There are some musicians, movements, ideals, and people that I feel so strongly align with my core that I have every desire to connect, support, and engage with them and their community.  Josh Garrels and the community he has created through his music has impacted something in my soul that I wish to explore further.

As a musician/artist myself, The Sea in Between Documentary Josh released was one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever viewed.  The way that he and other artists articulated the creative process, its alignment to our basic core being, our Creator, and other people was invigorating, inspiring, and so enjoyable.  Those times where you just think to yourself "YES!  This resonates so well with me!"

I love continuously seeking opportunities to engage with my local music community, support artists I admire, and grow as a musician.  I am really excited to share a December evening with everyone this Friday.   It will be a great time of continuing the circle of inspiration that music fills so well, of sharing gifts and creativity, and enjoying the company of great community.  Get tickets HERE!  We would love to see you!

What is Socality?

That was a question that led me to attend SocalityPDX, a live event in Portland that occurred last week.  My curiosity initially started in the social media and instragram community.   I really enjoy seeing perspectives of others through photography and I have been growing more interested in instagram as a community and the opportunities to meet that community in person.  As I explored the #Socality hashtag, the Socality website, watched videos, and saw the perspectives of those involved, I felt incredibly connected to whatever this idea was and the people that were a part of it.  This was solidified even further when I went to Socality live in Portland and made the in-person connection to many of the people from online.  I found that the group definitely embodied its mission of being:

                        A collective of local communities connected globally for eternity

The conference had a bunch of solid speakers and I took a lot away from what they had to say.  Here are some of my favorite lines/key takeaways (some may be paraphrased/abbreviated due to my frantic note taking.  Also, explore the links on the names for more information):

DALE PARTRIDGE 
People over profit.  People are attracted to movement intrinsically.  Even greater is a pattern of movement.  Patterns build trust.  We desire an era of goodness. 
ANDI ANDREW 
Be an agent of change for community.  Be a catalyst. act. move. you have to get your feet wet.  There may be better seasons to cross a raging river, but dip your toe in and live by faith. 
BRIT MOORE
Clear out expectations.  Let God do what he wants to do. Hard work, hustle, and miraculous intervention.
EVAN WICKHAM 
What is the central theme?  Ask up. “This is just good, just make it be”.  We see traces of the divine in ways that are undeniable. 
SCOTT BAKKEN 
What we can do together will awlays be greater than what we can ever do on our own.  We connect for purpose.  Love is a life lived on purpose.  There needs to be action.  Find people locally, connect globally. 
TIM LANDIS
Landscapes are huge pieces of art and a little piece of God’s massive glory. 
DIRK DALLAS 
Everyone has a unique perspective. What are you sharing with the world and why? 
IAN NELSON 
Your story matters.  Never abandon what is going on in culture, step in and redeem it. 
JEFFREY GERSON 
Are you telling your story and taking the time to do it with care? 
HEARTS LIKE LIONS 
For their power-packed, energetic performance.

 I was really inspired by the people I interacted with, the companies that were in attendance, and the mission of the group.  All are working to create culture, to engage culture, and to be a culture of love in action.  I hope the continued emphasis on open arms, belonging, and non-exclusivity keeps this community vibrant and growing.  I really appreciated hearing the sentiment that this was not a private club, with limited access, but open and inviting.

Overall I feel like this quote captures much of the embodiment of Socality and I look forward to being part of this community.   

"But those works of art which have scooped up the truth and presented it to us as a living force - they take hold of us, compel us, and nobody ever, not even in ages to come, will appear to refute them. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Nobel Lecture.

As an artist and photographer, I feel aligned to everything mentioned above.  I am so excited to keep creating art inspired by it all and connecting it for purposes bigger than myself and the songs individually.  I'm excited to continue the circle of creation and connection.  Thanks to everyone I've met for the inspiration. 

To be part of this story with me, get some free songs below by signing up for the newsletter!  Also, see some photos from the event below!