ACTIVATE 2013

Instead of resolutions, every year I pick a theme word that sums up my intentions and focus for the new year. 2013 was ACTIVATE, because I wanted to get a lot of new things and energy going. I had no idea just how appropriate that word would be.

I think it's typical of human behavior to strive, achieve, then strive for more without taking in the gravity of and gratitude for our achievements. I get frustrated with areas of my life where change is slow and stubborn. So the coming new year is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the previous one and be grateful for what came before.

In 2013, I started an intense period of self discovery and development, with the help of many books, friends, and new mentors/teachers. I started a pet sitting side gig. I started working for a mind body fitness studio and discovered a way to exercise the feeds my spirit, along with a supportive a like-minded community.

I moved into my own apartment in NYC! I still give thanks every time I walk through that door. I began an herbal medicine apprenticeship with a teacher who has changed my worldview. I overcame a back injury that led to my daily meditation, stretching and quiet morning practice. I discovered Budokon yoga, a moving meditation that is deeply healing and strengthening.

i finally joined a hiking group and began more outdoor adventures. I became more involved with the NYC pagan scene and made some lifelong friendships. I deepened many existing relationships, especially the one with myself. I have found so much self-love that I never knew how to access before. I started to learn how to truly respect and care for myself, so that I can show up with compassion and be of service to others. Though it hasn't been easy, I feel more comfortable and in tune with myself than ever before. The only way any of this happened was by creating the space in my life for new things and ideas, and allowing them time to grow.

I'm still searching and striving. There's a lot of work ahead in 2014, but I now realize I've laid a solid foundation to see it through. Today I am filled with so much hope and joy and love for the world, and I hope to inspire that same sense of reverence and elation wherever the road leads next. 

Happy New Year!
Paul

Quiet Storm

Hello all you lovers out there in radio land. You're listening to the Quiet Storm. The sirens blare in the distance, the neon signs reflect off the wet streets as you make your way where it's warm inside. Time to close the blinds, pour some wine and settle in for a sultry night. Go ahead, treat yourself. Is that a crime?

petropolis

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Uptown Doodie Brown Christmas Special!

Spiral Dance

I had to adopt the pace of nature and be patient with this mix as the songs and artwork slowly revealed themselves to me. I did not set out to choose almost all female vocalists, but it’s what I was drawn to this year, after my experiences this fall. It is pine needles on the forest floor, it is leaves falling like snow. It is a chilly wind against your cheek, it is the beauty of letting go. Marked by time spent in the woods reconnecting with the earth, a turbulent storm of deep emotions and transformation, embracing the divine feminine…and Stevie Nicks.

I hold this collection very close to my heart. I’m sad the process is over, but happy to now release and share it with you. Spin around under a tree, let the golden light strobe against your eyes, and begin the windstorm.

petropolis

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Free To Be (at Thirty Three)

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene

Thirty-three was hands down the most transformative year for my inner self. I’ve had my own spiritual practice for years, but it wasn’t until reading Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth that something major changed. Finally my spiritual and psychological beliefs could get along. My anxiety riddled self could finally exhale, knowing that I am not my thoughts, but the consciousness that is aware of those thoughts. I learned to better accept things as they are and to take responsibility for my outlook on life.

After a long period of anxiety and doubt over what to do with my life, I started to try new things. No, as it turns out, I could not think my way into my calling, I had to meet new people and have new experiences to discover what made my heart sing.

I began working part time at a mind body exercise studio, seeking like minded community. I began studying herbal medicine with an extraordinary, spiritual teacher. The universe nodded in agreement and shoved me into my own apartment, at what seemed like the most inopportune time for a move. But after three years of pushing and clawing and grinding away in New York City, I suddenly had my own space, a safe haven to…well, to cry, quite frankly. I cried so much in that first month, physically and emotionally exhausted, but feeling the loving embrace and protective spirit of my sanctuary and solitude.

The real work began in earnest as I meditated, exercised, did yoga, began an herbal medicine apprenticeship, and worked my way through several self-development books. One led to the next, and each author helped me see things in a new light. What would love do? Thoughts become things. We have the power to heal ourselves. In my basement apartment, my Zen Hut retreat, I really took a time out to do some deep healing and reflection. Feeling better and better, I was raring to go until a back injury stopped me in my tracks.

In hindsight, it was one of the best things that could’ve happened. Though I’d done a hefty amount of spiritual work on myself, I had yet to make friends with and really listen to my body. It has an intelligence of its own and is every bit a part of our divine nature as our consciousness. Because of my injury, I learned patience and discipline. I created a quiet morning practice that is now essential to me. I took a long hard look at patterns in my life and my overall health, realizing I needed to break cycles and start over, reconstructing from the ground up.

It all comes down to loving yourself. A nice thought, yes, but loving yourself is action. It is listening to your body and intuition. It’s knowing when to push and when to rest. It’s setting healthy boundaries so that, in personal relationships, you know what is your stuff and what is not. It is first putting on your own oxygen mask, so that you’re able help someone else.

And then, of course, the universe tests what you have learned, so that your spiritual muscles can grow. Two days before my 34^th birthday, I received some harrowing news about a loved one’s health, and I had the wind knocked out of me. Life came into crystal clear focus. But in the midst of tears, losing sleep and heavy heartedness, I felt the peace of my strong center. The eye of the storm. A true knowing that, in the end, everything will be okay, that I can fall apart and come back together, that I can handle it. This was the first time I’d ever felt something like that.

Thirty-three was the year I stopped waiting for the storms to pass.

Thirty-three was the year I learned to dance in the rain.

Zephyr in the Sky

Surprise! Thought Crystal Blue was the only summer mix? No way man, that was a project from last year that finally came around. THIS is the real summer mix of 2013. And it comes at the perfect time when things are winding down, but we can still squeeze what's left of those glorious sunny days. Zephyr in the Sky is a free wheeling, day tripping, meadow frolicking, cloud gazing, sun shining psychedelic groove through the heart chakra. May this song reach your heart like a ray of light, and make you feel like you just got home!

With love,
petropolis

This mix is dedicated to my pioneer soul brother David Green, who inspired me to go forth.

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*Cover photo credit: Navelle Ann Photography

Crystal Blue

Better late than never, the summer mix is here! I hope you've all had a chance to relax and enjoy some sun and shine. This mix is perfect for riding out on diamond waves of sparkling water, or lounging on the beach or poolside. Sail away on a blissful tide. Let the water cool your mind, the sun warm your body, and the music soothe your soul. Ain't it beautiful...Crystal Blue!

petropolis

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Glorificus Springdificus

Something a little different from Petropolis...

Love is all you need. And I needed a lot of it to bring this mix to completion! I set out to create a supreme expression of my vision of love, in all its forms, to reflect the astounding openness and gratitude I have been experiencing this year. How the hell do you do that in a spring mix? As I discovered to be most true this time around, "a painting is never finished. It simply stops in interesting places." This mix has gone through more incarnations than I can count, but I finally found the right balance to make my heart smile and convey the utmost glory of Spring. The trick is, as I am learning in life, to continually BREATHE, to take a pause, and return to my center and operate from a place of love, not fear. That's when things simply fall into place. So open your heart, and I hope you enjoy my silly, giddy, exuberant, triumphant and very personal love parade.

This work is dedicated to my Master Teachers, known and unknown.

And to Charlotte Rose Coyle, my wee angel. 

Without further ado, let the games begin!

petropolis

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Henceforth and heretofore, on this day of Beautimus Maximus

His most high Lordship and Ladyship do declare

these Songs of Exaltation

as their gift, bestown unto you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great honor

to present to you

Glorificus Springdificus!

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Beautimus Maximus

Spring in the Mix Pt. III

IN THE EVIDENCE OF ITS BRILLIANCE...

Spring in the Mix Pt. II

ALL YOU NEED IS...

Spring in the Mix

All I've got to say is LOVE is on the way...

Snowed In

Do you hear what I hear?  The hushed quiet of a blanket of snow? This mix was made over a decade ago and still holds up as my favorite winter hermit mix. Inspired by Björk's Vespertine and Aphex Twin's Drukqs, Snowed In is perfect for getting cozy with some hot chocolate, or hiking up a glacier enjoying a moment of solitude.  Stay warm!

petropolis

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Born to Be Alive!

It's been quite a while since I've posted a video, but I felt this occasion warranted documentation. Tradition! Enjoy :)