There are a lot of humans sharing wisdom online; exponentially more than ever before.

It’s easy to regurgitate ideas that already exist.

Sometimes regurgitation is a necessary step to finding your own voice. I made a video on this last week called The Art of Copying Art.

This week I am sort of obsessed with a different frame of thinking.

—> Is there something that only I can teach?

—> Is there a video that only I can make?

—> Is there a story that only I can share?

Maybe the answer is: no, nothing is original. But before I land on that belief, I’d like to try something else.

I’m curious, what comes up for you when reflecting on these questions?

If you’re up for it, share below or send me a DM.

Big LOVE,

D

Spring has sprung.

Winter is finally over.

A fresh new canvas waits eagerly at the edge of your paintbrush.

What will you make of this new start?

What will you bring along with you on this new adventure?

What are you ready to leave behind?

Here’s a rude awakening that nobody ever wants to think of…

This might be the last summer of your life.

Sorry to drop that in the middle of this pretty little post, but that’s exactly how it happens.

So grab that fucking paint and make something beautiful.

Your canvas awaits.

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Beautiful human by: @paigedubrul⁣
Beautiful hair and makeup by: @kellyd.makeup⁣
Beautiful clothing by: @cestmoiclothing
Beautiful location by: @mintroomstudios
Beautiful photography by: @dariusbashar

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#torontophotography #torontophotographers #createmore #artistsway #ArtistMorning #creativityeveryday #portraitsinspire

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My favourite thing about my job as a portrait photographer is that I get to sit down for hours at a time and chat with really interesting humans. 

It feels like an epic one-on-one podcast—without mics or even an audience.

I discover so many of my favourite books, workshops, events, podcasts and even philosophies on life through the conversations that happen before I get my camera out. 

Dr. Tracy Debi is a great example of this. Our chat was really juicy; she has lived a fascinating life and does very unique work as a former holistic chiropractor turned intuitive guide & mentor.

The conversation was food for my soul. We had so much fun that she asked me to be a guest on her podcast, which was also a blast. 

So grateful for all the brilliant, beautiful and brave humans I get to co-create with. 

Thank you Dr. Tracy. I can’t wait for our next co-creation. 

Big LOVE,

D

PS: If you want to make something beautiful together, I've got a great promo this month --> www.dariusbashar.com/heartshots

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I hope you had a great weekend and got lots of time in the sun.

This meditation is a journey away from technology, digital screens and anything that resembles modern society.

It's an opportunity to travel through time and space and sit with your ancestors in nature.

Maybe they have something to share with you.

Have an awesome day.

Big LOVE,

D

PS: If you’re looking for a FREE collection of Guided Morning Meditations, I’ve got you covered → https://www.artistmorning.com/free-meditation-for-creativity / link in bio @dariusbashar

PPS: Come meditate with me live. We meet as a group on Zoom every Wednesday and Friday at 9am EST. Sign up here for free → Free Group Meditation / @artistmorning

#meditations #meditationpractice #meditationtime #meditationteacher #meditationclass #meditation🙏

Anyone else feel grinded down by this third wave of the lockdown? I know every country and region is in a slightly different position these days, but if you live in Ontario you might be feeling lots of extra emotions this week.

If you’d like to process and release some of those extra emotions in a healthy way, I’d like to invite you to meditate and journal with us at Artist Morning today.

Our next group meditation is today at 9am EST. It’s totally free and everyone is welcome. ⁣
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It takes 30 seconds to join and you’ll get the Zoom link ASAP. —> www.artistmorning.com / link in bio @dariusbashar⁣
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Love, ⁣
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D⁣
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#meditations #meditationpractice #meditationtime #meditationteacher #meditationclass #meditation🙏

It’s too late for me. I missed my chance. I should have started years ago. 

There are too many artists / creators / musicians / businesses already in the space. They are way ahead of me. 

What could I possibly bring to the table that would be unique? 

I don’t want to look like a copycat. 

It’s just too late!

 — 

I have that voice in my head too. It kept me on the sidelines for a long time, just watching other people create cool shit. 

The good news is that I found a way around this unproductive thinking… 

Six steps to help me copy other artists in a way that is ethical, profitable and fun as f*ck.

It might not work for all artists and creators out there, but it worked for me. It gave me permission to play, express and create more than I ever imagined. 

It also gave me a brave space to build momentum as a new artist, a foundation to build on, and then eventually my own signature style. 

If you’re on the fence about getting into the self-expression game, I hope that this video gives you a nudge in the right direction. 

Big LOVE, 

D

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PS: If you dig this video and this message and want to support me and the Artist Morning YouTube channel, you can subscribe here → https://www.youtube.com/c/ArtistMorning⁣ // link in bio @dariusbashar

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PPS: Come meditate and journal with me. It’s totally free and everyone is welcome. You might just love it → https://www.artistmorning.com // link in bio @dariusbashar

I am not afraid of my shadow. 

I am not afraid of my light. 

I love all of me. All parts. 

I have space and compassion for ALL of me. 

I am surrounded by everything I need. 

My heart is open. 

My feet are grounded. 

My spirt soars. 

I am safe and supported always. 

Today I choose love. 

Today I CHOOSE love. 

 — — 

Dear Universe, 

Please use me as an instrument of your divine expression. 

Let us dance together and collaborate today as fellow artists. 

Let’s make something beautiful together. 

Something honest and real. 

Love always and forever, 

D

Photography by: Darius Bashar
Human by: Micha Edwards

It can feel frustrating when we don’t achieve our goals. When we fall short of our own timelines for whatever we deemed success or the finish line would be. 

It can feel especially difficult because we live in a world where it seems like every day someone new is blowing up and going viral.

But I’ve got good news…

For us to achieve our goals it will take more than we ever imagined. 

That’s right, this is GOOD news. 

Because the process of it taking more will require us to dig deeper and to bring MORE than ever before. 

 → more honesty

→ more courage

→ more confidence

→ more resilience

→ more creativity

→ more FUN

 → and most of all, MORE of our hearts

It’s a long journey. Longer than pop culture and social media wants you to believe. 

If you’re really down for the ride and truly committed to living a self-expressed life, then you better get comfortable. If you’re lucky this ride will take decades. But it might also be the greatest ride of your life.

Photo by: Darius Bashar
Beautiful face by: Sadie Ames

Commercial photographers and commercial cinematographers are on a list of “Permitted Media Companies” that are legally allowed to continue working during this lockdown period.

Yes, there are extra precautions and social distancing procedures that we must abide by, but if you are a commercial photographer—as long as there are 5 or fewer people on set with you and everyone is wearing masks and social distancing—you are allowed to continue running your business.

(Thank the lord!)

And in case you were wondering, the people on camera do NOT need to wear masks while we are taking photos of them. I know this seems obvious, but nothing is obvious in the times we live in.

All this to say, if you are a photographer in Ontario and you’re doing commercial work, you can continue doing business.

Be careful by screening your clients, make sure they are healthy (and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID), and wear masks as often as possible.

Keep building your business because we need you and your art in this world.

Please share this with other photographers who might not know this.

Also, support local businesses and artists as much as possible. When this is all done, we want to make sure our favourite local businesses are STILL AROUND.

Best,

D

#torontophotography #torontophotographers #ontariolockdown #photographertoronto #commercialphotographer #torontoartists #supportlocalbusinesses

Happy weekend beautiful humans. If you are looking for a really gentle and calming meditation to start your weekend with, I got you covered. ⁣

I really love this meditation. ⁣⁣

Special shout out to my brother Dane Osorio. He's the stud in the thumbnail. I wish we could go back to that photoshoot in Costa Rica....one day!! ⁣

BIG LOVE,

D

PS: If you’re looking for a FREE collection of Guided Morning Meditations, I’ve got you covered → https://www.artistmorning.com/free-meditation-for-creativity / link in bio @dariusbashar

PPS: Come meditate with me live. We meet as a group on Zoom every Wednesday and Friday at 9am EST. Sign up here for free → Free Group Meditation / @artistmorning

#meditations #meditationpractice #meditationtime #meditationteacher #meditationclass #meditation🙏