Angela Singer

June 16, 2023

Vol. 1 :: Issue 004 | Nothing Begins With Us

Angela Singer

June 16, 2023

"Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning." - Gloria Steinem

I recently hosted a salon at my home - a gathering that turned out to be a celebration of collaboration. Looking back, I can connect the dots and see how the seeds were planted.

When I first moved to LA over four years ago, I attended an event at a couple's house. Their warmth, hospitality, and the meaningful conversations sparked something within me. On some level I knew I wanted to create a similar environment—a place where people could come together intentionally, forge new connections, and ignite their creativity.

My father's active involvement in his alumni community also played a role. Seeing the joy it brought him and witnessing the transformative impact it had on students, alumni, and professors, I was inspired to contribute in my own way.

And then, there's my backyard—something I never anticipated playing such a key role in my life when I moved. It’s become a nurturing sanctuary space that’s an extension of my creative spirit (I finally understand your gardening obsession, mom!). As I spent more time tending to its beauty and tranquility, I felt a desire to share it with others; to create an experience where people could be inspired by nature's wonders, together.

So, when the opportunity arose to host an event for my local alumni group, I responded immediately. I assumed my involvement would be limited to offering the physical space. As things unfolded, though, more collaboration guided the way to shape the event.

In my first conversation with the event board, they asked me what I'd like to experience at the gathering. I realized I had the chance not only to provide the space but also contribute to the content and atmosphere of the event itself. To share my perspective and unique blend of interests.

Drawing from themes close to my heart, I suggested discussions on the intersection of AI and creativity, as well as the importance of nurturing and sustaining our creative spark. The event team took the ideas and built upon them, finding knowledgeable and passionate discussion leaders, and they crafted the event around the topics and our backyard. My husband also got involved, hosting a session on studio recording setups. It was a beautiful and humbling experience to witness how our collective contributions went beyond the physical space and shaped the fabric of the event itself.

That's the beauty of collaboration—it extends beyond external partnerships and invites us to attune ourselves to an inward dance. It begins by recognizing the interconnectedness of our own experiences, passions, and desires. When we approach collaboration with an open heart and a receptive mind, we unlock collective wisdom and creative energy that propels us forward.

What seeds have you planted? How has collaboration shown up in your creative endeavors? It could be through the exchange of ideas, the cross-pollination of different disciplines, the connection between your creative process and the world around you..

To embrace the power of collaboration in creative living, here are some principles and ideas that can gently guide us along this path:

Cultivate a mindset of abundance: Collaboration thrives in an atmosphere of abundance. When we approach creative endeavors with a mindset that there's more than enough to go around, we create space for collaboration to flourish. When we embrace the notion that by working together we can elevate each other's artistry, we all rise.
Embrace diverse perspectives: Collaboration invites us to appreciate and honor the unique perspectives and experiences of others. When we bring together a tapestry of perspectives, we can unlock new possibilities and approaches to creative expression.
Foster a spirit of generosity: Collaboration is fueled by generosity—the willingness to share our skills, knowledge, and resources with others. When we offer our support and contribute to the growth of those around us, we create a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish. Your time, expertise, encouragement—it's all valuable.
Embody active listening: Collaboration thrives on active listening—an art in itself. Truly listening to others, to understand. As we cultivate the ability to suspend judgment and embrace the insights and ideas shared by your collaborators, the possibilities available to us grow. And by valuing and acknowledging the contributions of others, you create a foundation for meaningful and transformative collaboration.
Embrace the art of compromise: Collaboration often involves finding common ground and reaching compromises, which develops in its own creative way. Recognize that everyone brings their unique vision and voice to the table. Through respectful dialogue and a willingness to adapt, we can create a collective vision that reflects the best of each collaborator's contributions.
Encourage experimentation and risk-taking: Collaboration can provide a safe space for experimentation and risk-taking. When we collaborate, we have the opportunity to explore uncharted territories, and challenge conventional norms. Encourage yourself and others to step outside comfort zones, embrace vulnerability, and embrace the unknown.
Celebrate shared success: Collaboration allows us to celebrate shared success, amplifying the joy and satisfaction of our creative endeavors. Acknowledge and honor the contributions of each collaborator, and take the time to celebrate milestones and achievements together. The collective energy and support generated through shared success can fuel future collaborations and inspire further artistic growth.

As we weave these principles into our creative living, we can expand our awareness, nurture meaningful connections, and create amazing things. Collaboration becomes more than mere interaction—it becomes a transformative force that connects us to an infinite network of ideas, experiences, and souls.

Your Mini Mission

... if you choose to accept it.

Choose a familiar or unfamiliar environment, such as your neighborhood, a local park, or a coffee shop. Take a walk or sit quietly, allowing yourself to observe and engage with the space. Look for opportunities to collaborate with your surroundings or the people you encounter. It could be through noticing the interplay of colors, textures, or sounds, or engaging in brief conversations with strangers to spark new ideas. Keep a notebook or use your phone to jot down or capture any collaborative moments that inspire you. Enjoy the exploration and see where the collaborative inspiration hunt takes you!

Journal Prompt

What seeds have you planted, and what collaborations have influenced your creative journey? Consider the exchange of ideas, the cross-pollination of different disciplines, and the connection between your creative process and the world around you.

What seeds would you like to plant now? What's of interest or has been resonating with you recently?

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Tell me about a collaboration(s) that opened up something for you and/or others. Or whatever else you'd like to share! Hit reply and tell me about it.

With love and creativity,

Angie

Creative Living Roundup

Here are some things that are bringing me insight, awe, and joy this week:

Apple announced its VisionPro augmented reality headset | VisionPro has been years in the making, and it's now ready for developers to build apps on the platform. If you're familiar with VR headsets, technically it's like wearing a computer on your face... but no mouse or controller needed :) You'll navigate with your eyes, select with your hands, and dictate with your voice. The biggest differences between Apple VisionPro and Meta Quest Pro are 1) a setting to see the person's eyes through the goggles for more natural interaction with others in a space 2) more immersive apps/games that interact with the real world. They'll start shipping early next year.
Virgin Galactic starts commercial spaceflights this month | Galactic 02 will be one of the first private astronaut flights. Following that mission, there will be monthly flights, with the goal of eventually offering more flights to lower the price. Perhaps within the next decade people will be able to choose between a VG flight and a month-long vacation?
Can psychedelics open a "critical period" of brain plasticity? | Psychedelic Healing: Adjunct Therapy Harnessing Opened Malleability | Neuroscientist Gül Dölen studies how psychedelics may help grownups learn like the kiddos. Could people who've lost their vision or hearing regain those senses? Stroke patients recover movement or relearn to speak? Might an adult learn a new language or musical instrument with the ease of a child?

A Poem I'm Pondering

Lost

Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.

- David Wagoner

Angela Singer

June 2, 2023

Vol. 1 :: Issue 003 | Your Creative Rulebook

Angela Singer

June 2, 2023

"Rules are important, but sometimes we forget that we make the rules. We can make our own rules." - Rick Rubin

When I first started pursuing voice over work, I was told by multiple coaches and industry professionals that the only way to get work was through an agent. And to get an agent, you had to have a demo reel. I was advised to wait to record one and not create it myself, as it was seen as unprofessional and a waste of time.

Something within me wouldn’t accept the advice. I was passionate about voice overs, and I wasn't willing to wait for someone to give me permission to do it. I know the people who gave the advice meant well, but it wasn’t for me at that time. So, I created my own demo reel. I reached out directly to production companies and freelance websites, and within a couple of weeks, I landed my first paid voice over role, without an agent.

Maybe I wasn't quite ready for prime time - ha! But I was ready for that next step in front of me. Which was this child carpooling app VO - my first paid voice over! Flash forward five years later, and I was able to co-create fun projects with Wired, Meta, American Express, and many more.

What's the next step in front of you?

We all experience different rules, guidelines, and structures - whether placed upon us or self-imposed. Rules we obey unconsciously are much stronger and impenetrable than those we set on purpose. And they're more likely to undermine our creativity in daily life.

"Rules are important, but sometimes we forget that we make the rules. We can make our own rules." - Rick Rubin

There’s value not only in breaking rules we’ve acquired, but also in creating your own rules. By making our own rules, we give ourselves the freedom and flexibility within a supportive structure to explore our creativity in new and fruitful ways. We can challenge ourselves to try things that might seem impossible, and we can go beyond the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

Examples:

Setting aside traditional notions of what constitutes "good" or "bad" art and embracing the freedom to express yourself authentically, without placing attention on external validation.
Granting yourself permission to experiment with unconventional techniques or mediums, allowing for the discovery of unique expressions that break away from established norms.
Establishing personal guidelines and rituals that support your creative flow, such as dedicating specific time and space for creative pursuits, creating boundaries to protect your creative energy, and nurturing a positive and nurturing creative environment.

Of course, consciously creating our own rules can also be confronting. It requires us to trust ourselves, our values, and our instincts, and it means taking responsibility for our successes and failures. It's an ever-evolving process. But that's why our rules (guidelines, structure, whatever word feels helpful to you) are important to cultivate and re-evaluate. When we create our own rules, we give ourselves the power to lovingly shape our destinies by pursuing creativity in a way that feels good to us.

Not sure what rules you have? Here are some ways to identify your creative rules, guidelines, or structures that may be helpful or limiting in one or more areas of your life, as well as strategies to cultivate and evolve new ones that are more supportive, expansive, and freeing:

Reflect on your beliefs: Take time to reflect on the beliefs and assumptions you hold about yourself and your creative pursuits. Identify any rules or expectations you've adopted from external sources or internalized over time.
Assess your comfort zone: Pay attention to your creative comfort zone and notice any patterns of resistance or fear. Explore whether these limitations are self-imposed or influenced by perceived societal or cultural norms.
Examine past experiences: Reflect on past experiences where you felt restricted or limited in your creativity. Identify any underlying rules or expectations that may have contributed to those feelings.
Explore your values: Clarify your values and what truly matters to you in your creative living journey. Determine if the current rules or structures align with those values or if they hinder your growth and expression.
Seek diverse perspectives: Engage in conversations with others who have different creative backgrounds or perspectives. Listen to their experiences and insights to gain fresh perspectives on rules and guidelines.
Embrace experimentation: Take calculated creative risks to challenge existing rules. Step outside your comfort zone, try new approaches, and observe how breaking or bending rules can lead to growth and expanded possibilities.
Embrace flexibility: Cultivate a mindset of flexibility and adaptability. Remind yourself that rules can evolve and change as you grow and develop as a creative individual. Embrace the idea that flexibility allows for the emergence of new and more supportive rules.
Practice self-reflection: Regularly engage in self-reflection to evaluate the impact of existing rules on your creative pursuits. Assess whether they still serve you or if they hinder your progress. Be open to adjusting or discarding rules that no longer align with your goals.
Seek inspiration from diverse sources: Seek inspiration from various art forms, disciplines, or cultures. Explore how different people approach their craft and interests, and challenge traditional norms. Let their examples inspire you to break free from limiting rules.
Embrace curiosity and continuous learning: Cultivate a curious mindset and notice the benefits of ongoing learning and growth. Explore new techniques, skills, and knowledge that can expand your creative flow. Allow yourself to evolve and develop new rules that better support your authentic self-expression.

The journey of identifying and evolving rules is deeply personal. As we're patient with ourselves and trust our intuition, we can celebrate the freedom that comes from embracing a rule-breaking and rule-creating mindset based on our values.