Ananda Leeke

My Creativity Coaching Sessions for Blogalicious Conference Attendees

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 25, 2013in Blogalicious, Creativity, Creativity CoachingLeave a comment

Happy #DigitalSisterhood Wednesday!

Today’s blog is all about the Blogalicious Weekend Conference and creativity. Read on!

Photo Credit: http://cormiercreative.com/creativity-is-contagious/

Creativity is one of my life’s passions. I believe we are born with a spark of creativity that can awaken us to an amazing life. Throughout life’s journey our creative spark needs nourishment, guidance, and support. One way we can nurture our creative spark and gain support and guidance for our dreams, ideas, and endeavors is with the support of a creativity coach.

Photo Credit: http://blog.ali-comunicazione.com/?cat=3

Since 2009, I have served as a creativity coach and helped clients to identify, understand, and embrace their inner critic (the inner voice that tells you cannot or don’t have what it takes to create, build, or fund your dreams, ideas, and endeavors). With my support, they have been able to confront and overcome their fears, doubts, and obstacles that prevent them from creating, building, and funding their dreams, ideas, and endeavors. They have mapped out their goals and timelines, and developed a strategic plan to accomplish them with my guidance. Watching my clients succeed brings me great joy! That’s why I am offering one-on-one creativity coaching to Blogalicious Weekend Conference attendees on October 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

For Blogalicious Weekend Conference Attendees: If you have a burning desire to launch a new idea or endeavor or you feel uncertain, doubtful, or fearful about giving birth to a dream you have been holding onto for the past month, year or decade, sign up for a 15 minute creativity coaching session with me. Click here to register for a session (LIMITED NUMBER SO ACT SOON!). Once you have registered for a session, please complete the short SurveyMonkey questionnaire (9 questions). Your responses will help prepare me for our 15 minute session. All sessions will be held in the “Vinnings” conference room at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. If you have additional questions, please email me at kiamshaleeke@yahoo.com.

Happy Internet Geek Tuesday – My Blogalicious Love Letter Poem

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 24, 2013September 24, 2013in Blogalicious, Internet Geek Tuesday6 Comments

Happy Internet Geek Tuesday!

Today, I am honoring the fifth anniversary of Blogalicious, an online community and conference that celebrates diversity in the blogosphere, with a poem that serves as my “love letter.” See below. The poem is featured in my new book, Digital Sisterhood: A Memoir of Fierce Living Online (October 2013).

Blogalicious

Magic happens when we come together in the digital space.

It’s powerful. It’s passionate.

It’s creative. It’s collaborative.

It’s beautiful and brilliant all at the same time.

This electrifying energy travels inside each of us at light speed, expanding exponentially when we come face-to-face.

It calls us to express our authentic voices and embrace our unique identities.

It gives birth to and celebrates a diverse community.

It connects us to one another and offers bonds of friendship that affirm and nourish our dreams.

It manifests as partnerships that promote social good and generate revenue streams.

It forces us to move beyond our comfort zones even when we feel we are not ready.

We lean on each other and ask for support.

Our confidence and faith in what is possible grows beyond what we know.

Our ears open to listen and our hearts discover wisdom for what is coming next.

The guidance we receive helps us to find the resources we need.

Before you know it, we are busy creating, building, and funding our dreams.

Blogalcious co-founder/chief curator Stacey Ferguson and Congresswoman Michelle Grisham

Blogalicious Brunchalicious event at BlogHer 2012

Blogalicious 2012 McDonald's Reception on Day #1 — Blogalicious 2012 McDonald’s Reception on Day #1

Leticia Barr (standing), Jazzy Jones (with camera) and Xina Eiland (seated) at BlogaTech 2013

Blogalicious 2012 Shop Your Way Fashionista Tea on Day 1

Ananda, Barbara Jones and Danica Kombol at Blogalicious 2011

Ananda wearing Blogalicious 2012 t-shirt created by Shootie Girl created by LaShaun Martin - www.shootiegirl.com/ — Ananda wearing Blogalicious 2012 t-shirt created by Shootie Girl created by LaShaun Martin – http://www.shootiegirl.com/

If you are a part of the Blogalicious community, please share what it means to you in the comment section below.

Happy Yoga Monday – Giving Myself the Gift of Kundalini Yoga

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 23, 2013September 5, 2013in Yoga MondaysLeave a comment

Photo Credit: http://yogahousestudio.com

Happy Yoga Monday!

Since it’s National Yoga Month, I decided to up my yoga game by adding a weekly Kundalini class to my practice. I am taking classes offered by Yoga House founder Elizabeth Greathouse a/k/a Gurumukh East on Saturday mornings.

Elizabeth Greathouse - Photo Credit: Photo Credit: http://yogahousestudio.com — Elizabeth Greathouse – Photo Credit: Photo Credit: http://yogahousestudio.com

Kundalini Yoga is known as the yoga of awareness because it uses body locks, breathing exercises, eye-focus, mantras, mudras, and yoga postures to help you gain control over your body’s mental, physical, and nervous energies. It also helps you to balance your glandular system, strengthen your nervous system, expand your lung capacity, and purifiy your blood. The word “Kundalini” refers to energy located at the base of your spine that can be drawn up through the body to awaken your seven chakras (energy centers).

Photo Credit: http://yogahealthfoundation.org/yoga_month

Are you trying any new types of yoga or yoga poses during National Yoga Month?

You Are Invited to My Digital Sisterhood DC Book Signing on October 19

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 20, 2013September 23, 2013in Ananda's Events, Digital Sisterhood: A Memoir of Fierce Living OnlineLeave a comment

You’re invited to attend an author talk and book signing for my third book, Digital Sisterhood: A Memoir of Fierce Living Online on Saturday, October 19, 2013, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery located at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. (three blocks from the Green Line U Street/Cardozo Metro Station). The book will be available for sale ($23.95) during the book signing. Click here to register on Eventbrite.

About the Book

Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke became a pioneer in the digital universe twenty-seven years ago, when she logged in to the LexisNexis research service as a first-year law student at Howard University School of Law. She was immediately smitten with what the World Wide Web could do. Later, while attending the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995, Leeke found herself in an Internet café, where she experienced an interaction that changed her life.

Over time, through interactions and conversations both online and in-person, Leeke developed the concept of “digital sisterhood.” Embracing this revolutionary concept led to a complete career reinvention that finally allowed her to embrace her enormous creative spirit. She found in her digital sisters true “sheroes” and virtual mentors. Her blogging and social media adventures highlight the lessons she learned in the process, the reasons she launched the Digital Sisterhood Network, and the experiences that caused her to adopt what she terms the “fierce living” commitments.

In her memoir, Digital Sisterhood, Leeke details her journey, sharing experiences and insights helped her and her digital sisters use the Internet as a self-discovery tool and identifying leadership archetypes that shaped her role as a social media leader.

11 Things You Can Do Before October 19th Book Reading

If you are in the D.C. area, register yourself and invite five friends to the October 19th book reading.
Share this notice on your social media networks or blog.
Tell ten friends about the book in an email.
Post a blog with an author interview of Ananda Leeke. Send her an email at kiamshaleeke@yahoo.com.
Follow @anandaleeke and @digitalsisterhd on Twitter for book updates.
Participate in #DigitalSisterhood Wednesdays on Twitter by following @digitalsisterhd and tweeting your digital sisters.
Subscribe to Ananda Leeke’s author blog to learn more about her creative journey.
Learn more about the Digital Sisterhood Network.
Check out Ananda Leeke’s books, Love’s Troubadours (novel) and That Which Awakens Me (creative memoir) on Amazon.com. They make great autumn reads!
LIKE Ananda Leeke’s Facebook Fan Page.
LIKE Digital Sisterhood Network’s Facebook Page.

Happy Creativity Thursday! Celebrating the Artwork of Victor Ekpuk at Morton Fine Art in DC

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 19, 2013September 19, 2013in Creativity ThursdayLeave a comment

Artist Victor Ekpuk and friend at Morton Fine Art exhibition on 9/13

Happy Creativity Thursday!

Today’s blog celebrates the artwork of Nigerian contemporary artist Victor Ekpuk. Last weekend, I started my Autumn Artist Weekends with a visit to Morton Fine Art to see a solo exhibition of Ekpuk’s artwork, “Reminiscences and Current Musings.”

Victor Ekpuk chatting with people at Morton Fine Art exhibition on 9/13

My favorite piece in the exhibition is Idaresit (Joyful Heart). See photo below.

Idaresit (Joyful Heart) by Victor Ekpuk, 2004 - Photo Credit: Victor Ekpuk/Morton Fine Art — Idaresit (Joyful Heart) by Victor Ekpuk, 2004 – Photo Credit: Victor Ekpuk/Morton Fine Art

I discovered Ekpuk’s work this summer during one of my visits to Morton Fine Art. I was immediately drawn to his use of nsibidi “traditional” Nigerian graphic symbols and writing systems in his work. The symbols refer to abstract concepts, actions, or things. When they are used, they facilitate communication among peoples speaking different languages. Nsibidi is indigenous to the Ejagham peoples of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon in the Cross River region. Ibibio, Efik and Igbo people also use it. Click here to read more about the meaning of nsibidi.

Victor Ekpuk's artwork — Victor Ekpuk’s artwork

I love how Ekpuk’s work incorporates aspects of his ancestry. It makes me think that the spirit of his ancestors are embedded into his artwork. The placement of the nsibidi symbols in his works creates soulful, lyrical poetry that speaks silently to my spirit. Perhaps that’s why the poet in me feels so connected to his work!

If you are in the D.C. area, I encourage you to visit the exhibition at Morton Fine Art. It ends October 8. The Artist Talk will be held on Saturday, September 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Happy Internet Geek Tuesday – Celebrating LATISM – Latinos in Tech Innovation and Social Media

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 17, 2013September 17, 2013in Internet Geek TuesdayLeave a comment

Happy Internet Geek Tuesday! Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!

This week, Latinos in Tech Innovation and Social Media aka LATISM is hosting its fifth annual conference on September 19-21 in New York City. This year’s conference features the first-ever Latino Hackathon, a discussion about race in the Latino community, a town hall meeting on education, and various panels on being bilingual, content creation, funding for tech startups, how to use how to use social media to gain a better understanding of customers and the competition, immigration, monetizing blogs, social good, storytelling, and women in tech. Click here to read the agenda. You can also follow the #LATISM13 hashtag on all social media channels to keep up with conference happenings.

LATISM, the largest organization for Latino and Latina professionals engaged in social media, is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the social, civic and economic status of the Latino community. Premier Transmedia founder and Plaza Familia CEO Ana Roca Castro established LATISM in 2009. To learn more, LIKE LATISM on Facebook, follow @LATISM on Twitter, and join the weekly #LATISM Twitter party on Thursday evenings at 9:00 p.m. EST.

LATISM’s first conference was held at the National Council of La Raza in December 2009. My digital sisters Julie Diaz-Asper and Kety Esquivel encouraged me to attend the conference. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learned so much about Latinos in the digital space and was able to teach a yoga class for social media users in Spanglish!

Yesterday, NPR Tell Me More host Michel Martin held a Google+ Hangout session about emerging Latinos and innovations with Castro, Mi blog es tu blog founder Laura Martinez, and Being Latino founder Lance Rios. During the session, the panel discussed how engaged the Latino community is in the digital space. Click here to watch a video of the session.

Are you headed to #LATISM13?

What sessions are you looking forward to attending?

I wish I was going to the conference! I’ll be there in spirit! Have fun for me!

Happy Yoga Monday – Yoga-Inspired Music & Deva Premal & Mitren DC Concert

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 16, 2013September 5, 2013in Yoga MondaysLeave a comment

Happy Yoga Monday!

In honor of National Yoga Month, I’ve been listening to some of my favorite yoga-inspired music, especially the Password CD by Deva Premal and Mitren. I have been listening to their sacred chanting music since 2004. My favorite track is “Narishima.” The song repeats a strong and powerful mantra that removes negative energy and protects those on the path to light from negative influences: Narasimha Ta Va Da So Hum. I have adopted it as my theme song for the autumn season.

Deva Premal and Mitren’s music opens my heart and allows my spirit to surrender and be present to the “now” moment. It is also very healing and has taught me how to use mantras as healing tools in my Reiki healing touch, meditation, and yoga practices.

My National Yoga Month celebration is really special this year because Deva Premal and Mitren will be performing on September 24 in Washington, D.C. Click here to learn more about the concert. Hope to see you there!

How are you celebrating National Yoga Month?

Happy Creativity Thursday – Read Some of My Favorite Writing Wisdom Quotes & Writing Life Poem

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 12, 2013September 12, 2013in Creativity Thursday2 Comments

Happy Creativity Thursday!

Today, I want to share some of my favorite writing wisdom quotes from writers I adore.

“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” Joan Didion, European American author

“The ability of writers to imagine what is not the self, to familiarize the strange and mystify the familiar, is the test of their power.” Toni Morrison, African American author

“Writing becomes a way to embrace the mysterious, to walk with spirits, and an entry to the realm of the sacred.” bell hooks, African American author, poet, professor, and cultural critic

Photo Credit - Leigh Mosley, www.leighmosley.com — Photo Credit – Leigh Mosley, http://www.leighmosley.com

Here’s a poem about my writing life.

My Writing Life from That Which Awakens Me

#1

I’m a writer who writes even when she is asleep.

Right now I’m a writer who is in the midst of a long creative stretch.

One that involves birthing a book every two years.

My journey is both passion and paradox all at the same time.

At times it can consume me and keep me living on my own planet with enough rice milk, granola, ginger tea, honey, strawberries, bananas, apples, and split pea soup to last a lifetime.

This path has called me.

And I can’t begin to explain to folks what that exactly means because I am living it.

So I hope they can just get the meaning by watching me be me.

#2

I write because language chosen from deep within me liberates my hidden thoughts and gives life to my dreams.

I write because it is one of the best ways I know how to access freedom.

I am talking about the kind of freedom that brings all aspects of my existence into one room so that I can appreciate the fullness of my complex beauty.

The words that express my thoughts and describe my dreams make their way into phrases.

Some find homes in sentences that question and answer.

Others join the gospel choir in my mind and participate in call and response.

A few dangle as sharp, shooting fragments with meaning.

And then there are those that cast their net wide and paint wildly sensational murals on the canvas of my life.

They all embody the voice of my soul.

Happy Internet Tuesday – Excited About Attending Blogalicious Weekend Conference on October 3-5!

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 10, 2013in BlogaliciousLeave a comment

Happy Internet Geek Tuesday!

In less than 30 days, I’ll be traveling to Atlanta to meet up with some of my favorite digital sisters and brothers at the fifth annual Blogalicious Weekend Conference. The conference will be held on October 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. This year’s theme is “Create. Build.Fund.”

I am excited about attending the conference because:

It will be my fifth time attending the conference. YES, I was there in 2009 at the W Hotel in Atlanta when it all started. Read my November 2009 Examiner.com blog post.
My dad, Dr. John F. Leeke, founder of the Dr. John: Change Agent/Change Advocate/Change Influencer blog, will be attending the conference. This will be his second conference.
Blogalicious is hosting a Scandal season premiere party on October 3.
EBONY Editor-in-Chief Amy DuBois Barnett, one of my digital diva sheroes and favorite magazine editors (former Honey EIC) is speaking.
Harriette Cole, a life stylist, writer, author, and one of my digital diva sheroes, is facilitating a session on mastering your elevator pitch.
I am looking forward to meeting new digital sisters and brothers.
I will get to see so many of my digital sisters and brothers like Stacey Ferguson (chief curator and co-founder of Blogalicious), Boni Candelario, Danica Kombol, Andrea Amir, Amy Vernon, Mike Street, Maura Hernandez, Elisa Camahort Paige, Terrence Gaines, Dariela Cruz, Marie Denee, Jenee Darden (my Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority sister), Thien Kim, Amy Mascott, Leticia Barr, Krystal Grant, Swarthy Daisy, Ana Flores, MJ Tam, Jeannette Kaplun, Denene Milner, Shameeka Ayers, Trina Small, Yoly Mason, Luvvie Ajayi, Afrobella, Ronnie and Lamar Tyler, and so many more groovy people!
I get to talk about crowdfunding (one of my favorite topics) with Bola Adewumi, Black Startup Chief Technology Officer and Black & Sexy TV founders Numa Perrier and Dennis Dortch on October 4 at 5:30 p.m. I am a HUGE fan of Black & Sexy TV webisodes!!!!! What a treat!!!!
I am providing 15 minute creativity coaching sessions to Blogalicious attendees during the conference. More details on how to sign up are coming soon.
I get to room with my digital sister Xina Eiland (it will be our third time as Blogalicious roomies!

To learn more about the conference, click here. The conference blog posts are filled with great information about the sessions and speakers. So go on and use my special 30% discount to register and attend the conference. Click here and use the code SpeakerFriend for your registration. See you in Atlanta!!

Happy Yoga Monday – Celebrating Yoga Teacher Kimberly Wilson’s New Book – Tranquilologie: a DIY Guide to Everyday Tranquility

Posted by Ananda Leekeon September 9, 2013September 5, 2013in Yoga Mondays2 Comments

Photo Credit: www.kimberlywilson.com — Photo Credit: http://www.kimberlywilson.com

Happy Yoga Monday!

How is your National Yoga Month celebration going? Mine is doing great. This week, I am excited about the release of my yoga teacher and friend, Kimberly Wilson’s new book, Tranquilologie: a DIY Guide to Everyday Tranquility. I love the name and the artwork on the book cover (especially the fleur-de-lis, a French symbol that refers to the lily flower)! Don’t you?

Kimberly’s limited edition book (only 1,000 copies) combines two of my favorite things: joie de vivre and tranquil living practices. Based on her e-course, Tranquilologie offers readers a guide that covers mindfulness, self-care, nesting, do-gooding, work, style, creativity, and dreams for an entire year. It makes for a perfect birthday, holiday, or “me” treat gift.

Photo Credit: http://blog.kimberlywilson.com/2013/07/youre-invited-910-charitea-in-dc.html

PS: Kimberly’s D.C. book release party will be held on September 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Darlington House, 1610 20th Street, N.W. (Dupont Circle Metro). Be sure to RSVP to Kimberly@kimberlywilson.com. Hope to see you there!

Also, she is launching a Tranquility Tour across North America beginning September 14 and ending on November 16. Click here to learn more about the tour.