Author: Sonia Iris Lozada

One of the pluses of being in entertainment is you get to meet great people and one of my favorite people is Uli Bella a founding member of the music group, Ozomatli. He and I have been friends for many years and I was excited to interview him for the show. We talk about the new album Marching On and its singles: El Destino & Marching On. Ozomatli’s journey from the formation of the group to the current core members. Their music collaborations with Gaby Moreno, Lisa Lisa and B-Real of Cypress Hill.

Ozomatli’s collaborative, energetic blend of multi-cultural music and activism has earned them three GRAMMYs®, four Hollywood Bowl shows, a TED Talk and much more. Since forming in 1995, the Los Angeles-bred lineup has inspired and energized listeners as far away Burma and Mongolia: Ozo’s messages and music, sung in both Spanish and English, need no translation. Like The Doors, X, Los Lobos, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other L.A.-based artists who take cues from the city and also reflect and unearth its movements, Ozomatli reaches from the curbs to the high-rises.

Ozomatli’s commitment to social justice is ongoing. Their 2019 single “Libertad,” with founding members Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) & Cut Chemist, was the first release together since Ozomatli’s 1998 debut album. It highlighted the struggle of Latin workers in the U.S. who sacrifice everything to help family on the other side of the border wall. In 2008 the U.S. State Department appointed the band United States Cultural Ambassadors; in 2009 and 2010 Ozo performed for President Barack Obama. Hometown honors arrived in 2013, when April 23 was deemed “Ozomatli Day” in perpetuity, and in 2011, Ozomatli was awarded the NCLR (National Council of La Raza) Capital Award.

In 2022, Ozo’s new songs, stronger-than-ever brotherhood and creativity culminated in Marching On. Produced by David Garza (Fiona Apple, Sparta) at El Paso’s Sonic Ranch, the LP’s 11 songs are a unified blend of the members’ influences and ideas. Guests include J.J. Fad and Lisa Lisa on “Fellas,” while “Mi Destino,” sung in both English and Spanish, features Cypress Hill’s B-Real and Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno, who also lends her vocals to the title track “Marching On”.

If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli’s music. As founding members Jiro Yamaguchi and Uli explain: “You drive down Sunset Boulevard and turn off your stereo and roll down your windows and the music that comes out of each and every different car, whether it’s salsa, cumbia, merengue, Hip Hop, funk or whatever, it’s that crazy blend that’s going on between that cacophony of sound is Ozomatli, y’know?”

Band members:

Raúl Pacheco – Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitar, Tres, Jarana
Asdrubal Sierra – Lead & Backing Vocals, Trumpet, Piano
Justin ‘El Niño’ Porée – Percussion, Rap Vocals, Lead & Backing Vocals
Ulises Bella – Saxophone, Lead & Backing Vocals, Requinto, Jarocho, Keyboard, Melodica
Wil-Dog Abers – Bass, Marimbula, Backing Vocals
Jiro Yamaguchi – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals

Ozomatli – Moving On Album available on Amazon

@ulibella

https://ozomatli.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ozomatli/

https://www.youtube.com/user/OzoVideos

Listen to the podcast on our page.

Check out the current episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast. Prioritizing and Promises. This past weekend, I had everything planned. I was going to organize my guest/craft room by taking everything out and only keep what I will actually use and need. I woke up early on Saturday and then realized that I had an audition self-tape. On Friday, I remember replying to my agent that I will look at the sides for this TV show. Something was nagging at me to look at the sides in the morning. I figured I would clean the room then spend the rest of the day reviewing them. Didn’t realize this was an important audition and merited much of my weekend.

I like to memorize my sides (script section) because it makes it easier to perform. As I read the breakdown and reviewed the sides, I realized I needed a coach and a reader to help me learn the lines. Saturday was gone and even though I spent most of the day learning lines, they wouldn’t stick. After making a list and prioritizing what I needed to do, I saw the problem with memorizing my lines.

I just couldn’t get away from breaking a promise to myself, YET AGAIN. The truth is housework will always be there. My sister pointed that out to me and she’s correct. I had a great opportunity to work on a funny script. I asked a friend if she knew anyone who’s a coach and can help me with the lines. She did. I set an appointment and headed to Ojai with my friend for the day. Well, at least I thought it would be for about three or four hours, but no, it was the day.

The coach was great. Why wouldn’t he be? He’s also a stage director and had brilliant advice on the character. We were able to record it there. I am grateful to him and my friend who, by the way, drove.

The fact that I actually hesitated to stop everything I was doing to delay this great opportunity surprised me. Why would I do that? I dream of opportunities like this. Was it fear? Was it not feeling that I’m good enough?

Louise Jackson states: “We often have opposing desires, feelings, beliefs, and ideas. These can create internal conflicts and struggles that mean clashing forces feel like they’re fighting each other inside your brain. And expecting dramatic change overnight is incredibly stressful. …Trying to do too much at once makes you way more likely to break your promises to yourself.”

Yes, this was me. I had opposing desires and ideas. I rather be working on my creative endeavors, acting, writing and my podcast, yet, I like calmness. For me, calmness comes from a clean and organized home. I’ve started so many projects around the house only to leave them partially finished. I’ve worked on all my creative projects, just not the chores.

“Think about this same scenario, but played out in your relationship with yourself. You break your promises so many times you can start to doubt yourself. Even if your intentions to change are good and pure, it can be difficult to change because you lost credibility with yourself.” Ayodeji Awosika

So, what to do? I left the housework behind and decided not to beat myself up. Maybe I set too large an expectation. I then learned the script lines, got coached and recorded my self-tape. I understand that the biggest hurdle I had was that I didn’t want to once again break a promise to myself. I learned to practice self-kindness and to acknowledge that I might have perceptions (ideas) for the day, but life happens and there are gifts in the unpredictability of it.

So, I’m taking my sister’s advice and I’m spending an hour or less on clearing the guest room every day until it’s done.

Be kind to yourself. Understand life happens and many blessings.

Get a copy of my latest book: Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2

Self-forgiveness

“Forgiving yourself means letting go of the feelings and emotions associated with what went wrong. You let go of any resentment or anger. It may be easier to do this when forgiving others, but many find it hard to do this for themselves.” Betterhelp.com.

What causes us to prolong self-forgiveness? Why is it easier to forgive another–and yet, difficult to forgive ourselves? Can we find joy in the chaos? Is it our anger, bitterness, and stubbornness? When these feelings are felt, it’s a sign for us to forgive–ourselves or others.

Focus on the emotions. It’s a process of learning to forgive ourselves. Sometimes it’s difficult to understand why we feel a certain way. Is it part of our story or experiences? Understanding how we feel is opening a door to forgiveness.

I practice mirror work. If I can look at myself as I state my mistake/misunderstanding, I can move on. This is difficult because we don’t want to feel at fault or vulnerable. Yet, vulnerability is strength.

I write feelings/emotions down when I find them challenging to accept. Journaling or my pros & cons list goes something like this example.

1. Why do I feel this way? Then I list the pros & cons.
   1. Pro: They needed to hear how they made me feel.
   2. Pro: I felt empowered for the moment.
   3. Con: I hurt them more than I imagined.
   4. Con: I responded too strongly to what the situation merited.
2. Another method is I write a letter to myself using handwriting. Not a computer/phone or any electronic means. I address the wounded child within me. Can I forgive that child? Sometimes, it takes several letters before I can see the truth within myself. Practicing kindness to myself can lead to letting go and eventually joy.

We’ve all heard that we are our worst critics and we can be. For me, it’s the constant repetition of the situation. It repeats the many scenarios that could have happened. Could’ve, Should’ve, and would’ve are not our friends. It can take us down a rabbit hole which I have found to cause anxiety over a situation that might happen.

I ask myself what caused the breaking point? Was I too tired? Not enough sleep? Not feeling well? Did they push my buttons when I needed support? I’ve learned the hard way to bite my tongue because I came from the philosophy that honesty is the best policy. What I have learned is that it is not. Kindness is the best policy because honesty is just an opinion. One person’s truth is not mine and vice versa.

I have found that just pulling off the bandage and apologizing and making amends is best for me. What can you do to fix the situation? Be sincere in the apology. Know we might not remedy the circumstances, but understand that we all make mistakes and we need to learn how to forgive ourselves. I’ve had a situation where I was wronged. They never apologized and even though I have forgiven them, the relationship changed. There was a loss, and I realized my part was my perceptions were not in line with the truth of our relationship. I needed to be responsible for my beliefs. What part have you had in a relationship? Was it your perceptions? Were your needs not being met? Were your needs in alignment with theirs? Expectations of others can lead to misunderstandings. Expect what is true and forgive yourself when your perceived needs are not met. Self-forgiveness is a learning process and the sooner we learn the process, the calmer and faster we can move on.

“Choosing to forgive ourselves is a great act of compassion. Our compassion towards ourselves will radiate out into the world towards others. You will experience peace, joy, and humility. Your vibrational energy will rise. There are so many benefits to Self-Forgiveness.  I have come to learn that healing is truly from the inside out.” Belinda Haverdill from Spiral Path.

There’s a list of various in-depth articles that can help in your journey to self-forgiveness in the notes.

The poem for this week is: Alliance from The Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 and will appear in my upcoming book. Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams. This poem also appeared in the June podcast under expectations.

Alliance

Sometimes my essence aches because of the many adventures and events others have had without a mention, and I wasn’t there. Is it me? Is the perception of what they sense I am determining my behavior, my thoughts? We spoke of holiday two summers long set for the third. The third visit around the sun and I asked when are we going? I don’t know, was the answer. Facing the truth—via social media as I view the celebratory drink in hand with another. Visiting the places of visual beauty, of distant land we planned. Why not explain? Why falsehood? A sadness took over me. Was it them? Was it me? Was it my perceptions of childhood memories that stood in the way of the truth? A truth that hasn’t existed in decades. A long ago feeling attached to a person whom I’ve surrendered my alliance. Taking responsibility for my emotions as I breathe and let go. Let go of my ideas of the past. Do I blame them? No, I’m accountable for my beliefs. Will we plan again No. Our characters detached the blinders I wore since childhood. Abandoning my memories and allowing myself permission to move on.

Many blessings.

Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2

Follow me at: https://poeticresurrection.com/

Podcast: https://poeticresurrection.podbean.com/

https://poeticresurrection.podbean.com/e/awakening-dreams-expectations/

Helpful links:

https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/alphabet/view/11/forgiveness

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-forgive-yourself#3.-Think-of-each-mistake-as-a-learning-experience

https://www.lifehack.org/837308/self-forgiveness

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/self-esteem/what-is-self-forgiveness-and-why-is-it-important-to-your-mental-health/

https://positivepsychology.com/self-forgiveness/

https://www.spiralpathhealingartscenter.com/post/self-forgiveness-as-a-spiritual-practice

https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/deepak-chopra-how-to-forgive-yourself_2

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_healthy_way_to_forgive_yourself

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes

https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/

Music: Passing Time by Kevin Macleod

Overheard at Chica’s Café, Where Friends Meet is an entertainment podcast. New episode today. After producing two other podcasts, Poetic Resurrection, which is An introspective look at life and our Perceptions and Beliefs. It’s a self-help poetry site and Chica and the Man, As Unscripted as it Gets, is about two podcasters, Alex and Sonia who talk about anything that comes to mind on the day of the recording.

One of the episodes of Chica and the Man was called Overheard at Chica’s Café and I thought what a fun name for a podcast. It’s not gossip, just hearing two friends talk. This one is light and interesting, and the goal is to have it bring a smile to your face. Tune in.

Peace.

My various podcasts. I have to tell you that I enjoy interviewing people for my podcasts. Not so much, when it comes to editing and social media. This week I interviewed Jerry Bell, the musician for my new upcoming podcast called Overheard at Chica’s Café.  He even sang a song for us on the podcast. I have yet to edit and launch this new podcast.  I’ve been designing the podcast website. Should launch before the end of the month. Working on what day or date I will release. The podcast is light and fun. An enjoyable podcast for all, stay tuned for the release date.

On Poetic Resurrection (reminder now twice a month) we have Doreen Calderon, a friend, fellow actor, and transformational coach. We discuss how she helps actors through self-awareness and acceptance.

As usual, had a couple of self-tapings and worked on some skits and short stories.

 

Check out the last podcast of Chica & The Man which turned out to be Chica & the Wo-Man since Alex was out for the month of June. Check it out.

 

Blessings!

What to do? Well, I’m talking about my next phase in acting and podcasting. I started another podcast Overheard at Chica’s Café which is a fun and light podcast about overhearing friends talking at a café. I changed my Poetic Resurrection Podcast to bi-monthly on the second and fourth Monday of each month. I’ll decide what happens in February when that comes around. Overheard at Chica’s Café will be monthly for now just like Chica and the Man Podcast.

On the acting front, I’m working on some skits I had put away since many of the studios are currently on hiatus, it’s a great time to pick them up again. They’re comedy and I’m hoping to set up a backdrop to accommodate the skits.

Check out the gallery.

Summertime is here and acting has slowed down. I’m still going on auditions, self-tapings, etc. Today I did a self-tape for a TV show. A light comedic role. They’re such a pleasure to do. After working on Poetic Resurrection which discusses the process of our perceptions. It’s nice to do lighter feeling parts and podcasts. BTW, Poetic Resurrection will be bi-monthly starting in July. It became too difficult to juggle acting and producing three podcasts. Poetic Resurrection is the longest-running podcast, a year and a half. Chica and the Man started last year and I’m producing and hosting a new podcast called Overheard at Chica’s Café which is a fun, lighthearted conversations between friends. I’m planning on having my creative friends on this podcast.

In the meantime, check out my gallery.

Expectations. The last time I updated this blog was two weeks ago. Last week I didn’t have any internet for three days. It’s amazing how much we rely on the internet to do everything from sending in self-taping to communicating with our agents and managers. My cell phone was my savior for those three days. I had a self-tape and needed to catch up on social media for my acting and podcast (which I didn’t record last week for Poetic Resurrection). The good thing is I could get my self-tape in before the deadline.

This week’s episode of Poetic Resurrection discusses “expectations”. We talk about how expectations can lead to disappointment. As actors, many of us are disappointed because we rehearsed and memorized the part just to never hear from casting. Are we expecting too much? There are many articles on the web discussing expectations and how much they can affect our reality. I’ve listed a link to an article from Psychology Today.

Please support my endeavors and get your copy of my recently released book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2. Available on Amazon.

Thank you and may you have a blessed week.

Poetic Resurrection—Awakening Dreams – Expectations

Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 is available on Amazon

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cui-bono/201802/the-psychology-expectations

 

What’s it all about? Of course, I’m referring to acting and – well, life. The auditions have been slowing down and truth be told so am I. I’ve been slacking on my podcast, blog, social media, etc.  I asked other actors and podcasters and it looks like we all do this. It’s a good thing acting slows down during the summer. Not that I wouldn’t love a gig right now. Believe me, I love being on the set and meeting other actors.  After so many years in this industry, I still get excited over it. Have a great week.

On the Poetic Resurrection podcast front, we had Paul Meixner a veteran discuss what Memorial Days means to him. How he went from the military to entertainment.

In this week’s episode (available on 6/6/22), we have Evelyn Eccard from Bravo Leadership Int’l (BLI). We discuss how sometimes moving on from an employer might not be the best move. We discuss being authentic and following your heart. This might be that Aha moment you’ve been looking for.

 

In the meantime, check out my newly released book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2

This week I had two self-tapes, one for a theater play and the other for a commercial. The commercial is describing who I am and that was great. As an actor most of the time you’re expected to be someone else. This is what acting is but to be able to speak up about the issues or passions you have in an audition is rare and very much appreciated.

The second audition was for a theater play which I normally don’t pursue but I was asked to audition for a play with a great script. I was honored to be asked to audition. Even if I don’t get it, it was a pleasure to be asked to read an enticing script.

My new book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 is now available on Amazon in both ebook and paperback. Catch the trailer on YouTube

Get inspired by the ethereal and emotive words of Sonia Iris Lozada. In her collection of Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2, immerse yourself in a world of Sonia’s unique brand of poetry that is at once surreal, emotional, and dreamy. With each flip of the page, you’ll be transported to a new realm of possibility, inspired to pursue your passions and reach for your wildest dreams. Let Sonia’s words be your guide as you explore the depths of your imagination and create a life that is truly beautiful and magical.

Check it out.

My Poetic Resurrection Podcast has a great guest, Mark A Pearson. He’s my attorney and he discussed what authors, actors, musicians, writers, etc need to look out for in their creative endeavors. Available on May 23, 2022

This week on Poetic Resurrection Awakening Dreams we have attorney Mark A Pearson. This is a must listen and save episode covering copyright law. It’s so informative, we discuss copyright law for authors, artists, musicians, and other creatives. If you have a question about copyright, this episode is a must listen and should answer many of your questions.

Mark A Pearson is the principal counsel at ARC Law Group, a law firm focused on advising Creative, Talented, and Entrepreneurial clients in the areas of business, entertainment, sports, and technology law. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but with clients in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Nashville, Mark is a former award-winning television producer who spent the past decade advising some of the hardest working acts in the music business, including international touring arts Con Brio, Front Country and DJ Mark Farina, as well as serving as production counsel for Academy Award nominee, Borrowed Time. Recently awarded the Governor’s Citation Medallion for his service to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy® Award), Mark also advises leading entertainment companies Rock the Bells (LL Cool J), Twitch, TuneGo, Caffeine, and Fandor. You can reach Mark via www.arclg.com.

Listen to Mark’s Episode available on our podcast page.

Poetic Resurrection Podcast episode website