Overview of Projects & Their Outcomes

Purpose of Page

This page lists and defines the projects & OPs that I commenced, along with key un/learnings and outcomes over the two years of my first Gaia U program cycle. Here you will find:

• Links to all of my OPs (Click Photos)
• Summaries of first cycle projects w/ un'learnings & outcomes
• How my pathway unfolded and what Iv'e learned from it
• Evolution of my world-view context & patrix busting memes

Due to my lengthy and non-linear program pathway the 3 project based OPs don't follow the unfoldment in a way ithat can be expressed in a conjoined section. Instead the display of projects will form the left column, while the far right will contain the sections listing the outputs made from those projects. The middle contains additional integration of subjects and material from these processes and how they have affected me on a more transpersonal level.

My first independent project was to write and record my first full length album, SunDog.

The key learning lessons from recording SunDog are as follows:

1. Disciplined focus and commitment to completion - This was reflected within the small tasks that needed to be accomplished on a daily or weekly basis, while maintaining the scope of the overall vision of the project, recognizing every individual goal as being an essential thread in the completed tapestry of SunDog. This was not only a growth edge for me to challenge in the recording process but for my process of song writing in general. Because I had not yet finished all the songs that were to be recorded, I learned a method to achieve greater efficiency by setting aside specific times for 'song birthing'. This way I was able to offer my full attention to the process while completing the songs in a timely manner relative to the timeline I had afforded myself to finish the record.  I had never worked on one project so consistemtly in my entire life, making this a significant accomplishment upon my path.

2. Time Management & Practice of Organizational Meathods, tools, and application - I learned to plan my project efficiently using goal sheets and micro/macro task-lists, while learning to map my process through documentation and well organized progress management refferences (most noteably represented by the 'SunDog Progress Board'). The refined level of organiztaional integrity with which I learned to direct my projects became an  invaluable benifit to my process. The subject of time-management, however, was and still is a growth edge for me. The process of completing SunDog took 6 months when my original intention was to take only 2 or 3. This was a humbling experience as I recognized the profound work, technical capability, and focused dedication that it takes to make a well-rounded studio-quality album. I also eventually learned the value of self-imposed time retraints which can act as tools to accelerate timliness and efficiency of project management.

3. Technical & Musical Skillflex Development - On a musicianship level, this has reflected most notably in my vocal presence and delivery as I was challenged by both Paul and my own inner awareness to rise to a new level to tonal refinement, accuracy, and deepened listening. From a technical standpoint, I began to deepen my relationship with recording software and the art of mixing. I still have a way to go before I reach Paul's understanding of engineering, though I intend to continue skill-flexing this particular muscle so that I am comfortable recording my own records as well as others'.

After the finalization process of recording SunDog, I was ready to the share the fruits of my labor of love with the world. This project was outlined by various goals to be organized and implemented over the intial months of the new year 2013. 

The prime lessons and skills gained from this project were as follows:

1. Greater refinement and technicality of my musical abilities and stage presence - Through practicing and performing more often, I learned to more clearly and effectively deliver the melodies and message of my music. By listening deeply to the sound of my own voice and delving further into my technical performance with the guitar, I experimented with variations of speed, scales, chord structure, and dynamic.

2. Working with others - Teaching the songs to Oliver and Kevin was a challenging and rewarding experience. Initially projecting intensity and possibly impatience, I gradually learned to speak the musical needs that I felt the other members of the band could fullfill, from a place of authority and clarity. This helped me to cultivate deeper transparency where I learned to be sensitive and encouraging, while remaining clear and concise in my directions, allowing myself to bypass passivity while not becoming overbearing. I also felt the joy of perfecting three part harmonies and solid acoustic arrangement, along with the smiles and wonderful feedback we received from our audiences. 

3. The Power of Gift & Building Community - Through gifting SunDog far and wide I received the reward of tremendously inspiring, empowering, and truly touching encouragment, gratitude, and positively reaffirming feedback. I felt how stoked people were when I handed them a CD and ask for nothing in return. Free music (especially when encased with an artistically colorful and inspiring CD booklet) can bring smiles and a deeper level of connection to an intial meeting with someone rather quickly. I haven't mapped the science of this phenomenon though I have felt it through firsthand experience. Here is a page of 'SunDog love letters', where people express their gratitude for the music and what it brings them.

The main outcomes from this time were;

1. New connections within a large network of transformational artists whom have blessed me with their presence as well as helped to share and promote SunDog in various forms of media and performance opportunities.

2. Greater clarity and confidence in my musical performance abilities and band organization.

3. A more profound sense of community and support within both my personal contacts and alies as well as with a vast network of artists and musicians dedicated to spreading the vision of an empowered, healthy, and inspired life for all.

Project 3 of my Gaian pathway was more of a meta-level process. This project focused on experiential lessons surrounding leadership, community dynamics, land & business ownership logistics, band organization, and realistic appraisals of where I am truly guided to commit my attention and energy.

The Key un/learnings from this project were:

• Leading and managing a band requires dedication, commitment, clarity, and focus. Stating my needs to band members with integrity, transperency, and directness allows a greater level of trust and openness within artistic as well as interpersonal dynamics.
• It is in my best interest to devote my time and energy solely towards projects unto which I can honestly dedicate my time, presence, and resources towards. Approaching projects with clearly defined goals and realistic appraisals of design, implementation, resoucres, and time management are essential tools in both organization and implementation.
• Taking time to thouroughly evaluate options, legalities, maintenence requirements, and responsibilities dealing with land and business ownership is crucial to making potentially life-changing descisions. Feeling confident and clear of my own vision as well as what is required of me for integral land and community stewardship is key to being a strong leader. 

The prime outcomes from this project were:

• Experience in organizing, managing, and performing  with a full band to more fully emulate the music of SunDog, while bringing my message and presence to a larger audience.
• Unforgettable experiences of unbridaled self expression, authentic communication, and the gift of building relationships which have helped me to grow both as an artist and overall human.
• Greater understanding of how to be an effective, transparent, and empowered leader, space holder, and compassionate pillar of community support.
• A clearer sense of my overall goals and purpose, as well as a better understanding of where I need to focus my energies to more fully embody my service as a regenerative planetary (he)art steward.