The Sound of Serenity with Newlam Kalimba

" As I continue to play the kalimba and explore my art, I am reminded of the power of creativity to heal and inspire. Each note, each stroke of the brush, is a testament to the beauty of the present moment—a reminder to embrace the journey and savor the joy of creation. "

In the heart of my bustling daily routine lies an oasis of calm, a space where my spirit finds peace and my creativity blossoms. This sanctuary is not a place but an activity—a simple yet profound ritual that has transformed my life over the past two years. Every evening after the hectic rush of the workday, I sit down with my Newlam kalimba, an instrument that has become a beloved companion on my journey toward mindfulness and artistic expression. This daily practice has not only calmed my mind but also influenced the evolution of my graffiti art, steering it toward a style infused with mindfulness and introspection.

My journey with the kalimba began almost serendipitously. I was wandering through a local market when I stumbled upon a small stall adorned with various musical instruments. Amid the chaos of the city, the soft, melodious sound of the kalimba captured my attention. There was something enchanting about its simple elegance and the soothing tones it produced. Intrigued, I decided to bring one home, and that's how my relationship with Newlam's kalimba began. (I was purchasing it for €45, but later on I realized it was only €26.95 in the online store. This was frustrating for me, but I think I still got a great return on my investment.)

Every evening, as the sun sets and the world around me quiets down, I retreat to my corner of tranquility. This is my hour of serenity, a time dedicated to playing the kalimba and letting its soothing tones wash over me. As my fingers dance across the keys, I feel the stress and worries of the day melting away. The kalimba's gentle music is like a balm for the mind, calming the storm of thoughts and bringing a sense of peace and clarity.

The simplicity of the Newlam kalimba is its greatest strength. Unlike other instruments that may require years of practice to master, the kalimba offers instant gratification. With just a few simple movements, I can create melodies that are both beautiful and comforting. This accessibility allows me to focus on the music itself, without getting bogged down by technicalities. In those moments, I'm not just playing an instrument; I'm entering a state of mindfulness, where my mind is fully present and engaged in the act of creation.

As the kalimba's melodies fill the air, I find my mind entering a state of flow, a state where time seems to stand still and creativity flows effortlessly. This is when my artistic journey begins to take shape. Inspired by the calm and clarity that the kalimba provides, I pick up my sketchbook and begin to doodle. The act of drawing becomes an extension of the music, a visual representation of the sounds that resonate within me.

My art style has always been a form of self-expression, a way to explore my thoughts and emotions. But over the past two years, something has shifted. My graffiti style, once characterized by bold, chaotic lines and vibrant colors, has begun to evolve. Inspired by the mindfulness that playing the kalimba brings, my art has taken on a new dimension—one that is more introspective and thoughtful.

The concept of mindfulness in art is about being fully present in the creative process, allowing intuition and instinct to guide the brush or pen. It's about letting go of preconceived notions and embracing the moment, letting the artwork unfold naturally. As I doodle and paint, I find myself more attuned to the subtleties of form and color, more aware of the emotions and ideas that my art conveys.

Graffiti art has always been a powerful form of expression, a way to convey messages and emotions in a bold and impactful way. But in a world filled with noise and distractions, finding a sense of clarity and purpose in art can be challenging. This is where mindfulness comes in—a practice that has profoundly influenced my approach to graffiti.

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, embracing the here and now without judgment. It's about cultivating awareness and connection to one's thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. When applied to art, mindfulness encourages a deeper exploration of the creative process, allowing the artist to tap into a wellspring of inspiration and insight.

As I continue to explore mindfulness through my art, I've noticed a shift in my graffiti style. The bold, chaotic lines have given way to more fluid and organic shapes, reflecting the harmony and balance that the kalimba's music brings. My color palette has softened, embracing soothing tones and gradients that evoke a sense of calm and serenity. In many ways, my art has become a reflection of my inner journey—a journey toward mindfulness and self-discovery.

Playing the kalimba every day has become more than just a hobby; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth. Through this daily practice, I've learned to listen to the music within, to embrace the quiet moments and find beauty in simplicity. The kalimba has taught me the value of patience and presence, reminding me that creativity is not about perfection but about the joy of expression.

This journey has also deepened my understanding of mindfulness and its impact on art. By approaching my creative process with a mindful mindset, I've been able to break free from the constraints of expectation and judgment. I've learned to trust my intuition and let my art evolve naturally, allowing it to speak from the heart.

Mindfulness has also taught me to appreciate the process of creation rather than focusing solely on the end result. Each doodle and painting is a snapshot of a moment in time, a reflection of my thoughts and emotions at that particular moment. This shift in perspective has allowed me to approach my art with a sense of curiosity and wonder, embracing the unknown and discovering new possibilities along the way.

Art and music have always been intertwined, two expressions of the human experience that transcend language and culture. They have the power to move us, to inspire us, and to bring us closer to ourselves and each other. Through my daily practice of playing the kalimba and exploring my art, I've come to appreciate the transformative power of these creative outlets.

The kalimba's music has become a source of inspiration for my art, guiding my hand and shaping my style. It's a reminder that creativity is a journey, not a destination, and that every note and every stroke is a step along that path. The calming effect of the kalimba has allowed me to approach my art with a sense of openness and curiosity, embracing the process and allowing my creativity to flourish.

Through this journey, I've also discovered the importance of balance—finding harmony between the chaos of life and the serenity of creativity. The kalimba has become my anchor, a daily reminder to slow down and savor the beauty of the present moment. And in doing so, I've found a deeper connection to my art and myself.

As I reflect on the past two years, I realize that my journey with the Newlam kalimba has been about more than just music and art; it's been about embracing mindfulness and finding balance in a fast-paced world. This daily practice has taught me to be present, to listen to my inner voice, and to trust in the creative process.

In a society that often prioritizes productivity and efficiency, it's easy to lose sight of the value of mindfulness. We become so focused on achieving goals and meeting expectations that we forget to pause and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. But through the simple act of playing the kalimba and exploring my art, I've discovered a new perspective—one that values presence over perfection, and creativity over conformity.

Mindfulness has become a guiding principle in my life, influencing not just my art but my overall well-being. It's taught me to approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and resilience, to embrace change as an opportunity for growth. And as I continue this journey of self-discovery, I find myself more attuned to the world around me, more aware of the beauty and wonder that exist in everyday moments.

In the end, my journey with the Newlam kalimba is a celebration of art, music, and mindfulness—a harmonious blend of sound and color that reflects the essence of my soul. It's a journey that continues to unfold, revealing new insights and possibilities with each passing day. And for that, I am eternally grateful.