Episode 106 Rick Velleu, scenic artist, filmmaker, design creator
Release Date: 03/02/2020
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, I talk about what it means to bless the earth. From cleaning up trash in our local parks to cultivating more awareness and responsibility to care for our planet, we can bless the earth. I share the earth blessing meditation that organically came to me and through me years ago, that is a part of my daily spiritual practice. May we bless the sky, the land and the waters. May we all bless our precious planet earth. May everyday be Earth Day. Happy Earth Day! Enjoy the podcast!
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I provide a guided meditation to help ground us in these tumultuous times. Carve out a few minutes for silence, stillness and slow, steady, replenishing, deep breaths. You are not alone. I hold you, my dear listeners in loving-kindness and compassion. Enjoy the podcast!
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share my invigorating experience of attending the NYC “HANDS OFF” Protest this past Saturday April 5th. I was energized and grateful to take a stand against Trump’s lies, corruption, and destructive chaos. Our collective power to show up, organize and have our voices heard across the country is inspiring! I appreciated the art work, the shared values, the chants and the singing that created a powerful sense of solidarity. Participating in this protest gave me a renewed vision of actually creating a real democracy - of, by, and for the people!! Let’s...
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share some insights of what is reflected in the planets that help explain the tumultuous time we are now experiencing. Some astrology basics have not only helped me feel connected to the cosmos, to mystery and that which is bigger than us, but also has provided some much needed HOPE! Now is the time to align with our values, with our communities and with the wisdom of the planets! Let’s take a stand for what we care most about and move this country closer to this dream of democracy. Let’s create the healing transformation our country needs. Check out the...
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode I share a recent “start” to my day that startled me and had a startling impact on others. Thankfully everyone is safe & sound and an outpouring of love was felt in the process. I hope you are getting the rest you need. I hope Mercury Retrograde hasn’t thrown you off. And if you have been thrown off, that you can find the laughter and the gifts infused within. And most of all I hope you have a tribe, a circle of loving support that has your back. May you lift up and be lifted up by those you love. May we embrace the start of each day with gratitude and grace....
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
The title of this week’s podcast “All Is Not Well” isn’t my typical "uplift and inspire” focus. However, I want to acknowledge that I unintentionally hurt someone in an episode I released at the end of December titled “All Is Well”. I am deeply sorry for the pain that particular episode caused and have taken it down so it can no longer be accessed. When all is not well, I care about being honest and humbled. I want to take responsibility and hold myself accountable. I offer this public apology with humility, seeking grace. Thank you for bearing with me when I make a mistake....
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I explore the use of the word “village” as a noun and a verb. From the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” to why we, as a country in crisis, need to “village”. We need social connectedness, safe circles, groups and villages, where we can be held and hold others. In our village and as we village, we need to create and use ‘“alternative economies”, based on mutuality and the common good. I also explain how strong communities and living with joy are forms of resistance. May we village with one another, strengthen our communities and...
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share a personal experience of the uplifting “Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” mindset exercise. This simple phrase is a powerful bridge to move our thoughts from what we don’t what to what we do want. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” helps align our thoughts with what is in our highest interest, so the Universe has a better chance of helping us manifest what serves our highest good. When my friend Cynthia and I brainstormed and implemented the ““Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” possibilities, it shifted our thoughts, our feelings and...
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the informative, inspiring Black History posts from Kimberly Jones and all I continue to learn from her. We fill the month of February honoring the Black innovators, pioneers, and trailblazers that have shaped our country. We can end the month in solidarity by joining millions of people to boycott the corruption and greed of corporations. On the last day of this month, Friday February 28th, join me in participating in the Economic Black Out refusing to shop at any major corporation: NO Walmart, NO Amazon, NO McDonalds!! Check out the show notes...
info_outlineEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I continue the theme of “Listen and Learn” for Black History Month. I was so grateful for the ‘moment of resistance” that Keith Boykin illuminates in his commentary of Kendrick Lamar’s incredible half time show at the Super Bowl last week. I’ve transcribed Boykin’s commentary in hopes that my listeners will further understand the symbolism, history and meaningful context of Lamar’s powerful performance. Check out the show notes for Keith Boykin’s IG account so you can regularly take in more opportunities for listening and learning. May we honor...
info_outline My guest today is Rick Velleu. Rick is a scenic artist, filmmaker, design creator, and consummate storyteller! Rick’s innovative career reflects his many creative talents including: making stage props, a scenic artist for theatrical backdrops, a draftsman for an Egyptologist, using his many gifts on Jim Henson’s creative team, the character designer of “Dora the Explorer”, co-creating his own documentary film production company and to landing his current job as Director of Marketing and Content for the Environmental Defense Fund. The thread that connects all these experiences is Rick’s passion to make things, be it paper maché cows, murals, drawings, community theater productions, films, do-it-yourself weddings or meaningful stories that help save the planet.
Rick is inspired by the blank page and that process of making art, acknowledging that it is both supremely infinite and terrifying!! Check out the show notes for links to Rick’s projects and the Environmental Defense Fund, particularly a site that offers a one-stop shop to search for sustainable solutions. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
EDF
School Play (Amazon Prime)
Eyepop Productions
BoatLift, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience (YouTube)
Supply Chain Solutions Center
Made In Ghent