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Language is the thread that stitches reality together, each word containing a set of functions that explain its nature. As many of our conflicts arise in the use of language it stands to reason that many of the solutions we seek reside in the words we are using. Five Functions is designed to empower the listener with a rich lexicon and a series of exercises to facilitate a transformation of the human experience.
In this episode of FIVE FUNCTIONS we explore PEACE.
Stay tuned for more episodes each Wednesday.
Interview with J. Black:
Spirit & Flesh: As a creative, what is your message?
J. Black: My message is simple. Let go. Let go of what happened and experience what is happening.
S&F: What are a few most valuable lessons you learned in your life?
JB: How to cultivate love and passion for failure. If you can get over the sting your ego gets from failing, the resulting growth is unparalleled. When you fail you know immediately you are being taught something important.
One of my biggest failures has been not letting go of things quickly enough. I tend to experience and relive something a few times before I let it go. It robs me of what’s happening now.
S&F: What would you like to be acknowledged for?
JB: I’d like to be acknowledged for being here. At least I showed up. [Laughs]
S&F: What are some of your biggest influences?
JB: I’m influenced by everything. My stream of consciousness says: “Whitney Houston, Alan Watts, Autobiography of a Yogi, Wii fit Yoga, Michael Mann, psychedelics, veganism, Goddess by Banks, chocolate, photography, NYC, my daughter Avaa, women in general.”
S&F: What would you like your daughter to learn?
JB: The power of letting go, forgiveness, love, empathy. I want her to remember to meditate, to express herself unapologetically, to stand for what she stands for and to love herself for all that she is and is not.
S&F: What is your message for women?
JB: My message for women is that I honor you and I am grateful for you. I can’t imagine what it’s like to live as a woman, the world is and has always been yours, bless you sisters of Mother Earth.
S&F: What would you like other men to consider?
JB: As men, we need to stop pretending to not be men. Women are the creators, they create our species, we are here to protect them.
S&F: As an artist what do you strive to create?
JB: As an artist, I’ve experienced my process as catharsis. The whole thing is understanding who and what you are by way of speaking and doing things you are not. It’s sort of a search for essence and authenticity. Success for me is living as a fully expressed spirit in human form — without the restrictions and reservations imposed by a human world.
S&F: What would you like to transform about yourself?
JB: I’d like to transform everything about me as many times as possible before I leave this life.
S&F: What is your stand for yourself?
JB: My stand for myself is an authentic expression and letting go, to follow my heart and give everything.
All available episodes of FIVE FUNCTIONS are here.
