Art Creativity & Wellbeing

I'm excited to bring you today's deep, beautiful, very warm and loving conversation.

Today's guest, Mheena Bhasin, is a violist, mother of two and Pleasure Activist living in Noe Valley, San Francisco. Her work centers the arts as a vital part of civic life and community wellbeing.

Mheena feels deep gratitude for her life, her family and her community. She has co-created a concert series with her husband, that brings world-class artists into neighbourhood spaces and sees music as a vehicle for community care and connection.

Programming includes concerts for neurodivergent youth, lunchtime town-square performances, and wellbeing concerts.

Pleasure activism is integrated into her work, especially with women, through music, movement, meditation and love as a source of energy.

How she got here

Mheena began her training in music at the age of four. Her early classical training was intense and rule-bound. Music was always her way of feeling deeply and now she teaches others to access that same inner wellspring.

About ten years ago music had become a source of anxiety and pressure and Mheena experienced burnout. Moving from New York to San Francisco gave her a clean slate to rebuild her relationship with music. She learned to pause, reset and choose what to return to. Pregnancy and early motherhood planted the seeds for her current work.

How did pleasure activism come into her life?

Mheena was inspired by adrienne maree brown’s book Pleasure Activism and Audre Lorde’s essay Uses of the Erotic, which helped her understand that pleasure is a birthright, not a hierarchy or commodity.

Pleasure is not escapism, but feeling safe, beautiful and fully alive. Society often misinterprets pleasure as indulgence or hypersexuality, when it can be as simple as sensory presence and love.

Mheena doesn’t label herself an activist but sees activism as putting a stake in the ground, naming your values, being willing to be seen and going first so others feel permitted to follow.

At the time of our recording, Mheena was on day 11 of a gratitude practice. She encourages building a toolbox of small, accessible ways to return to love and aliveness to yourself.

On her website, www.Mheenabhasin.com, she offers a free pleasure meditation and a 75-minute meditation practice for those who’d like to go deeper.

Mheena welcomes conversations with anyone exploring pleasure in their life.

Hope you enjoy this one!

Invitations to Play with Kay

* I’m offering online workshops throughout 2026, and an in-person retreat here in Maine in September - see more at https://kaylockkolp.com/events

* If community is something you value, consider joining Dreamers & Doers. Here is where you can check it out: https://www.skool.com/dreamers-and-doers-8465/about

* Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation

* Or, apply to work 1-1 with me (currently waitlisted)

Cheers and lots of love to you today <3

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

I’ve been on retreat, and I learned lots.. sharing with you today.

Here’s what the Zoom Summary had to say about today’s episode, I think it’s pretty spot-on.

Kay shared her experience taking a week-long digital detox, disconnecting from the internet entirely to immerse herself in a retreat-like experience reminiscent of 1987. During this time, she discovered how frequently she relied on the internet for information and how many automatic digital habits she had developed.

Kay discussed specific examples of how she adapted, including visiting an art museum to learn about framing principles from a curator, exploring a local bookstore, and continuing work on her memoir by writing in a physical notebook rather than on a computer.

She reflected on the benefits of reduced digital distractio for herself, including increased focus for creative work and a return to more intentional human connection.

Kay emphasized the importance of taking brave steps toward living in ways that feel authentic, noting that people don't want us to break ourselves in service to them and that doing what's best for ourselves in integrity is ultimately beneficial for everyone involved.

I am wishing you well - see you next time!

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

May has been a wild ride! I take you into it today.

Also, THERE ARE SOME SWEARS.. fyi :)

Nuts and Bolts

* Read about – and play along at – the Days of Creation 2026 game (that this episode is about) by clicking here.

* Here is June’s workshop signup link, and you can find out more about it here

* I’m offering online workshops throughout 2026, and an in-person retreat here in Maine in September - see more at https://kaylockkolp.com/events

* If community is something you value, consider joining Dreamers & Doers. Here is where you can check it out: https://www.skool.com/dreamers-and-doers-8465/about

Cheers and lots of love from me <3

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

I am soooo excited to bring you this conversation, a Roundtable with the Rebels for Peace leaders!

Here’s how Zoom summarized the conversation…

In this Roundtable, Rebels for Peace Prince Jimmar, Logan Griggs-Mitchell, Devlin Chestang and Melina Navarette explored the concept of peace and its impact on their personal and professional lives, sharing their experiences before and after joining the organization.

The team discussed the importance of being rebels for the right reasons and how their work with youth in Chicago has transformed their own lives and perspectives.

They also shared their visions for expanding Rebels for Peace nationwide and worldwide, emphasizing the need for social-emotional learning and creativity in education.

The conversation highlighted the team's commitment to empowering youth and creating positive change in their community.

Nuts & Bolts

Find Rebels for Peace in Instagram by clicking here, and in Facebook by clicking here.

Hear more deeply from each Rebel: Here you can find each of our individual conversations, Melina Navarette’s here, Devlin Chestang’s here, Prince Jimmar’s here, and Logan Griggs-Mitchell’s here.

Thank you for being here!

Invitations to Play

* I’m offering online workshops throughout 2026, and an in-person retreat here in Maine in September - see more at https://kaylockkolp.com/events

* If community is something you value, consider joining Dreamers & Doers. Here is where you can check it out: https://www.skool.com/dreamers-and-doers-8465/about

* Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation

* Or, apply to work 1-1 with me (currently waitlisted)

Cheers and lots of love to you today!

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Today I’m speaking with Melina Navarrete, Lead Facilitator, Lead Bilingual Facilitator, and Lead Trainer for Rebels for Peace. I am SO excited to share this one with you!

Here is how Zoom summarized our conversation, I think it did a pretty good job..

Melina shared her personal mental health journey, including struggles with depression and anxiety during high school, hospitalizations, and how she found healing and purpose through her work with Rebels for Peace after completing an internship there.

She discussed how the organization helped her feel supported and valued, leading to a permanent role where she now helps train new interns and facilitate programs for youth.

The conversation explored themes of self-care, family dynamics around mental health, and the importance of letting others grow independently rather than trying to solve all their problems.

They also discussed the metaphor of carrying "security items" for dreams and aspirations, with Melina sharing her vision list of 400 goals and her Bible as key items she keeps with her.

Nuts & Bolts

Find Melina in LinkedIn by clicking here.

Find Rebels for Peace in Instagram by clicking here, and in Facebook by clicking here.

Next up: Our Rebels for Peace Roundtable! Get pumped with each of our individual conversations, Melina’s here in this space, Devlin Chestang’s here, Prince Jimmar’s here, and Logan Griggs-Mitchell’s here.

Thank you for being here <3

Invitations to Play

* I’m offering online workshops throughout 2026, and an in-person retreat here in Maine in September - see more at https://kaylockkolp.com/events

* If community is something you value, consider joining Dreamers & Doers. Here is where you can check it out: https://www.skool.com/dreamers-and-doers-8465/about

* Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation

* Or, apply to work 1-1 with me (currently waitlisted)

Cheers and lots of love to you today!

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Get ready for a quickie meditation today! I take you to your very own beautiful deserted island, and we spend the majority of this episode exploring there.

If you'd like to explore some more, you are cordially invited to this Monday's workshop, That Time You Found Yourself on a Deserted Island:

In a lovely spot on the island you’re hanging out on, you find a letter that the Universe wrote to you.

What does it say?

Come find out.

60 minutes; Monday, May 18, 2026, 6 PM Eastern; via Zoom, link sent prior to the workshop. $34, or $21 for Dreamers & Doers members.

Find out more/register: https://kaylockkolp.com/events

Hope to see you there!

Cheers and much love, Kay

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

As we go through this magical series of conversations with the leaders of the Rebels for Peace, I just keep feeling more and more inspired… Hope you enjoy this one!

Here’s the Zoom summary…

In this heartfelt conversation, Kay interviewed Devlin Chestang, the Lead Youth Facilitator at Rebels for Peace, about his personal journey and his work with young people in Chicago.

Devlin shared his challenging upbringing, including growing up in a single-parent household and dealing with undiagnosed ADHD, which led to him being labeled as a "bad kid" in school.

He described how a close friend's death in 2021 inspired him to pursue his creative passions, leading to a career in multimedia and eventually to his current role at Rebels for Peace.

Devlin discussed his approach to teaching and mentoring young people, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for them to express themselves and overcome the stigmas they face.

He also shared his personal philosophy of "knowing myself, trusting my intuition, and taking accountability," which he uses to navigate his busy life balancing his work at Rebels with his own creative projects.

The conversation concluded with Devlin offering insights on how society can better support young people, including reducing assumptions, combating consumerism, and breaking down labels that separate individuals.

Nuts & Bolts

Find Devlin in LinkedIn by clicking here.

Find Rebels for Peace in Instagram by clicking here, and in Facebook by clicking here.

Next up: Rebels for Peace Lead Trainer, Lead Facilitator, and Lead Bilingual Facilitator Melina Navarette.

Thank you for being here <3

Invitations to Play

* I’m offering online workshops throughout 2026, and an in-person retreat here in Maine in September - see more at https://kaylockkolp.com/events

* If community is something you value, consider joining Dreamers & Doers. Here is where you can check it out: https://www.skool.com/dreamers-and-doers-8465/about

* Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation

* Or, apply to work 1-1 with me (currently waitlisted)

Cheers and lots of love to you today!

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Hello lovely, I challenged myself to a short and sweet episode that shares what feels true for me in this moment. I hope it finds you well <3

* May’s Hug Yourself excerpt is coming for supporters. This month it’s about one of the most important self care practices I use. Can’t wait to share!

* I’m offering online workshops throughout 2026, and an in-person retreat here in Maine in September - see more at https://kaylockkolp.com/events

* If community is something you value, consider joining Dreamers & Doers. Here is where you can check it out: https://www.skool.com/dreamers-and-doers-8465/about

Cheers and lots of love from me!

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

WHAT a conversation we get to experience today! Rebels for Peace Co-Founder and Executive Director Prince Jimmar joins me to share deeply about his own journey, and how connected his journey is with the beautiful organization he now leads.

Growing up, Prince felt cast into roles that were the opposite of how he knew himself to be. Hearing him share about breaking free of those roles, it becomes clear how inevitable Rebels for Peace was. How inevitable that Prince found a way to serve and support from his full and open heart.

Over the coming weeks we’ll get to spend time with several of Prince’s Rebels for Peace team (we heard last time from Program Coordinator and Lead Facilitator Logan Griggs-Mitchell), and we will wind up the series with a Roundtable. What fun!

Hope you enjoy this wonderful conversation about choosing with awareness the roles that we inhabit. Choosing to love ourselves and then seeing what gets created from there… and taking a deep dive into the magnificent co-creation today's guest has co-founded and grown.

Nuts & Bolts

Find Prince in Instagram by clicking here, and in Facebook by clicking here.

Find Rebels for Peace in Instagram by clicking here, and in Facebook by clicking here.

Next up: Rebels for Peace Youth Leader and Facilitator Devlin Chestang.

Thank you for being here!

Invitations to Play

I am offering a series of workshops throughout 2026! They are designed to help you feel aligned and alive.

Learn more and register at my events page.

Come to the retreat that I’m hosting in September

Or, hear more about it

Come be in company with some like-minded souls in the Dreamers and Doers Online Community

Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation

Or, apply to work 1-1 with me

Cheers!

Love, Kay

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

I'm so excited to bring you this conversation with Logan Griggs-Mitchell, Lead Facilitator and Program Coordinator of Rebels for Peace, a youth-led nonprofit on Chicago's South Side. The Rebels for Peace support kids to "let their environment be a product of them,” rather than feeling like they're stuck being a product of their environment.

Over the coming weeks we'll get to spend time with several of Logan's colleagues in Rebels for Peace, and we will wind up the series with a Roundtable conversation.

Today, settle in for a wonderful conversation about fostering resiliency beginning at very young ages; the simple and joyful ways that Rebels for Peace brings in the money that fuels their programs; and what it really looks like to build trust with kids who so often get discounted or pushed away.

Thank you for being here!

Nuts & Bolts

Find Logan in LinkedIn by clicking here.

Learn more about Rebels for Peace by clicking here.

Next up: Rebels for Peace Co-Founder and Executive Director Prince Jimmar.

Invitations to Play with Coach Kay

Learn more and register at my events page.

Come to the retreat that I’m hosting in September

Or, hear more about it

Come be in company with some like-minded souls in the Dreamers and Doers Online Community

Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation

Or, apply to work 1-1 with me

Cheers!

Love, Kay

Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe