POWER TO THE PEACEFUL: What does it mean to you?

David Pocock is one of the stars in our Australian Rugby Union team, the Wallabies. He has achieved so much on the field as a player and works tirelessly off the field to affect positive change in the lives of others. He is the co-founder of EightyTwenty Vision, a non-for-profit organisation, which works with the people of Nkayi, Zimbabwe, helping the community to increase their capacity to sustain themselves and their communities. He has also kicked off Heroes Boots, a social enterprise whose goal is to use its profits to assist charities, endeavouring to bring change for those who are restricted by poverty or face isolation and oppression. He is an advocate for positive change, a passionate leader and a dear friend. Here’s what David had to say about Power To The Peaceful.

“In some ways you can’t blame young people for becoming apathetic – for becoming inwardly focused, just making sure that they get ahead in life, or just not caring at all – becoming nihilistic onlookers, disengaged from the world around them. Becoming mere shadows of the people that they could be.

We are conditioned to think in a certain way and live in a certain way, to be good consumers and ensure we play our part in the grand narrative written for us – a narrative which almost always seems to serve the interests of big business and exclude those on the fringes, in the margins.

That doesn’t have to be our story. We can be the change we want to see in the world, starting with ourselves and the people around us, and living in a way that is mindful of people that we will probably never see or meet but who we are inextricably connected to – the people who grow and make so many of the goods and products we use, wear and consume.

L-FRESH is one person inspiring others to be that change. To challenge the way they see things – to imagine another world and to realise that it is not only possible, but that another world is here, if we will only work for it and give of ourselves for others. Many of us have thought these things but are waiting for ‘the right time’ or ‘the right place’ – the right time is now and the right place is here.

I couldn’t say it better than the man himself:
‘They say patience is a virtue, but sometimes you have to take action when the moment is right. Sometimes that’s the only way things get done. We, as a global community, need to accept and appreciate change, yet know that we must take steps to create it. And the first step someone must take begins when we get up in the morning and look in the mirror.’
- L-FRESH The LION

Be the change!
Dave Pocock”

You can find out more about David on his website by clicking here; contribute to the EightyTwenty Vision by clicking here; and learn more about Heroes Boots by clicking here.

Join the Power To The Peaceful family by taking a photo of yourself wearing the t-shirt and letting us know what Power To The Peaceful means to you. Send your images and descriptions to powertothepeaceful@l-fresh.com.

I’m really excited about putting out a new release. In a few weeks time, I’ll be releasing a 10-song compilation titled “The LION Speaks”. It’ll be free to download for all. As an artist, I feel as though I have grown since releasing the Waiting EP. The songs on this upcoming release, hopefully, will prove that point.

The LION Speaks will feature a number of powerful MCs and artists who are also close friends of mine; who also fight the good fight, sharing positivity with the world. I feel blessed to have Omar Musa and Luka Lesson on this release. Both of them are Australian Poetry Slam champions, and both of them are strong leaders. Farid Farid, another powerful spoken word artist, also features on The LION Speaks. His wisdom adds so much to the vibe of the entire release. And his honest words remind us of how connected we all are. Then there’s the brother 6Pound, who I work with at The Street University. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside him, creating, building and developing a number of different programs for youth in Liverpool and beyond. And finally, we build on a song together.

I really hope you all enjoy this once I’ve put it out there. It’s currently in the final stages. At present, I’m piecing together some videos for it, as well as finalising the last few songs. But for the time being, I want to give you this. It’s one song off The LION Speaks, and it’s titled “Forever Rising” (Produced by The 26th Letter). Click here to download it. Enjoy it. Share it with your friends. And let me know what you think.

Much love and power to you all.

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POWER TO THE PEACEFUL: What does it mean to you?

Hulya

“Peace cannot be reached in masses, nor enforced by a leader on their people – it can be inspired or uninspired between people, yes, but like belief it can never be demanded.

When an individual finds peace it generates an emanating energy, the power to inspire and transform others stepping into this aura is just that: pure, unadulterated, positive power.

But this inspiration is only a window into the tranquil soul of the other and an individual needs to reach into their own and open doors, lift veils, unlock dusty cupboards to directly reach their own potent dose of peace by connecting to the original source of love, mercy and peace: found only through The One, The Real.

Power to those generating Real love, peace, respect and patience. May our positive states drown out those that use power for destruction and hate.”

Hulya posts a collection of her thoughts, discoveries, art and craft along with inspired words and sources of inspiration on her blog “Rumi Nation”. Click here to check it out.

Join the Power To The Peaceful family by taking a photo of yourself wearing the t-shirt and letting us know what Power To The Peaceful means to you.

I feel blessed to be a part of Cedifra’s latest album, which also features appearances by Punchline and Masta Ace from the legendary eMC crew. Check out the video and let me know what you think.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3xxcyzLMeg

Hope you’re all well and thriving in the new year.

I want to let you all know that this coming Saturday, I’ll be performing at the True Vibenation album launch. Their album The Sunshower Phenomenon was released in November of last year (be sure to get a copy on iTunes!). The brothers have asked me to come along and perform. I feel very honoured to be a part of the launch of their debut album.

The show will be held at The Annandale Hotel, the night of Saturday January 21st, 2012. I will be performing with a live band, so it’ll be a brand new experience for all those concerned haha. Plus I’ve got some new tracks to showcase too. I hope to see you all there! Be sure to say hi on the night. Here’s the Facebook event page.

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Ive seen them grow and develop as I recorded and mixed their sessions at The Street University and felt humbled when they asked me to be a part of this project. So do yourselves a favour, cop the album, and support these brothers. You can find each of them on Facebook.

These guys are hungry. And they never quit on their dreams. Much respect.

Click here to listen to the interview.