Big announcement! This Thursday at 9am (EST), I will be taking over Insight Timer’s Instagram page to guide a live practice called How To Become A Magnet to Creativity.

Maybe you’re wondering why someone would want to become a magnet to Creativity?

That’s a great question.

Most people think of Creativity as an outcome, like a painting, a book, or even a funny Instagram post.

But for me, Creativity is actually a lifelong relationship. Similar to a romantic partnership or even a best friend.

When we find ways to meaningfully and sincerely be in partnership with Creativity, she finds incredible ways to bless our lives.

When we have a healthy and loving relationship with Creativity, she continually finds us and wants to spend quality time with us.

It’s like the feeling of being in love—that feeling when everything seems possible.

We become vessels for divine expression and when this happens we start to get out of our own way and allow the best of us to show up in the world.

Becoming a magnet to Creativity can feel incredible, but it also has some amazing side effects:

1. Our confidence grows because we are in flow and in alignment with the highest frequency of the Universe.

2. Our productivity grows because we are regularly dancing with Creativity. Ideas, visions, and projects continually find us and use us as an open channel to be manifested into the world.

3. Our sense of fulfillment grows because we are openly sharing more of our gifts and our heart with the world.

If you’re interested in any of the above, come join me this Thursday by tuning into Insight Timers instagram page at 9am (EST) and we will have some fun together. Make sure to bring your journal.

Everyone is invited!

Big love,

D

Here’s a secret to taking better photos and videos on social media:

No one wants you to be perfect.

They’d rather you be real.

Because people don’t trust perfect—perfect is unbelievable.

→ That means you’re allowed to fumble a word or two in your videos.

→ That means you can show people your playful side or even your messy side.

→ That means putting your guard down and letting people feel and see your heart.

Real is trustworthy, because real is relatable.

Take a look at your instagram feed and ask yourself, is there a part of the real you missing from your social media?

I did this a few years back and realized that all my posts were super serious.

For some reason, my silliness and my joy were totally missing—and if you’ve ever met me in real life you’ll know just how silly and joyful I can be. I needed to share more of the real Darius with the world.

Because humans are multi-dimensional. We have MANY sides to us.

When I look at these photos of Charles (@for.men.of.color), I see range. I see a coach and leader who is strong, but I also see a softer side. The photos show his depth and wisdom, but his fun and joyful sides also come through.

It’s not just authentic and honest for the sake of it—it’s a super smart business decision too.

His prospective clients are able to sense who Charles really is and what it’s like to work with him. This creates closeness and trust.

When we open our hearts and show people who we really are, we allow them to more quickly and effectively decide if our energy and vibe is what they’re looking for in their life.

Not everyone will be into who you really are—that’s just life. But the right people will step forward and want to learn more.

It requires courage to take up space and share your light with the world. But each time you do, not only does it get easier, but the world also gets brighter.

If you’d like some support in sharing more of your light and your gifts with the world, I’d love to chat. I have a great photography promo this month. You can click here for more info —> https://www.dariusbashar.com/heartshots

Big love,

D

Just keep showing up.

Even when you’re tired.
Even when you barely have words.
Even when you’re unsure of who you are.

Don’t do it for them.
Don’t do it for fame.
Don’t do it for the money.

Show up for YOU.
Show up to discover YOU.
Show up to remember YOU.

Rest, sleep, eat and be merry, but keep fucking showing up.

Don’t let resistance win.
Don’t let comparison win.
Don’t let the algorithm win.

You’re stronger than you realize.
You’re stronger than you realize.
You’re stronger than you realize.

And we all have hard parts in our lives.
The hard parts make you strong.
Don’t be afraid of the pain.

The pain is a gatekeeper to separate the bystanders from the masters.

Don’t be a bystander.

Be a master.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Thank you for being a part of this community.

Thank you for the kindness you have shared with me over the years. It has deeply impacted my heart.

Maybe we found each other through my NoStrangers project.

Maybe you have been meditating with me on Insight Timer or Artist Morning for a while.

Maybe we did a HEARTshots photoshoot together.

Maybe we are old friends.

Or maybe you just joined our community recently.

Regardless, your care and presence has impacted my life.

I know it might sound funny to be impacted by humans you have never met before, or been in the same room with, but I am impacted.

Like many of you, I am a sensitive soul that believes everything is energy.

And the energy of this community has brought so much joy into my life.

Thank you.

Bless you.

I love you.

D

Small token of my appreciation:

Have you ever wanted to ask me a question? I’ve made a simple online form (link below). I will do my best to answer as many questions as possible. CLICK HERE

I’m going to let you in on a secret: I rarely work with real estate agents or realtors. Because the type of photos they’re usually looking for aren’t the type of photos I usually take.

Additionally, real estate professionals aren’t as interested in my unique process, which involves getting to know each other. We do a deep dive into what your intentions are with the photos and how you want your audience to FEEL when they experience the final results.

My dream clients love this process. They see that it benefits their brand to be asked such questions and explore the answers in depth.

To be honest, when I’ve shared my process with real estate agents and realtors in the past, they look at me like I’m speaking a different language. Or worse… they try to break the process and do it the way they’re used to instead, which is a more in-and-out, transactional experience.

The good news is that Zack (@zackfenwick_7) is no typical realtor. From our first Zoom call it was clear he understood the value of breaking off from the pack and differentiating himself from his peers.

It was also clear that he is significantly more successful than the average realtor. Through our photoshoot and our deep conversations I learned a lot about Zack and his dedication to his business.

There was a clarity about Zack. He has focus and discipline. But there was also an ease with him, that in my experience only comes with true self-belief.

From what Zack shared about his origin story, his success isn’t an accident or luck: It’s a result of his commitment to health, to family, to how he runs his business, and how he runs his life.

He knows who he is and what he wants, and it was an honour to help him take photos that would help him along his path.

Zack, I enjoyed our time together and love the photos we co-created.

Big love,

D

PS: If there is something about these photos or my writing that calls to you, and you want to know more about working together, have a look at the link below (or the link in my bio on IG @dariusbashar). I would love to support your vision and help you share more of your gifts with the world. —> https://www.dariusbashar.com/heartshots

A dangerous game to play in any major relationship is to be so preoccupied with what USED to be that we miss out on what’s happening NOW. So why do we do this to ourselves?

I’m in my 40s, and it’s taken me over a year to realize that the NEW ME is a very different dude from who I was a decade ago.

His core is the same as the old me, but he thrives under different circumstances. He has different tastes, needs, and desires.

At the beginning of 2024, the new me shared some non-negotiables:

• The new me needs movement every single day. The old me would go weeks or months without taking a (now mandatory) walk.

• The new me works out 7 days a week. This might sound extreme, but the workouts are less about big heavy weights and more about sustainable and supportive body nourishment.

• The new me does well with more sleep: 7 hours. The old me was more of a 5-hours-a-night type of guy.

• The new me meditates every day, but for not as long. 15-20 minutes is the sweet spot.

• The old me loved the news, but in a recent meditation the new me opened up about how online content impacts my mind and body. The new me doesn’t follow any news accounts.

• The new me rarely works past 6pm, and almost never on the weekends.

I’m doing my best to be present and honest with the new me, and to swap my old assumptions with an attitude of curiosity and excitement. It’s the same feeling as dating a new person.

The good news is you don’t need to wait a decade to meet the new you.

Tomorrow at Artist Morning, I will be leading a free guided meditation and journaling journey on this very topic. It will be gentle and loving, but also direct. We will slow down, go inwards, ask some good questions, and most of all, listen.

Let’s meet the NEW YOU and really listen to what they have to share.

If you are interested in joining us on this journey, go to www.ArtistMorning.com and join us tomorrow at 9am Eastern Standard Time.

If you can’t make that time, I will be sending the replay next week. If you sign up for Artist Morning, you will get the meditation replay in your inbox.

Big love,

D

Theano had a bold vision. Which makes sense, because Theano is a bold woman.

Although it was our first time working together, my photoshoot with Theano (@eroticmenopause) was one I will never forget.

We had many Zoom chats before the shoot to prepare. The HEARTshots™ photography process involves many conversations where we get crystal clear on intentions, goals, and vision for the photos.

The plan was ambitious, but it was clear that Theano trusted the process. By planning ahead, we create a safety structure which allowed us to let go and flow on the day of the shoot.

Theano took all the insights and lessons from our Zoom chats and did her homework. When she showed up that day her energy was clear, grounded, and present.

We also had an amazing team to support us:

• Kelly (@kellyd.makeup) killed it with hair and makeup. One of my favourite things about Kelly is how much time she spends getting to know a client’s personality and brand before a shoot.

• We booked two spacious and distinct rooms at Mint Room Studios (@mintroomstudios), one of my favourite studios in Toronto.

• My two assistants, Sean and Misha (@misha_ras) were super dialed in.

Together, we tapped into a powerful group flow. We were 5 people working as one consciousness, allowing Theano to reveal her most magnetic self to the world.

There are so many bold, powerful and sensual photos in this collection, which makes sense because Theano is a Certified Authentic Tantra Practitioner.

What really stood out to me on set is how much we laughed and played together. Playfulness is one of the best tools I know to achieving great photos, even when the end goal is a more serious tone.

Thank you Theano for bringing your radiant light and open heart to this collaboration. It was an absolute blast, and I can’t wait for our next co-creation.

Big love,

D

PS: If there is something about these photos or my writing that calls to you, and you want to know more about working together, have a look at the link below (or the link in my bio on IG @dariusbashar). I would love to support your vision and help you share your gifts with the world. —> https://www.dariusbashar.com/heartshots

I love all types of artists. But authors hold a special place in my heart.

Maybe it’s because I love books so much.

Or maybe it’s because I romanticize the writing process.

To tell stories, build characters and the worlds they live in, with as little as a notebook and a pen—that looks liberating to me.

I think most people want to write a book. But I’m guessing only 0.01% of people actually do.

(Which only makes me love and respect authors even more.)

I imagine getting to the finish line as an author takes tremendous strength and courage.

You have to be strong enough to go into the depths of your heart and find your truth. And then you have to be courageous enough to speak your truth in your own authentic voice.

As a photographer, I’ve had the honour of working with probably 100 authors in my career: some who’ve written New York Times best sellers, and others still working on their first book.

Of all those writers, none have published as many books as my friend, the patron saint of authors, Angela Lauria (@drangelalauria).

Since 1994, she’s helped almost 2,000 entrepreneurs write, publish, and promote their books. Her clients’ books have received over 10 million reads and $100 million in cumulative revenue.

She’s also one of the most interesting humans to talk to. Her life feels like a movie. In fact, they actually made a documentary film about her life a few years back.

These photos are from our shoot in the Hollywood Hills in 2020, right before the pandemic started.

I am grateful that there are guides like Angela helping aspiring authors bring their creative babies into the world.

Thank you Angela for all the inspiration, conversations and laughs over the years.

Love you friend,

D

PS: If you’re an author or have plans to become one in the next year or two, I’d love to support your book launch with photos that showcase your most confident and magnetic self to the world. I specialize in working with emerging thought leaders and would love to chat. I have a great promo this month as well. Here’s the link —> dariusbashar.com/heartshots or if you are seeing this on Instagram, the link is in my bio (@dariusbashar).

“It is an impossible situation. Either we comply with Apple’s demands or Insight Timer will die. These are our two choices.”

This is what Christopher Plowman (the CEO of Insight Timer) said, understanding the gravity of the situation.

A few weeks ago, Apple blocked Insight Timer from being able to update their app on the iPhone App Store. Apple recently updated their Terms of Use and claimed Insight Timer was not in compliance.

Apple’s new policy calls for 30% of all revenue from digital content through streaming.

At the heart of this battle is a difference of opinion on what “digital content” means.

On the one hand, I believe Apple sees the future of streaming and wants to be properly compensated from it’s app developers.

For example, on a video game platform like Fortnite, the term “digital content” could be an in-app purchase of a shield within the game. The game developers create a small digital product once, which is on sale forever. Apple would receive 30%.

But Insight Timer has something called Live Meditations, which are often 60-90 minute custom experiences. The community can donate to teachers during these live events.

I’ve hosted several of these events on Insight Timer and they are so wonderful. So full of love, kindness and depth. The donations allow teachers like me to spend more time making meditations and spiritual wellness content.

100% of these donations used to go to its teachers, but now Apple needs 30%.

It makes no sense that these events are in the same “digital content” bucket, because it’s a totally different thing. And Insight Timer has no choice but to comply.

Over the last few years, Insight Timer has shared over $20 million of their revenues with their teachers. They’re the most generous platform I have ever worked with BY FAR and are legitimately making the world a better place.

They’ve helped so many of us on our journeys of meditation, mindfulness and wellness.

Now, Insight Timer needs our help.

So reply, share, repost and add your views to this conversation. Be heard. Tell Apple your Insight Timer story. Explain what this community means to you.

Together we are infinite.

Big love,

D

When two dancers can find a moment of flow and freedom together, they leave their minds and get swooped up by something beyond themselves.

It’s beyond thinking, beyond logic, beyond practicality.

When I started taking black and white portraits 9 years ago, I was a very different human. There was a part of me that was lost.

Despite having many wonderful people in my life, I felt a deep sense of loneliness. I think this was because I didn’t really know who I was, and at the time I was afraid to go inwards and find out.

In hindsight, the black and white portraits series I started 9 years ago was an attempt to learn more about myself by looking deep within others.

I spent hundreds of hours with humans of all backgrounds, ages, sizes, ethnicities; each person who sat in front of my camera taught me something about my own journey. In each person I would see myself, and to be honest I think they could see themselves in me too.

It was a surprising (and often beautiful) transcendent experience of two people becoming one… and then almost become none.

That might sound strange. Because it is. There’s nothing normal about it, but it’s the most beautifully strange and moving experience I have ever felt.

Sometimes it feels like the most amazing dance.

I often look back and ask myself, “How did we even take those photos?! I don’t remember any of it.” I think this is because we were in flow and something beyond us was working through us.

I am so grateful for all the dance partners I have had over the years:

All the humans who have trusted me to take them on this magical journey. 🙏🏽

If there is something about my photos or my writing that calls to you and you’d like to learn more about these dances, then let’s chat. I have a great promo for my HEARTshots this month. Here’s the link www.dariusbashar.com or if you are seeing this on Instagram the link is in my bio (@dariusbashar).

Big love,

D

PS: Special shoutout to the amazing human in the photos, my “little bro” who I trust and love deeply, the one and only Brandon Ferguson.