The last two years have been the best two years of my life.

I know that sounds kind of crazy, considering we are in a global pandemic and there is so much uncertainty and fear in the world. Just like so many of us, loads of incredibly challenging things have happened in my life in the past two years. It’s been a roller coaster ride with some really gnarly lows.

And still, somehow…

These past two years have given me more joy, ecstasy and fulfillment than ever before.

My secret weapon has been exactly what Warhol is alluding to in this quote.

When I stopped depending on big, grandiose events to feel alive, it was like I found new eyes and ears and started to experience life like a six year old again. Everything was new again and my curiosity exploded.

Suddenly, everywhere and everyone was art.

Darius BasharJanuary 7, 2022QuotesComment

Exactly 2 Inches

No one can tell you whether or not your goals will actually happen.

There’s always risk, and a chance that things will not turn out the way you imagined.

But if you do nothing, then you guarantee that it will not work out.

You can’t win a basketball game if you are unwilling to let go of the ball and take a shot.

For so long I desperately wanted to win and was frustrated that it wasn’t happening for me, but I was walking around the entire basketball game unwilling to take a risk and shoot the damn ball.

Every time you take a risk—if you pay close attention after all your nerves settle down—you will notice your comfort zone just grew by exactly 2 inches.

(And in case you didn’t know, winning and losing in most sports often comes down to inches.)

So practice taking small, calculated risks every day, and before you know it you’ll be sharing half-naked photos of yourself on IG without flinching. 🤣

Just kidding… well, sort of.

Today I find myself in a place where posting this half-naked picture doesn't even rattle me. I feel love and pride for my past self. From never being in a photo in his own social posts because of deep insecurities about how he looked… to this. He’s come so far.

What a journey. So much growth in the past 5 years.

2 inches every day can get you to your dreams.

But only if you are willing to take a risk and shoot the damn ball.

Love,

D

Darius BasharJanuary 5, 2022WritingComment

Let Me Re-Introduce Myself

Hi, I’m Darius. It’s a new year, so I thought I’d take a moment to reintroduce myself.

Maybe we’ve known each other for decades. Or maybe you found me on the internet recently.

Either way, it’s good to check in because all of us are changing every day.

When I was a kid, my dream was to play basketball in the NBA. I used to sleep with a basketball every night.
In my late teens and most of my 20s, I had really bad acne which totally changed my personality. I was very insecure about my face. As a coping mechanism I unconsciously noticed how different lights either amplified or neutralized the texture of my skin. Later I would discover that this was the best training for a career as a photographer. It gave me a great understanding of how to work with lights, and more importantly: it gave me tremendous empathy toward other people who have insecurities about their appearance.
I believe there is beauty, brilliance and bravery in ALL OF US.
I also believe there is divinity in everyone. By “everyone” I mean every single human. Even those who we totally disagree with. Even those who have harmed us or abandoned us. Even those who have done terrible things.
During the early days of COVID I kept getting a vision to start a community where people could come together to meditate and journal. I had never built a community before. I had never guided a single meditation either. I was terrified, but the vision would not relent. So I did it. That first guided meditation journey was with just me and 1 other person. It's been 20 months since then, and this community (Artist Morning) has been growing strong. There are a few thousand subscribers and followers on YouTube and Insight Timer, who start their day meditating with me. It's such an honour for me to connect with humans all over the world like this. I am grateful for each and every one of you.
I make a living taking photos of humans… specifically, I take portraits of their hearts. There’s a whole process that I call HEARTshots. I have watched this process transform people’s lives. It’s so much more than epic photos; it’s an experience that reminds people of how beautiful, powerful, playful and brilliant they truly are.
In 2022, I am bottling the best of my HEARTshots portrait experience into an epic online course called the HEARTshots Academy. The goal will be to teach people to take incredible photos of themselves. I believe every life is worth documenting. I believe every life is worth remembering. Not for social media or Instagram, but for us. For our future selves. For our families and friends. Because we are worth it.

Thanks for reading this far. Thanks for caring. If any of this resonates, please reach out and say hi. Leave a comment below or send me a DM. I’d love to hear from you.

Big love,

D

Darius BasharJanuary 3, 2022WritingComment

Washing Our Hands

There are only hours left in 2021.

Soon we turn the page and start something new.

Personally, I love fresh starts. I get so excited to see an empty canvas.

Sometimes if we are not careful, we can carry forward energy from the previous year into the new one. Like a painter who forgot to wash her hands and accidentally smudged old paint onto a new canvas.

Before we pick up this gorgeous new canvas called 2022, it might serve us to take a moment and gently wash off any residue from this past year.

Here are 2 questions that I am currently reflecting on before I step into the new year.

1) Is there anything I am ready to let go of before 2022?
2) Is there anyone I am ready to forgive (including myself)?

I hope these last few hours of 2021 serve you well and that 2022 is your best year yet

Thank you for all the love and support this past year.

Thank you for all the emails, comments, voicenotes, phone calls, Zoom chats, real life hangs and more.

This has been the most loving year of my life and this community (aka YOU) are a key part of that.

Happy New Year!!

Love,

D

PS: If you enjoy guided meditations I made one specifically for New Year’s Eve and the first few days of 2022. It’s great for anyone that wants to bring closure to 2021 and step into 2022 with intention, purpose and POWER.

Darius BasharDecember 30, 2021guided meditation, 20 min guided meditation, Writing, New Year MeditationComment

Creativity Meditation (Boost Your Energy)

Good morning beauties!

Hope your Hump Day is off to an awesome start. If you are looking for a BOOST of ENERGY this meditation might do the trick.

See you guys on Friday.

Big love,

D

PS: If you’re looking for a FREE collection of Guided Morning Meditations, I’ve got you covered. There are so many on my YouTube channel.

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

Darius BasharDecember 8, 2021Artist Morning, guided meditation, 15 Minute Guided Meditation, Creativity MeditationComment

HIRING — Copywriter + Social Media Content Editor Wanted

I am looking to hire a copywriter and social media content editor.

The ideal candidate would be someone that:

Thrives in the morning
Loves creative copywriting
Can work with tight timelines
Feels SUPER comfortable on Instagram (Gallery, Stories + Reels)
Has experience with weekly newsletters
Design or photography background would be great, but not necessary

If this feels like you please take a moment to visit the following page → https://www.dariusbashar.com/copywriter-wanted.

Also, if you know someone that would be a good fit please share and tag them.

Big love,

D

Darius BasharDecember 7, 2021HiringComment

90% Sold Out In Less Than 48 Hours!

In less than 48 hours I am 90% sold out. You guys rock! ⁣⁣

If you are still interested in a "mini HEARTshot" session together in January.⁣⁣

I have a spot for you. ⁣

Here’s the link —> www.dariusbashar.com/mini-heartshots

I can't wait to make something beautiful with all the humans who said "yes!"⁣

Big love, ⁣

D

Darius BasharNovember 3, 2021Promo, Mini HEARTshotsComment

Don't Get Bored AND Don't Get Boring

I want to take photos for at least the next 50 years. That’s a long time. In order to make it I will need to make sure I don’t get bored but also that I don’t get boring.

The only way to do that is by giving myself a lot of permission to play, experiment and get messy.

Thank you to my dear friend Micha who is always so down to play and get messy with me.

Love you brother.

D

CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS

Darius BasharOctober 26, 2021Black and white Photography, Artist Portraits, Toronto PhotographerComment

Chickens, Peaches + Dreams

This is my amazing friend Crystal. She left the city to live on a peach farm and raise chickens. Who does that?! Crystal, that’s who. But how?? What about her business?! Well, I am pretty sure her business exploded this past year on the farm. She’s been crushing it and I’m so proud of her. She’s a best selling author, copywriter, coach, and so much more. This is her website, in case you’re interested. (https://wordmagiccopywriting.com/about

Crystal took a giant risk and followed her intuition and made some big moves. I am sure she’s not done making big moves, and I can’t wait to see what sort of magic she gets into next.

CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS

Darius BasharOctober 19, 2021Author Portraits, Coach Portraits, Portrait Photographer, HEARTshotsComment

Theano HEARTshots

It's electrifying to be in the presence of someone as they are channelling their higher-self.⁣

It takes COURAGE to step into your power.

To let go of who you were, takes incredible bravery.

It also takes LOVE.

To believe in yourself and your GREATNESS, requires a tremendous amount of self-love and self-kindness.⁣⁣

Theano, it was such a pleasure watching you step into your power and your greatness during our photoshoot. You are a powerhouse and I am so grateful to have witnessed your magic.⁣

Sincerely,⁣

D⁣