There's nothing more inspiring than to see someone really owning it, and living their life unapologetically. Folks like these are like the fireflies that light up a dark night. They are so beautiful to watch and have the ability to elevate the vibration in any space, and there is no question that Divine energy is present. Witnessing how they move through life somehow makes us feel more aligned, giving us the confidence to also own ourselves and make heart-centered moves. I am so grateful to be surrounded by a community of such dynamic beings and to have this platform to uplift the season's Atlas features and their work. For many years, through various projects, these individuals continue to provide a solid space for us to gather and even reconnect with our own greatness, if we ever needed to be reminded.
In rare form, I decided to dive heart first into Libra season and wait for the right wave to push me into writing this feature. I began documenting the October adventures, collected images and drafted an article, but felt they just needed to be captured in the moment and savored by just being present, so I decided to wait until I really felt called to write. My trip home to see family in Cali x Nevada was epic and came with a sense of ease in terms of being able to see the different people I wanted to share some time and energy with. I had been missing the open road adventures I grew up on, and contemplated writing about some of the experiences, then decided to just be present and soak up all the love vibrations buzzing in and around. The latter part of October brought some unexpected surprises in various areas of manifestation in the heart/workspace and for these, I am grateful.
I have a huge smile in my heart with all the exciting things that are on rotation, including our upcoming features on Lacy Matsumoto and Lyanne Brooks who are righteously being honored in the month of November aka Scorpio season. When I think of Scorpio energy, I think of passion, drive, loyalty, foundation, transformation… and it only felt fitting that we waited for this season to feature these two dynamic people that are making our community more colorful and alive through their long-standing presence and creative works, so without further ado, pour yourself some tea and enjoy learning about the season’s movers and shakers.
Much love,
PaizLee.
Name of feature
Lacyann Kaheaku Lyons
(Photos from the recent shoot with Manaola)
Bio:
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii - soon after college and a brief stint in Europe, Lacy found herself with a young group of dreamers who founded the Chinatown Arts & Culture District. After 7 years of building the art scene in Chinatown, Honolulu and as a board member of Art After Dark, she settled in media. Free-lancing and drifting from publication to publication, she finally began Urban Pacific Communications in 2012. Seven years later, the PR and Marketing agency is known for their strategic planning, social media strategy, and community relations. Her strong passion for environmental issues has led her to other projects including managing a forestry plan on Hawai’i Island which focuses on the reforestation of ‘ōhi’a lehua and other Native Hawaiian plants. Recently, her aloha ‘āina passion has led her to the role of host of a new t.v. series called Eō, a call for conscious action, which is set to launch in early 2020.
What are your favorite memories of tea time?
Growing up my hanai great-grandma would collect china. When we’d visit her in Oregon, I remember watching her sip tea from these treasures. Over time, I became a china collector, starting with some of her pieces. Each time I bring out one of her tea cups, it becomes a special occasion. It’s a connection to the past.
What are your thoughts on &/or relationship to earth medicine?
I am a great believer in all things natural and have a deep connection with nature. I spend a lot of time planting medicine - hibiscus, mamaki, ōlena, ginger, and more. It’s important to have a connection to your medicine and your food. I believe when you grow it, harvest it, eat it, digest it; it becomes part of you. The tiny microbes that become our cells and physical being is a reflection of what we expose our bodies to. Learning about diet from Stanford University was a really big life changing experience for me. Since then, I’ve changed my diet to plant-based, with no meat, unless it’s been caught or shared with us by someone special.
What is YOUR medicine?
I believe in a plant-based diet and have incorporated different naturopath things into my life. Having kids took a toll on my body, so I take a daily vitamin, and HTP. I believe in cannabis and am a firm believer that it should be a part of our medical social standards. I also am a big believer in yoni steaming. You can joke about it, but it’s really helped me to heal my uterus. Internal female organs need to be taken care of, and I hate it when people shame me for talking about my internal health.
For tea, I drink a lot of deep red colored teas - mainly for my root chakra and uterus. Things like hibiscus tea, raspberry, cranberry, etc.
Promotions:
Current community building projects and what sparked this interest? Products/recent releases?
Currently I’m working on a new television show called Eō - a call for conscious action. It’s about sustainability in Hawaii and what people can do every day to make a small difference. If we are going to address our environmental issues, it starts at home with everyone. I no longer want to feel like it’s an overwhelming thing to be distraught about. I want people to watch this and feel empowered to make changes within themselves. There’s ways to go green, save money, save time and be a little more mindful.
What is your vision for the next year.
Wow - good question. Next year, 2020 - is my year according to the Chinese horoscope. I really feel like the foundation I’ve laid is now coming to fruition. First off, I hope that my kids are happy and healthy. That they continue horseback riding, learning ‘ōlelo Hawai’i, dancing hula, and enjoying nature. My personal goal is to also learn more ‘ōlelo Hawai’i, dance hula, and start our nursery at the Lyons Estate on Hawai’i Island. It’s been a two year process, but we are applying for the federal forestry program, and I hope to have a really successful year with Eō; including all that are working on this - the community, the organizations, BERAD Studios and my family. I really hope it brings value to Hawai’i. It would be nice to ride pa’ū again and establish some really strong, positive friendships and clients on Hawai’i Island. I hope to continue planting Native Hawaiian plants, and collecting seeds, and hopefully will have the opportunity to visit some of the outer islands like Kaho’olawe and Molokai with aloha ‘āina projects. I will be continuing my work as a bail reform advocate and campaign manager for Sonny Ganaden, so hopefully we can make some big changes to policy and the Kalihi district. Get some attention to the lower income areas and raise the quality of life for the next generation. Some other accomplishments I have in mind, by Fall 2020, I hope to be enrolled back in school to get my masters or a PhD and use my experience in communication and media to shed light on some of our Native Hawaiian plants and environmental solutions.
Please visit www.tinyurl.com/y5hvkm3j to learn more about Lacy's workshops and ways to support upcoming seed projects.
Name of feature
Lyanne Brooks
(Photographed with Jeremy Sole, who is a guest DJ for one of Soulgasm's 12 Year Anniversary events this month)
Bio:
Lyanne is a busy body and a bit of a bunch of things. She’s a thinker and an artist, athletic and graceful, tough and sensitive and a whole lot more. She’d say she’s a simple person, a student and lover of life with broad interests who wears many hats. That she does, whether in the spotlight or from behind the scenes. You might know her as a music lover, a dancer, a teacher, educator, coach, clinician, choreographer, performer, director, organizer, promoter, host, business owner or creative who’s been at it for the last 20+ years and still going. She works across diverse populations of people and age ranges from toddlers, young children, teens, adults, even seniors from large to small group settings and the intimate one to one covering sports, arts, academics, life skills and the spiritual. She might bust some cards out when she feels it and she can read your astrological birth chart. She’s known as an ambassador for House, Hip Hop & urban styles of music and dance in Hawaii. She’s also a pioneer for House Dancing in Hawaii introducing the style into the mainstream dance studios and programs all over the island including special workshops in Maui and The Big Island. She established “Housing Project 360” in 2004, offering classes in a variety of dance styles with numerous performances to the public while hosting many internationally known and highly respected dancers of various styles from around the world. She’s also the organizer and creator of one of the longest running non stop parties in Honolulu with a signature sound and vibe known as “Soulgasm Hawaii”. It maintains a strong and loyal local fanbase with a global following, it’s no wonder it was named “Best Vibe” in 2010 and “Best Monthly Party”, “Best Party To Dance” in 2017 by Honolulu Nightlife Diaries aka SuperCW. It features internationally known artists from around the world such as Grammy Awarded Nadirah Shakoor, the Legendary Marley Marl, DJ Spinna (Wonder-Full), Marques Wyatt, Cecil (The Rainmakers, thePeople, SKIN), Jeremy Sole (KCRW, theLIFT), Vinroc (Triple Threat DJs), King Tone (Zulu Nation), OVEOUS, KAOS (Jolly Jams), DJ Said, Doc Link, Joshua Iz to name just a few and some of the best in local talents from poets, emcees, singers, musicians, street artists to the fine, fashion models and designers, martial artists, dancers, djs, music producers and more with specially curated shows, unique productions, music concerts and more. It holds down two parties each month, First Fridays at Bevy, 3rd Fridays at Bar 35 with a roster of highly skilled roster of Resident DJs Matt Kee, Rayne, Kentaro, Jimmy San, Yuji and Yoh who play with additional Soulgasm special events including working with nonprofit organizations to shows featuring vocalists and live bands at other venues sprinkled throughout the year. Besides teaching dance each week and special workshops, her more recent projects include Astrology and there’s more to come.
What are your favorite memories of tea time?
I enjoy drinking tea in general so I don’t know about favorite memories, though there are some moments that stand out. There was a time when all I drank was water, tea or juice and start each day with time reserved to enjoy a pot of loose leaf. Back then I drank so much tea that someone gifted me with a very nice Chinese tea pot that I seasoned over time. Depending on the day, I might have some chamomile, jasmine, lavender, peppermint, oolong, dragonwell, something white, red, green or black. It was fun deciding on which tea for the pot and I really enjoyed being able to take my time drinking in gentle silence and solitude before I would leave my place. I also loved drinking tea out of a Japanese style tea cup someone hand made for me as well as having tea outdoors over relaxed and contemplative conversation.
What are your thoughts on &/or relationship to earth medicine?
I don’t know what “earth medicine” means though if I refer to medicine as a way of prevention and maintenance for optimal health and the earth itself then for me it would mean that my being in harmony with the rhythm, flow and contents of daily life being here, that in itself is the relationship.
What is YOUR medicine?
I don’t think of medicine so much as I think of living a lifestyle that promotes optimal health which goes back to being in harmony with daily life. Being hydrated, eating a variety of foods and herbs, exercise, silence, recreation in social environments and solitude, work, sleep and getting up around sunrise works best for me. This helps me keep a steady rhythm, a clear mind, feeling nice and strong each day along with the key of appreciation. This includes being in touch with friends, family and of course listening to music, dancing and massages are a nice bonus! If I start to feel weak or off, I adjust. Usually, it’s added sleep or silence and if I start to feel like I might be coming down with something, orange juice, ginger lemon tea and soup goes on the menu and raw garlic does wonders.
Promotions: Soulgasm 12 year anniversary celebration in November with 3 Friday parties every week starting on the 1st at Bevy with Resident DJs (f9pm, 21+ free)- 675 Auahi St, 8th at Hawaiian Brian’s Social Club feat. Lady Alma (singer behind two videos that went viral 20+ million views, “Let It Fall”, “It’s House Music”), DJs Matt Kee, Rayne, Kentaro + The Elevations and more! 1680 Kapiolani Blvd (2nd floor)- all ages 9pm, 15th at Bar 35 feat. Jeremy Sole (KCRW, theLIFT, LA) & Residents.
Current community building projects and what sparked this interest? Products/recent releases?
Soulgasm Hawaii is a love project sprung from a love of music, dancing, Hawaii and people. I wanted to have a place here on the island to hear quality music, the type of music that you don’t typically hear in the mainstream, the type of music that goes deeper and be able to dance in a stress free environment. I wanted to see people of a variety of walks have an opportunity to let loose and have fun going out and be able to be around others without judgment or pressures of having to be a certain way. Both myself and the people I work with enjoy sharing our love for music and aim to cultivate an experience for people to enjoy. On that note, on Sunday the 13th at Kapiolani Park, we’ll be back at Susan G Komen’s Race For The Cure w/DJs Yoh, Kentaro and Rayne playing some tunes along with some of my dance students. We’ll be right at the finish line bumping our music, dancing and cheering for people hanging out at the park, people at the bandstand and at curbside for each participant crossing that finish line. It’s one of our ways of giving back to people, giving back to our home in Hawaii and pitching in for a great cause..
Also special guests for the month of October on the18th Friday at Bar 35 Special guest Miko & Jodhi (Centered Hawaii, First Bass, Recess) + Timo Lee (KTUH Alumni, Bevy), Jimmy San and three parties for the upcoming 12 year anniversary in November featuring the Residents on the 1st, the legendary Lady Alma on the 8th at Hawaiian Brians and Jeremy Sole on the 15th at Bar 35 along with an Afterhour Afterparty.
I recently opened another Beginner dance class for more people to come and will soon start an open dance session hosted by my students for people to come and get loose and continue to do Astrology readings for people.
What is your vision for the next year.
Aside from a sound system for Soulgasm, I would like to make more room to be able to offer more services and give people a nice surprise that is of great benefit.
To get looped in on upcoming Soulgasm events, please visit www.soulgasmhawaii.com.