Have you ever felt like you could only be half of yourself in certain environments, or a modified version of yourself (to the benefit of others) in order to feel safe? It is pride month, and Darrell has a lot to express. What changes are we willing to make in our lives so that we don't have to stuff ourselves deep inside ourselves, suffering in silence for anyone? It is no longer a secret that sometimes we can feel seriously wrong for our identities, and together, let's decide not to. What are the stakes, and why does this world need us? The LGBTQIA+ community is a very beautiful, vast, creative union that lengths from one side of the world to another, and deserve to be honored. In what small, or big, ways are we honoring ourselves? Sit in with your favorite snack as Darrell poetically expresses what his experience has been like, so far, protecting himself in environments that normalize homophobia within the black community, and how crucial it is to find better environments for ourselves (barbershops, creative spaces, friendships, etc.)

What does it mean to give yourself permission in life to follow your dreams? What happens when you do? This week on a very mellow, calming episode of Underneath The Sunbeams, Darrell expresses the changes he’s been able to recognize in his life since granting himself permission to express himself creatively, and how much of himself he’s gotten to meet since then, so far. What is it like like to fear being too ambitious, or to be afraid that you will make a fool of yourself for advocating for yourself as an artist; that you’ll only fall short in the end? Sit in on this episode to explore these subconscious beliefs and how limiting they can be to human nature, and what things could [surprisingly] be like for us learning new ways to view ourslves. 

Returning to New York City, from London, just a week ago, Darrell has come to ponder this specific question: How does your subjected environment affect you, and how different are you when you branch out into the world and find other home bases for yourself in this vast, plentiful world? This week, Darrell expresses the impact environment has on his well-being, and what it really means to be in a place often, when you're a growing individual who needs the room and space to evolve, and the dishonoring of self that comes with spending too much time around people who are choosing not to grow, or evolve in good ways. This week, he also shares stories of moments in his life when adult strangers, during childhood, have provoked his thinking, giving him permission to think and dream bigger when there wasn't much of that around, and how crucial that is for the growth of a young black person. 

In this beginning, I invite you to sit with me, or take me with you throughout your day through your busy city life, or your quiet afternoon of thoughts, and listen to ourselves some more. I introduce myself to you, my creative practice, and ask us both what we want. Who am I when no one is around to see. Who are you? What do you want? What can only you see? Who are you, where are you, and what are you doing in your most wildest, creative dreams?