring creativity are not only valid, but necessary.
In essence, being a multi-passionate creative is neither a blessing nor a curse; it simply is. Not everyone may comprehend or appreciate it, but that doesn't diminish its inherent value. And I am committed to showing up authentically, embracing all facets of my being, and sharing my diverse array of talents and knowledge with the world. After all, it is who I am, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
And so it is I share with you that my current offerings are:
Weekly you can find me at West Side Yoga 108 on Wednesdays at 3:15p. Download the West Side Yoga app to sign up for class or click here.
I also have two Spring Equinox inspired Alchemia Sound special events this month —
3/14 8p EST online Dream Weaving w/
register here3/24 6:15p West Side Yoga 108 register in the WSY app or click here
Private Reiki & Alchemia Sound sessions are also still available. Currently booking privates and small group sessions of up to 8 people at HAWK & hummingbird Holistic Healing 545 S. Water St. in Providence. Contact me via lightspiritessentials@gmail.com for rates.