Meet Alexander Ramirez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexander Ramirez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexander , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from my commitment to self-love. Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges, starting from childhood. I endured child abuse, experienced homelessness, and struggled with substance abuse, even becoming an abuser myself. Early on, I understood that there was no savior or external force to rescue me from my circumstances. I later discovered that the belief systems that trapped me in these cycles were ones I had to heal from within. Engaging in activities I was passionate about helped ground me in the present and ultimately saved me from self-destruction. I faced a choice: succumb to debilitating depression or choose to create. I immersed myself in martial arts, street dance, drawing, meditation, yoga, and crystal mining—skills that became my focus. I opted for these pursuits instead of following a prescribed path. I learned early on to reject traditional routes and prioritize my desires. In my quest for love and acceptance, I often found myself conforming to others’ expectations, which only deepened my self-loathing. So, I resolved to pursue only what I loved, even if it meant living with minimal resources. My mental health and artistic expression became my top priorities, and they remain so today. The skills and “business” I have developed are not merely a means of income; they are essential to nourishing my mind and body, and I am fortunate to earn a living from them.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My journey is extensive and well-rounded. I have faced the horrors of abuse, witnessed the struggles on the streets, dealt with self-harm, substance misuse, and parental neglect, as well as the pain of hurting others. Yet, I have also embraced the beauty of life through global travel, acquiring new skills and artistic talents, and forming profound friendships, romances, and experiencing heartbreaks and otherworldly encounters. These experiences are invaluable to me. They have fostered a deep sense of compassion for both myself and the world. Just as pollution and microplastics exist, I acknowledge that I carry both light and shadow within me, and I strive to accept and love every aspect of myself and others. Currently, my focus is on maintaining inner balance. I dedicate 3 to 7 hours daily to meditation and personal cultivation, channeling that energy into creating art, dance, jewelry, and social media content. I’ve discovered that when my mind and body are in a state of joy and bliss, my artwork flourishes. My daily routine revolves around this: waking up, meditating, practicing yoga and qi-gong, walking in nature, dancing, creating jewelry, and drawing before sleep, then repeating the cycle. With no support system but myself, I am committed to making my days enjoyable. Each piece of my artwork reflects the deep spirituality I cultivate. My drawings and jewelry share a common thread, as does my dance. I create new jewelry daily and host pop-up events throughout Portland every week. I am diligently pursuing a grant or small business loan, I would really like a car and a private studio space. I have been navigating by foot and bus, but I am eager to expand my reach and share my art beyond social media with the world

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Compassion is an invaluable skill that every human can cultivate, particularly towards oneself. You deserve all the goodness life has to offer and are not merely a result of the conditioning you’ve experienced. While it’s natural to crave validation and acceptance now, remember that even in the face of rejection, your worth remains intact. Nothing external can diminish what you hold within. You’ve endured so much; why not extend that same compassion you offer others to yourself for a change?

Patience is another essential skill that fosters presence and tranquility, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your activities. In a fast-paced, competitive world, it’s easy to become fixated on external achievements and rush to attain them. We often find ourselves comparing our journeys to others, letting outside influences dictate our actions instead of savoring the process. While we can’t control external circumstances, we can choose our internal responses. Embrace the present, practice patience, and cherish the little moments. What is meant to unfold will do so in its own time.

Routines- Establish routines that bring you joy. Identify what truly makes you happy and prioritize those activities above all else. For me, engaging in shadow work and emotional healing is non-negotiable; I place it above any social event or relationship. My mental and emotional well-being is my pathway to freedom. So, determine what activities ground you—be it dancing, exercising, meditating, or practicing yoga—and commit to them daily. Do it with passion and authenticity!! 🙂 those routines and needs change over time but at least your foundation is solid.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

I embraced unwavering self-love. I made the scary decision to quit my job, end a three-year relationship, establish firm boundaries with my family, and walk away from co-dependent friendships that were steeped in comfort and limiting beliefs. I sold all my possessions and removed every distraction from my life. No television, no Xbox, no anime—nothing—until I developed the skills and financial stability necessary to pursue my passion as a full-time artist and jeweler. I recognized the urgent need to refine my routines, manage my time, and regulate my emotions to create the life I truly desire. I refuse to let anyone dictate my path, and I will not give up on myself. Despite the challenges and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I understand that I have so much to contribute to the world beyond living for others and conforming to their expectations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Alchemist_Alexander_
• Youtube: AlchemistAlexander
• Soundcloud: AlchemistalexanderCat
• Other: You can find all my links on instagram

Image Credits

Pictures by Caitlin Johnstone and Alexander Ramirez