Meet Damien Raye

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Damien Raye a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Damien , 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 honestly comes from deep within.. I have been through quite a bit in my life which has certainly made me become stronger, to the point of feeling unstoppable at this point. Like I really have already been through the worst so if I made it through THOSE dark times, I can make it through anything! I have always had an inner fire with my dream where I just don’t take no for an answer. I try not to take things personally anymore either. Resilience is the means to keep on going no matter what has happened. I believe that everything happens for a reason, there is divine timing as to how and when things take place in life! I believe in myself and the journey so highly that no haters, doubts, adversity/obstacles, nothing has ever and never will stop me. I’m meant for this life. Once you know with everything in you that you are meant for something and accept that fact, nothing will take you from it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I would describe myself as a very inspiring hip hop artist and public speaker with LOTS to say. By listening to my music or hearing me speak, you can learn a lot through my stories/ be inspired to learn about the inner workings of the world / yourself! This has always been deeper than just music or just rap for me.. I’m for the people and making the world a better place through my platform. This is also what an Aquarius does, we are very naturally rebellious and drawn towards the mysteries and “bigger” things in life, like helping others. What’s exciting and special about Damien Raye is that, that is literally me! It’s not a character, not an alter ego or stage name, my name is Damien Raye Alexander, and so simply my artist name is Damien Raye. (You can still call me D-Raye as well if you’d like, same thing.)

I speak about and use these things I have learned in life, higher consciousness, the power of intuition, following a dream and more! I believe that we are all divine creators and the Universe is always on the side of those who follow their hearts desires. A lot of people unfortunately don’t.. They get caught up in their own doubts as well as the worlds and it’s very sad, I believe life is more than we have ever been told that it is, if you will. It’s way more magical than “society” would have you think. It’s very important to me that people understand their purpose and that life is what we make it. We reap what we sow. I have been pursuing a music career for over 12 years now and I wouldn’t be doing half the things I am now if I didn’t “earn my spot” really putting the work in. Persevering through the struggles, the late nights etc.

I’ll leave this part right here. I spread sunshine through what I do and my movement is called the sunrayes, I would love for you to join us! To learn even more about me and the things that made me this way, check out Damien Raye on Spotify, YouTube, and all platforms! My EP “Beauty In The Dark” is a very good introduction to what I’m about. I also released a couple singles this year “THIRD EYE”, “GETTIN SO HEAVY” (with many more on the way as well, we’re literally just getting started) One of those songs “25” is my favorite record we have ever made.. Stay tuned.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
If there’s anything I learned from pursuing a dream and doing what I WANT, not what society would want.. It would have to be these things. I will start with the 3 qualities. The first most important quality in my journey has been SELF BELIEF! I put this in all caps because I cannot emphasize enough how crucial that one is.. The journey is just that for a reason, it is difficult it will not always be smooth sailing, you will fall down, you will be tested.. You will be hated by some people, if you have self belief though, none of the inevitable obstacles will bring you down!! Every part of the trek up the mountain makes you who you are, and quite literally prepares you for exactly what you want.. Pretty magical huh? Trust in your unique journey and believe in yourself enough to keep going, no matter what the present circumstances are. “Circumstances” are temporary and can be changed.

The second most important quality for pursing a dream is determination/consistency. As said in the first statement, things are not all sunshine and rainbows when you’re creating the life you want. Staying determined and focused on what you want will allow you to keep going even when it feels like nothing is happening. Even when you’re feeling stuck or discouraged or any of the lower feelings, being determined will keep you focused and on the right track. If you are determined you will naturally be consistent, I put these 2 hand in hand simply because as you stay determined and consistent, the rest will come together. You will develop even more self belief, your skills will improve, you become a better version of yourself.

And lastly, it was kind of tough to just pick 3 things but my third most important quality would have to be passion. Being passionate about what you do! Having passion is what will make you enjoy the whole ride, not just the prize. When you do what you truly love in all your heart and soul, time doesn’t even exist.. It’s hard to explain in words. It’s almost as if your consciousness literally goes to another dimension while your body is still right here. If I wasn’t passionate about my craft and my intentions with it, I would have gotten burned out already, Feeling the love for what you are creating will allow you to keep happily moving forward, and being present with your whole journey. Every bit of it matters, and one day you will look back on your whole process to success in awe, just like I am right now.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I just accept the fact that I am only human, and the amount of work I do I am naturally going to burn out sometimes.. It’s just the way it is. I used to be very hard on myself about it but now I try to just be easy and give the time that I need, do any self care I have to do like unplugging from social media or anything at all. I used to get stressed feeling like I need to be “on” all the time, but that isn’t even real. Even the seasons in the world change at a certain time, everything has it’s cycle and time to recharge, then it’s time to grow. I see my life and process the same exact way. My advice is simply to listen to your body, mind, and soul. If you’re feeling overwhelmed it’s a sign that it’s time to recharge and do some different things for a bit, you’ll know when your energy is back and you are ready to go. I love spirituality and reading books/ meditation and maintaining peaceful energy.

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