'Everything and nothing are happening Now, all at once'
Mystic and shamanic indigenous artist from one of the most remote regions on the planet, Snow Raven, shares her day well spent
Hello! This is Leyla from A Day Well Spent, a newsletter seeking pathways to more purposeful living.
Here’s what landed in subscriber inboxes the past couple of weeks:
A practical guide on how to very easily grow mushrooms at home - no outside space needed (includes a discount code on mushroom growing kits)
Asking ourselves ‘what do I want to invite in?’ for the final New Moon intention setting of the year (which was just 2 days ago, there’s still time to do this)
Please indulge my tirade as to why I’m just not that into Christmas - this got a lot of love, you’re all so kind :)
In celebration of 6 months of A Day Well Spent, I posed an exciting proposition for 2024 — a trip? (for new members, please check out this post if you haven’t yet seen it)
If you’re reading this by chance — welcome! You can enter your email below to ensure you never miss my twice weekly posts (Thursdays and Sundays).
It is my great pleasure to present to you the next interview on A Day Well Spent. Every few weeks I ask someone who inspires me, interests me and embodies the ethos of this newsletter (in their own way), 15 quickfire questions.
Snow Raven - SUOR is a mystic and indigenous artist hailing from one of the most remote and frigid regions on the planet, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in the far reaches of eastern Russia along the Arctic Ocean.
From the age of three, she started to learn the language of nature; using her voice, she learnt to mimic and communicate with the animals of Arctic Siberia.
I first came across Snow Raven because of this post shared on the BBC Earth Instagram account, almost a year ago to the day. It took me a good few moments to realise it was Snow Raven herself, rather than the animals in the video, making the sounds.
I was captivated and mesmerised and since that day have been following her work. Take a look at any video snippets on her Instagram and you will be transported. Try this (goosebumps..!), playing the mouth harp or this Arctic beatboxing as a taster.
I find Snow Raven deeply enigmatic and her voice is transcendental. I am so desperate to see her perform live - please come to the UK!
Incidentally, in just two days time on the 16th December, she will be performing an Arctic Siberian Shamanic Live Concert in St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York, tickets still available - man, I wish I was there!
I was elated when Snow Raven said yes after I reached out and asked if I could interview her for A Day Well Spent. As always, thank you for being here and I hope you enjoy her responses.
Interviews here will always be free to read. If you would like me to continue curating them for you to enjoy - along with all the other content on A Day Well Spent - do consider becoming a paid subscriber for less than the price of two coffees a month. It would be my pleasure to welcome you into the community!
1. What makes up a day well spent for you?
Spending a day immersed in nature is my go to remedy. Having moved to the US five years ago, I now reside in a bustling city — a stark contrast to my upbringing.
Listening to my body, I find solace and healing energy in hiking, particularly amidst elder trees. Hiking, for me, is a holistic experience offering physical exercise, mental tranquillity, creative inspiration, profound insights and a chance to rejuvenate.
2. What compliment have you received in recent times that's stuck in your memory?
A recent compliment during my concert in Sedona left a lasting impact. A woman approached me with tears in her eyes and our silent gaze for about 15 seconds spoke volumes.
Her final words resonated deeply, expressing gratitude for the transformative impact on her life. Such heartfelt acknowledgments are among the most cherished compliments I've ever received.
3. What quotes or mantras do you try to live by?
A quote that profoundly resonated with me two years ago is, "Everything and nothing are happening Now, all at once."
Rooted in shamanism, this concept has become ingrained in the very essence of my being. It shifted my perspective to see the world with dualities constantly dancing with each other — positive and negative charges coexisting.
Understanding these opposing energies allows for a balanced approach, honouring both sides for harmony in the world.
4. What practical skill do you have that you value the most?
Practically, I'm honing the skill of surrendering to the universal law of opposites. Recognizing that two contrasting energies exist simultaneously enables me to avoid being judgmental or rigid. Instead, I flow with the energy, processing it without being entangled in my thoughts or ego. A dance. Again.
5. What do you know today that you wish you'd known five years ago?
The past five years in the US have fundamentally changed my life. Amidst the vast knowledge gained in a big city and a different culture, I discovered a profound connection with Mother Earth.
Initially resistant to cities and “concrete jungles”, I realized that anywhere can feel like home. Living in the US and experiencing homesickness opened a new chapter, allowing me to connect with Mother Earth even in the centre of the concrete jungle.
6. What character or personality trait about yourself do you value the most?
My most cherished qualities are my playfulness, inner child curiosity and sense of wonder. These traits create space for a more flexible mindset, breaking through the rigidity of adulthood.
7. What does 'eating well' mean to you and how do you manage it?
Eating well, to me, means listening to my body's cues. Recognizing the dance of chemicals and elements within, I adapt to seasonal needs. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all diet, I've learned to listen to my body, bringing awareness to substances that may harm it.
8. What is your ultimate dream?
My ultimate dream is that every person on Earth expresses themselves in an artistic, creative way that brings healing. The power of creative expression is a universal language that transcends boundaries.
9. What's your most loved skincare / beauty product or secret?
Water is my primary skincare regimen; I try to avoid creams that were made in big facilities/factories unless my skin is excessively dry. Preferring natural remedies over chemical-laden products, I aspire to create my own natural skincare recipes, relying on pure water and plant-based solutions to keep my face clean.
10. How do you counter the fast-paced and immediate nature of today's world?
Believing in the rhythm of the universe, I view it as a song with a melody. Recognizing the pace of different realities, whether in a city or nature, I consciously slow down, aligning with my own bio rhythm. Breath awareness and connection to nature's rhythm help me find tranquillity.
11. What are your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do in your free time?
Music is both my profession and hobby. I'm captivated by all sounds, including ambient ones. Recording environmental sounds and engaging in rhythmic communication with objects through music extraction is a hobby that brings me immense joy.
12. What's the latest thing that you have learnt?
A new skill I'm developing involves communicating with machines to make them serve me. Producing music on the computer requires mastering buttons and programs, allowing me to harness technology to convey important messages to the world.
13. Tell us about something you tried or did for the very first time recently
I encountered a distinctive form of flight that marked a significant milestone for me. While I've often soared through the skies in my dreams, the experience of paragliding in Puerto Rico above the rainforest was my first taste of flight without the confines of a plane's protection.
Confronting my fear of heights, I gracefully glided through the air, gaining a bird's-eye view of the Earth and forests — a truly exhilarating achievement for someone bearing the name Snow Raven.
14. What book should everyone read and why?
I recommend the book Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy by Mircea Eliade. Whilst not for everyone, it provides a foundation to understand how indigenous tribes shaped their lives, offering insights into shamanism — an enlightening and somewhat academic read that unites us all.
15. What are you working on that we should know about?
Currently, I'm working on an educational and creative app for psychedelic assisted therapies. This app aims to showcase the wisdom of indigenous teachers, providing creative tools for spiritual growth accessible to everyone.
You can follow Snow Raven on Instagram @snowravenofficial, Spotify and on her website OLOX.
If you enjoyed this piece, you might like to check out the other interviews on A Day Well Spent.