Habit

I did it! I got my ass out of bed this morning and did a session of yoga. Now I would like to say 'this is me every morning' but that would be a lie. Don't get me wrong, the intention is always there but you know, the snooze button is so enchanting. However, yesterday, Mastin Kipp from The Daily Love suggested reading this article that recognises the three phases of creating habits. The first is the 'honeymoon stage', this is when we find something easy to do. The second is 'the fight thru' when our goal or resolution begins to get tough and we allow it to drift away. The third is the 'second nature' stage and there are three pointers to watch out for that will send us back into stage two. One of the techniques to get us pushing past our blocks in the second phase focuses on emotion. So whilst I was lying in bed debating yoga I asked myself "How will I feel if I do this? (answer: amazing, peaceful and triumphant) How will I feel if I don't so this? (answer: shit)" The rest is history, welcome to my blog.

~ Lala ~

'Life begins at the end of your comfort zone' - Neale Donald Walsch

Kita

At the age of 17, Nikkita Alexander, singer/songwriter and model, is well on her way along her own path in life. Kita, as she is musically known, plays gigs up and down the East Coast of Australia, jamming with members from her old band 'Scattered Lights' and preparing for her up and coming Lion Hat EP (available 23rd March). I had the pleasure in finding out a little more about Kita....her collaboration with Jordan Millar.... her other creative talents and her journey so far...

First of all your album cover for your EP is beautiful, how long have you been working on it and what has been the most exciting part?

'Ahhh thanks a billion. Well technically I've been working on it since half way through last year, constantly writing and being inspired. The most exciting thing would have to be working with so many creative souls that are so enthusiastic to help others out.'

So you're collaborating with Jordan Millar, how did this come about?

'I did, I did. I supported him a couple of times when he came to play in my home town (Port Macquarie) last year and he liked my stuff and I liked his. When it came to having to decide who I'd record with he seemed like a fun option, since he has recorded and produced the majority of his own EP's.' Check out Jordan Millar here.

When did you start writing your own songs and what/who do you take inspiration from for the content of your songs and the sound?

'I began writing about a year ago, although I've been playing music since I was 9. I honestly take inspiration from everything, from: nature and the environment, to world issues to the human unconsciousness. Sound-wise, I listen to as many genres as I can, I think old music is rad. Especially Fleetwood Mac.'

What is next for Kita??

'Next... I suppose after LION HAT is released, I'm going to spend heaps of time and energy trying to promote it. Then as soon as the time is right, record, record and record again!'

Apart from creating music, what other interests do you have? And when did you start playing the guitar?

'I started playing guitar when I was 8, bit didn't take it seriously until a few years back. I've always been into creative arts: painting, designing and acting; anything that stimulate my brain. I do pilates and I waterski (you'll find me at the beach every other minute of the day). And just wandering around nature..'

Your modeling photographs are stunning, how did you get into modeling and what is the best aspect about it?

'Thanks. A friends who's an aspiring photographer asked if I could model for her one time at school, I thought it was a joke. But yeah, everything kind of just led on form there. It it not my ideal/dream job at all, I just do it for a bit of fun on the side and getting to meet so many creative people!'

When you're not focussing on your music, what do you get up to with your friends?

'It's kind of rare that I don't focus on my music. But we go to the beach, road trips or walks. Port is such a cruizy town. I love it.'

Like Kita on facebook here!

Forest Man of India

"The snakes died in the heat, without any tree cover. I sat down and wept over their lifeless forms. It was carnage. I alerted the forest department and asked them if they could grow trees there. They said nothing would grow there. Instead, they asked me to try growing bamboo. It was painful, but I did it. Nature has made a food chain; why can't we stick to it? Who would protect these animals if we, as superior beings, start hunting them?" - Jadav Molai Payeng

Years ago, a young boy began to plant small seeds along the barren land of North India's Assam region. Thirty years later, Payeng has single handedly created a 1,360 acre forest that is now called Molai Reserve after his nickname. Dedicating himself to creating a lush forest for the wildlife, he has re-boosted the eco-system, providing a safe haven for elephants, birds, rhinos, tigers and deer.

Molai, his wife Binita and their three children live in a small hut in the forest. They sell milk from their cattle and buffalo for their income but he spends most of his time in the forest with his two sons and daughter. On 22nd April 2012, Jadav Molai Payeng was named 'Forest Man of India' at a public event organised by the School of Environment Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

This man is truly great and deserves to be honoured. He is a true soul and I have great admiration for him. He shows us the power of one and what we can achieve as individuals.