Click on the link to hear my podcast. Enjoy!
Blog
Happy Internet Geek Tuesday: Headed Back to White House for #WHSocial French Welcoming Ceremony
Happy Internet Geek Tuesday!
Great News! This morning, I’m headed back to the White House to attend the French Welcoming Ceremony for French President Francois Hollande.
During the Ceremony, President and Mrs. Obama will welcome President Hollande on the South Lawn. I’ll be there covering the event with an amazing group of social media leaders. Follow me as @anandaleeke on Instagram and Twitter and use the #whsocial hashtag to track the conversation and see photos between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. EST. The Ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m.
I’ll also be participating in the #WHSocial panel discussion with White House officials from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Old Executive Office Building. The discussion will be live streamed on WhiteHouse.gov.
Happy #YogaMonday: My Yoga Focus for February
Happy #YogaMonday!
What are you focusing on during your yoga practice this month?
My February yoga focus is on developing a deeper understanding of the inner Shakti energy (chi, prana or creative life force or power inside you and all things in the universe) that opens the door to meditation and spiritual evolution. Click on the link to listen to today’s podcast (5 minutes) that shares how the February issue of Yoga Journal sparked my focus. http://voicebo.com/xnZQBR
Happy Creativity Thursday: Open Your Creative Heart with Artist Dates & Special Creativity Coaching Discount
Happy Creativity Thursday!
February is a great time to open your creative heart with artist dates. Artist dates are scheduled play dates that you commit to on a regular basis (weekly or monthly). These special moments can jumpstart your imagination and inspire your creative juices. They can also help you explore your own creativity and witness the creativity of others and Mother Nature. I learned about artist dates while reading Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist Way in the 1990s.
Each month, I schedule several artist dates. I started this month with an artist date to the National Museum of African Art’s Earth Matters celebration and exhibition on February 1. It was just what I needed: spoken word, live DJs spinning groovy music (yes I love the word groovy!), photographers taking photos (will blog about my own experience next week), body art performers, African dancing and drumming, live bands performing incredible music, and a documentary film about Kenyan feminist and human rights activist, Wangari Maatthai.
What artist dates have you gone on this year?
What type of artist dates are you planning this month?
Opening Your Creative Heart Coaching Special Discount:
From February 1 to March 31, I am offering a special discount package on my creativity coaching services. See details below.
My Creativity Coaching Practice: Click here to read more about my approach and background as a creativity coach.
Discount Period: The creativity coaching packages must be purchased via PayPal by March 31, 2014. They must be used by July 31, 2014.
Fees and Services:
1) 1 one-hour session with 2 email follow ups – $99.95 (original price – $139.95)
2) 3 one-hour sessions with 4 email follow ups – $359.95 (original price – $389.95)
3) 6 one-hour sessions with 7 email follow ups – $769.95 (original price – $799.95)
4) 9 one-hour sessions with 10 email follow ups – $1,169.99 (original price – $1,199.99)
5) 12 one-hour sessions with 13 email follow ups – $1,569.95 (original price – $1599.95)
Contact Information: If you are interested in one or more of the packages, please send me an email at kiamshaleeke@yahoo.com to schedule a free 20-minute consultation call (available via telephone, Skype, and Google Hangout).
Happy Internet Geek Tuesday: #SOTUSocial Recap#2 – Building Community & Social Engagement
Happy Internet Geek Tuesday!
It’s been a week since my State of the Union Social (#SOTUSocial) experience at the White House. I’ve been focused on:
- Publishing my #SOTUSocial blog recaps.
- Building community with my fellow #SOTUSocial leaders by reading their blogs and social media posts, and sharing them with my network.
- Identifying ways to deepen my social engagement with the White House.
- Promoting the importance of digital citizenship.
January 29: The day after the event, I reached out to my fellow social media leaders on LinkedIn. As a result, I received an invitation to meet up with Jason Nellis, OverAchiever Media founder and a DC social media leader I missed meeting at the White House. We agreed to meet in person the following week to discuss our #SOTUSocial experiences.
I also gave my #SOTUSocial digital sisters a special #DigitalSisterhood Wednesday shout out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter that featured a collage of several women I met during the event.
January 30: The next day I wrote my first blog recap post about being a digital citizen and my journey to the White House, and recorded a podcast that discussed my definition of a digital citizen. I shared the blog post with my social media network and retweeted, shared, and commented on blogs, photos, and tweets by my fellow social media leaders.
I updated my #SOTUSocial Pinterest board with links to the social media leaders’ articles, blogs, and photos. I also visited WhiteHouse.gov and found blog posts and videos to add to the Pinterest board.
January 31: After visiting WhiteHouse.gov, I decided to deepen my social engagement with the White House by participating in President Obama’s Virtual Road Trip via Google Hangout. Click here to listen to my podcast about the event.
February 3: I met Jason at Tynan Coffee & Tea and we recorded a podcast about our #SOTUSocial experience. Click here to listen (3 minutes).
I explored the WhiteHouse.gov blog to see if there were any ways I could deepen my social engagement this week. Guess what I found? A notice inviting social media leaders to apply to attend the White House French Arrival Ceremony Social (#WHSocial) on February 11. Since I am a Francophile (have been since my first French class in high school) and a digital diplomacy fan, I applied. You can too. The deadline is February 5 at 6:00 p.m. EST. Click here for details.
I also wrote a Tumblr blog post about my passion for France and desire to participate in the February 11th #WHSocial where President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will welcome French President François Hollande to the White House.
What’s Next: This week, I’ll be writing blog posts celebrating the dynamic women I met (for Digital Sisterhood Network’s blog), featuring the #SOTUChat highlights, and lessons I learned from the #SOTUSocial.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be using my Internet Geek Tuesday blog series to share more about the White House’s social engagement activities.
How are you building community with your digital network?
How are you deepening your social engagement?
Happy Yoga Monday: Yoga Treats from the Sackler Gallery ‘ #artofyoga
Happy Yoga Monday!
What are your favorite yoga treats?
Last week, I won a fantastic bag of yoga treats from the Smithsonian’s Sackler Gallery. The giveaway was held as a part of the “Yoga: The Art of Transformation” exhibition and sponsored by Whole Foods Market. My yoga teacher and mentor, Debra Mishalove, founder of Flow Yoga Center, selected the yoga treats.
They included a Gaiam Metro bag (I’ve been craving one of these bags since early last year), Sesame Oil (just what my skin needed), the latest issue of ORIGINS magazine (yummy reading for February), dried white sage smudge sticks (perfect for cleansing my “chakra castle” home), Nag Champa incense (adore it… great for my morning and evening yoga/reiki practices), raw almonds and cashews (lovely winter snacks), a Whole Foods bag (something to carry my groceries in), Mineral Fusion Nail Polish (my niece Jordan claimed the polish), and a $100 Whole Foods gift card (awesome…. since I love to drop by on Saturday mornings after my Kundalini yoga class for oatmeal and green tea).
Many thanks to the Sackler Gallery and Whole Foods!
#SOTUSocial Recap #1: Being A Digital Citizen at the State of the Union Social
Greetings All,
Did you watch President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address on January 28?
Did you participate in any State of the Union online activities such as the #SOTUSocial and #SOTUChat?
How did it feel to participate?
Click here to listen to my podcast (5 minutes) that highlights my participation in the State of the Union Social and how it reminded me of the importance of being a digital citizen, a concept I discussed during my talk on digital citizenship, digital sisterhood, and social media leadership at Spelman College’s Women Interactive Conference held in November 2013.
My Definition of Digital Citizen
A digital citizen is a person who uses her or his digital presence to mindfully share information and inspiration. Mindful sharing is thinking before you share your thoughts online and asking yourself if what you are planning to share will be helpful to others.
What is your definition of a digital citizen?
How are you planning to demonstrate your digital citizenship in 2014?
My Journey to the White House
I applied to participate in the State of the Union Social (#SOTUSocial) a few weeks ago. On January 20, I received an email from the White House indicating that I had been selected to develop and curate content, utilize the content to engage online communities, and live tweet at the #SOTUSocial (including the #SOTUChat panel discussion with White House officials and U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez after President Obama’s address).
Guess what? Over 6,000 applicants applied to participate in the #SOTUSocial. Only 60 social media leaders were chosen to visit the White House and attend the #SOTUSocial. What an honor to demonstrate my digital citizenship!
Click here to read my blog about my #SOTUSocial Group Tour to the White House (includes photos).
I developed three digital resources (one Pinterest board and two Twitter lists) to prepare for President Obama’s State of the Union address. Click here to read more about them.
PS: I visited the White House as a part of the Blogging While Brown Conference Delegation of bloggers of color in 2010. I’m the lady in red in the front row!
Happy Creativity Thursday: Opening Your Creative Heart & Coaching Discount
Happy Creativity Thursday!
I believe we are all filled with the energy of creativity. It is such a powerful force that allows us to share amazing gifts. Click here to listen to today’s podcast that features a recording of my poem, “Creativity” (published in my book, That Which Awakens Me: A Creative Woman’s Poetic Memoir of Self-Discovery – available on Amazon).
Sometimes my creativity is blocked by fears. When I allow my fears to suffocate my creative courage, my creative heart closes. In 2011, I allowed my fears to close my creative heart. During the first week of 2012, I made a commitment to re-open my heart. My commitment turned into a full-fledge creative heart journey that began with a series of breathing and journaling exercises (it continues today).
I think opening your creative heart is a journey worth taking in 2014. It begins with an intention to come into the present moment. When you breathe intentionally and deeply, you invite yourself into the present moment. You also create space to discover and witness what’s happening in your creative heart. So let’s get started.
Breathing and Journaling Exercises:
Join me in taking 10 deep breaths. Get ready to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Feel free to make sounds like “hah” as you exhale. You can get loud too!
- Take a deep breath and inhale self-love. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you experiencing it.
- Inhale self-care. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you experiencing it.
- Inhale self-expression. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you experiencing it.
- Inhale self-discovery. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you experiencing it.
- Inhale vulnerability. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you tapping into it.
- Inhale intuition. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you tapping into it.
- Inhale imagination. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you tapping into it.
- Inhale inspiration. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you tapping into it.
- Inhale creativity. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you tapping into it.
- Inhale gratitude. Exhale anything that gets in the way of you expressing it.
In this sacred place, find a pen, a piece of paper, or a journal to write your responses to the questions below. If you prefer your digital devices, use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer to answer the questions.
- What does your creative heart look like?
- How does it feel?
- Is it open to new opportunities for growth? What are they?
- Does your creative heart energy need to be recharged or renewed? How so?
- Share one to three things you can do in February to open and nurture your creative heart.
Opening Your Creative Heart Coaching Special Discount:
From February 1 to March 31, I am offering a special discount package on my creativity coaching services. See details below.
My Creativity Coaching Practice: Click here to read more about my approach and background as a creativity coach.
Discount Period: The creativity coaching packages must be purchased via PayPal by March 31, 2014. They must be used by July 31, 2014.
Fees and Services:
1) 1 one-hour session with 2 email follow ups – $99.95 (original price – $139.95)
2) 3 one-hour sessions with 4 email follow ups – $359.95 (original price – $389.95)
3) 6 one-hour sessions with 7 email follow ups – $769.95 (original price – $799.95)
4) 9 one-hour sessions with 10 email follow ups – $1,169.99 (original price – $1,199.99)
5) 12 one-hour sessions with 13 email follow ups – $1,569.95 (original price – $1599.95)
Contact Information: If you are interested in one or more of the packages, please send me an email at kiamshaleeke@yahoo.com to schedule a free 20-minute consultation call (available via telephone, Skype, and Google Hangout).
My White House Tour with #SOTUSocial Social Media Leaders
Greetings from the White House!
This morning, I joined my fellow State of the Union Social attendees for a White House tour. Each of us applied to participate in the State of the Union Social (#SOTUSocial) a few weeks ago. The White House selected us to serve as digital citizens and to use our online presence to develop and curate content, utilize the content to engage online communities, and live tweet at the #SOTUSocial (including the #SOTUChat panel discussion with White House officials and U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez after President Obama’s address).
Guess what? Over 6,000 applicants applied to participate in the #SOTUSocial. Only 60 social media leaders were chosen to visit the White House and attend the #SOTUSocial. What an honor to demonstrate our digital citizenship through serving our country and communities with our digital presence!
During the tour, we had a chance to get to know each other. I discovered we are a diverse group of fun, friendly, passionate, and smart social media influencers and professionals, college students, public policy professionals, and teachers. We represented cities like Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Denver, Colorado; Greensboro, North Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and Washington, D.C. Together, we looked and sounded like the America I love.
After the tour and many photos, we walked to Starbucks for an impromptu meet up. I am so glad we spent more time connecting, sharing our experiences, and discussing what we hoped President Obama would highlight in his address.
PS: I developed three digital resources (one Pinterest board and two Twitter lists) to prepare for President Obama’s State of the Union address. Click here to read more about them.
Since it was cold in DC today, I decided to wear what I call a “femme chic” winter warm outfit that came straight from my closet by way of Macy’s Petites (Alfani knit jacket, blouse, and pants).
Happy Internet Geek Tuesday: My Digital Resources for President Obama’s State of the Union Address
Happy Internet Geek Tuesday and 2014 State of the Union Address (in the United States)!
Today, I am headed to the White House to participate in the State of the Union Social (#SOTUSocial) with a talented group of social media influencers, leaders, and professionals. We will watch President Obama’s State of the Union (#SOTU) address together and live tweet our comments. After the President’s address, we’ll attend a panel discussion featuring White House officials. During the panel, we will be able to ask questions. So please send me your questions via Twitter @anandaleeke.
To prepare for the State of the Union, I created three digital resources.
- Pinterest State of the Union Social Board featuring articles, blogs, photos, videos, and other information related to President Obama’s 2014 #SOTU address
- State of the Union Social Twitter List featuring my fellow #SOTUSocial attendees
- White House State of the Union Twitter List featuring newspapers, political news sources, journalists, organizations that serve women and people of color, and Congressional representatives that I admire and respect
Are you preparing for the #SOTU?
How?
What digital resources are you using?
PS: Be sure to follow my #SOTUSocial adventures on Instagram!
Ananda Leeke 