We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Afi El a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Afi , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Life! It came with all the experiences I’ve had. I’ve been in so many challenging situations that optimism, was the only thing I could lean on. It’s tough at times, because you don’t always have evidence you need to keep going. I do believe the universe gives us signs. You just have to learn how to quiet the world around you and be still. In the city, it might seem difficult to find those spaces yet, we live in an amazing State and I don’t hear about enough practicing optimism. Orange County and LA, have some amazing wellness communities. Being in nature helps me a lot also!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a California Native. Born in Long Beach and moved around Orange County, but I considered myself to be an Anaheim resident.
Although I rap, I’m just an Artist at heart. I write all my music, and sing the vocals when it’s needed. I work with vocalists at times, also. My focus, is just bringing ideas to life so, I incorporate the best people for the job. I have tons influences but Outkast, has impacted me the most, and they’ve been very “outside the box.” Along with Music, I’m diving deeper into acting and modeling. I’ve been in a few Indy films and have worked with several boutique Brands in California ,Denver and Minnesota.
I’d like to also mention that my mother and I opened an Apothecary in 2021, called Living Stone 1. Although, I’m not always available, someone is there to help you! A big change you’ll see this year, is the merger of Music, Physical and Mental Health. I’ve completed a project titled, “The Brain,” along with an album I’m working on. I’m also en route to become a Personal Trainer. I do believe being more intentional about our health, is how we take our power back! We have to strengthen the Mind and Body, relationship.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, I’ll have to combine Reading with Communication! I’ve read so many different types of books, it’s allowed my mind to expand and to connect with different cultures. People are books within themselves, if you’re willing to listen to their story. I’d actually like to write something one day, but music is first on the list. Secondly, I’d say exercise and meditation are a part of my daily self care routine. It helps me reduce tension in my body and soften the mental stresses of life. Third, I’d have to say humor. I’d encourage others to develop a healthy sense of humor. I’m one of those people that laugh at everything but as I’ve learned, there’s a time and place. It doesn’t work for everyone but it has helped me buffer difficult situations. When it comes to my personal life, it’s been my saving grace.
Stay on your path and learn to simplify your life. Don’t do too much, at one time. Learn to pic up and drop things, when needed. There will be a flow that develops over time. Being a creative can be overwhelming but some projects take precedence over others and some, require teamwork. The earlier you can commit to what you’d like to do in life, you can pour all of your energy into that. You have to be ok with making your Art, a priority. Outside of children, it’s my primary focus but I also include them in as many projects as possible. My son and daughter, are actually in my upcoming video, “The Brain,” which is a tribute to Mental Health.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Yes! You Are Here, by Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s about staying present and practicing mindfulness. Engaging with life, “minute by minute,” so, you’ never get too far ahead of yourself. Being connected to the moment through mundane tasks, like washing dishes, as the book states. Details are important. Holding the door open for people. Intentionally speaking to people and taking a minute to ask how they are. We move to fast in our society and we’re missing out on so many important moments, racing to the next. It’s great to have our goals, but life is signaling us, all of the time and we don’t often catch the hints. We’re so distracted and through those distractions, our minds are being pulled in opposing directions, leading to our unhappiness. Of course, life will come with challenges but we’re often working against our own peace, because of the habits that contribute to being disconnected. As amazing as technology is, we have to learn to use it, instead of letting it use us! I believe Prince, said something similar.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @afielseven
- Youtube: Afi El Seven
- Other: Threads – afielseven
Image Credits
@_thecrustycrouton @richoffflicks_ @level.7ven @mincocreates @therdchild
