We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Eckerd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.
Hi Justin , so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Over the last three years, I’ve embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery and self-care that has transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. This adventure began with a simple realization: there were unresolved issues and untapped potential within me that were holding me back from becoming the best version of myself. I felt a surge of excitement as I embraced the path of self-improvement, even though I had no idea where it would lead.
My journey into self-care took an unconventional turn, unlike most stories you might hear. I was carrying a heavy burden of emotional baggage that seemed overwhelming, and I sensed that I needed a significant catalyst for change. It was during this time that my wife introduced me to the concept of plant medicine through a friend. We decided to give it a try, hoping it would help us explore the deepest parts of ourselves.
Those initial experiences opened my eyes to new possibilities, inspiring me to delve even further into this transformative journey. I enrolled in our community’s “Entheo Guide” program, where I gained valuable skills in facilitating, guiding, holding space, and improving communication. Alongside these essential lessons, I also learned how to establish daily practices that have played a pivotal role in maintaining my happiness and awareness.
Among the daily practices that have made a profound impact on my life, meditation and exercise stand out as the pillars of my self-care routine. These activities are not time-consuming, and I’ve adapted them as needed, but their consistency has been crucial. Together, they have unlocked a floodgate of effectiveness in my life.
My heightened awareness, improved communication skills, and newfound work-life balance have allowed me to tap into my creativity like never before. With fewer distracting emotions and feelings, I can channel my energy more productively. Although my work output may have decreased in terms of quantity, the quality of my work has improved dramatically, aligning more closely with my career aspirations.
I am immensely grateful for the positive changes these self-care practices have brought into my life, and I am committed to continuing them for the rest of my journey. As I move forward, I look forward to adding new practices, evolving my approach, and nurturing my personal growth. Self-care has become the cornerstone of my life, guiding me towards becoming the best version of myself.
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?
I’m a music producer, audio engineer, business owner, healer, plant medicine facilitator and from some I’ve been given the title music shaman lol. I really try to formulate deeper connections with those that I work with. I feel when there’s multiple people working on something creative that there needs to be a deep understanding of what all parties expect, feel and need.
I recently moved to Louisville Kentucky and it has been a beautiful change to say the least. It feel’s like there is more to do, more happening with the creative scene. Although, I still own my studio in Bowling Green Ky, I look forward to doing a lot more quality work with creatives here in Louisville.
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?
Some qualities and skills that were the more impactful were coming into awareness, better Communication, identifying a need and filling the space, really listening and taking the ego out conversations whether with others or myself. I feel like people could really benefit from observing. Observe how you feel when hitting all spectrums of emotion. Identify what made you feel that way and why. Another is take responsibility for everything that happens to you. These things take practice and you can only practice them when you become aware. So to improve ask yourself frequently if you’re aware. Also, study, read, apply and experience.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client would be someone who is serious. Someone who isn’t afraid to look silly or like a fool in the beginning and someone resilient. I don’t mind to work with people who don’t have these characteristics but, this is a hard industry and my effort would definitely be better placed with serious open minded creatives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blkmrktpro.com
- Instagram: iamblkmrkt
- Facebook: Justin Eckerd
- Twitter: blkmrktp
- Youtube: Blkmrktp
Image Credits
Leo the shooter Shot by Flex
