It is his anger, that stops his imagination.

Everyone knows someone who's anger and general outlook on life is so traumatized that it shuts down there creativity and halts there energy to move on. What do you say to someone that is so angry that denial becomes their survival? How do you help them see that their anger is stunting their growth, eating at thier core causing health issues and pain that becomes a disheveled foundation that drains at their life force.

If your anything like me, having your pulse on the serenity of life you try to do something, say something, anything that allows their frustrations a platform, their truths a voice and their spirit a chance to heal. Until you become a back up singer destined to have your own band, to tour your anger, and frustrations for the people to see, hear and feel. And the cycle begins .... but who wins, who benefits from your downward spiral.

I believe you can win, I believe that misguided anger and cleverly masked depression is a demonic spirit. The only way to fight a spirit filled car that's swerving hopelessly out of control is to wait until it stops for gas and fuel it with the spirit of the ancestors, the spirit of forgiveness and the spirit of hope. You win because this is your opportunity to canvas your imagination so everyone can see it. "Dare to Change" , Dare to not know the answers so you can be open to asking for help. And if you can't imagine doing it for you, think of your back up singers that can't handle the fame of failure.

Acknowledging Our Pain Rescuing the Rescuer

Some people are called to help others, often as early as their childhood, responding to the needs of family members, strangers, or animals with a selflessness that is impressive. Often, these people appear to have very few needs of their own, and the focus of their lives is on rescuing, helping and healing others. While there are a few people who are truly able to sustain this completely giving lifestyle, the vast majority have needs that lie deep beneath the surface, often unmet and often unseen. In these cases, their motivation to help others may be an extension of a deep desire to heal emotional wounds within themselves that are starving for the same kind of love and attention they dole out to those around them on a daily basis.

For any number of reasons, these people are unable to give themselves the love they need and so they give it to others. This does not mean that they are not meant to be helping others, but it does mean that they would do well to turn some of that helping energy within.

One problem with the rescuer model is that the individual can get stuck in that role, always living in crisis mode at the expense of inner peace and personal growth. Until the person resolves their own inner demons, they play them out in their relationships with others, drawn to those who need them and often become unable to acknowledge their own needs or get them met. In the worst case scenario, they enable the persons dilemma by not knowing when to stop playing the rescuer and allow the person to figure it out on their own. However, if the rescuer finds the strength to turn within and face the needy aspect of their own psyche, he or she can become a model of empowerment and a true source of healing in the world.

Signs you or someone you love may need understand about the rescue the rescuer dynamics is the energy you are exerting and the inner burnout from over giving; underlying resentment; an inability to admit to having needs of one’s own; and an unwillingness to be vulnerable. Help only comes when we allow ourselves to admit we need it, acknowledging our humanity and our wholeness by acknowledging our pain. The understanding we gain in the process will naturally inform and inspire our ability to help those in need to do the same. What do you think?

LEDISI

Ledisi……..the last of a dying breed.

Thank you Ledisi for making me believe in true artistry again, my good friend Carlos Sanchez closes his deep soulful house music sessions with your tribute to Ella (Blues in the night). I believe music is felt, not just heard, I close my eyes and connect to you, your lyrics not only speak to my soul, it educates me on the current events of life, love and love lost. Ledisi you feel your music and your band from the strong Intro of (Been Here) on your Lost & Found CD to the closing Outro of (Been Here) you not only invited me to the first row of your concert with this CD but you gave me uninterrupted (JOY) and as I continued to listen with a new ear, I say new ear because you raise the bar with your connection to your instrument, every artist I hear after you I wait to hear if they connect on any level to their music, words or fellow artist in their band, and that’s only the few that work with bands at all. The song (Best Friend) speaks to me most, it’s my national anthem. I am in Love with my best friend, still after years of taking it to the next level I still want him and desire him and you sing with the intensity of which I feel. It’s about (You & Me) throughout this CD.

I am committed to introduce every one I know to you, so that they could (Get to Know You) and be turned right side up from this (Up Side Down) music industry that packages talent with the old formula of Good Hair, Light skin, and a polished studio sound. You my dear are (Alright) with me, every once in a while as I listen to you, and I raise my hand in solidarity, I smile with identification and get confirmation that (We are One) as you sing with another familiar member of the dying breed of true talent Rashaan Patterson . Ledisi you made me feel like we grew up with each other in your song titled (Someday). I visualized your family being very proud of you, not only for being successful but most of all for staying true to your art, and honoring your ancestors. You have my Idea of a total package, bangin ass beats, vocals that make you want to take your shoe’s off and throw them and a vibe that accentuates your soulful voluptuousness. Your title track (Today and I tried) proves that you can sing circles around Diva’s from the past and present, effortlessly. You are (The One) hands down Ledisi, thank you for rescuing me from the (Lost and Found) of bubble gum artist with all their smoke and mirrors and giving me so much to look forward too…………………. (In The Morning).

For those who may not know the sounds of Ledisi or just want to see this amazing artist live click here (Ledisi Live at The Bridge) for her concert series with special guest Chaka Khan.