✿Summary

S1 E5: Smashing the Patriarchy (with Music & Wisdom!)

Zoe and the incredible Vidya Rao dive into voice, self-expression, and how to overcome the weight of societal expectations on women. Vidya, Thumri singer, feminist researcher and wise crone, opens up about high-functioning depression, resilience, and the healing power of music. They explore aging with grace, embracing contradictions, and the deep need for community. Get ready for an inspiring, thought-provoking ride—because smashing the patriarchy (since the 70s) sounds even better with a soundtrack! 🎶💥

✿Keywords

Vidya Rao, Thumri, feminism, voice, self-expression, aging, community, mental health, music, empowerment

✿Guest: Vidya Rao

✿Takeaways

-Vidya Rao emphasizes the importance of voice in self-expression and healing.

-Aging is a beautiful process that brings wisdom and new opportunities.

-Community and connection are vital for emotional well-being.

-High-functioning depression can be challenging, but it is manageable with self-care.

-Music serves as a powerful tool for healing and connection.

-Navigating societal expectations requires courage and authenticity.

-Embracing one's identity is essential for personal growth.

-Vulnerability can lead to deeper connections with others.

-Life is uncertain, and acceptance of this uncertainty is crucial.

-The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and ever-evolving.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vidya Rao: A Musical Journey

05:45 The Importance of Voice: Physical and Metaphorical

06:25 Becoming a Respected Artist: Vidya's Path

08:00 The Connection Between Body and Voice in Music

09:11 Vulnerability in Sharing Art: Overcoming Fear

11:26 The Healing Power of Music and Writing

12:30 Allowing imperfection and the gift of 'becoming'

13:09 The Role of Deadlines in Creativity

14:21 Tonglen Meditation

14:47 Overcoming Fear and Ignoring "Haters" with LOVE

16:25 Going against tradition

20:27 Exploring Feminism Through Music

22:44 Respectability, Self-expression and Feminism

24:14 Reclaiming one's totality and the erotic

25:11 Understanding the Form: Thumri and Its Meanings

26:05 Finding through Thumri: the earthly is spiritual

27:18 The Interconnection of Spirituality and Earthliness

28:12 The Wisdom of Kabir: The Earthen Pot

29:48 Kabir's Poem on 'The little Pot': The silence before anything

31:10 Embracing Imperfection and Human Experience

33:08 Navigating Emotions: The Dance of Life

39:15 Personal Struggles: Depression and Resilience

43:19 Lessons from the Pandemic: Uncertainty and Community

44:06 The Importance of Community

44:42 Self-Acceptance in Difficult Times

44:52 Navigating High Functioning Depression

45:23 The Gifts of Aging

46:00 Embracing Aging

47:57 The Wisdom of Experience

51:32 Lessons from Life's Journey

53:42 The Age of Understanding and Community

✿Connect with Zoe: www.avalotherapy.comhello@avalotherapy.comIG: @avalotherapy ✿Book a session with Zoe:⁠https://avalotherapy.janeapp.com/⁠

✿Connect with Vidya Rao: www.vidyaraosinger.com

Vidya's CD: http://www.amazon.in/dp/B00PH5KHMO

https://www.oklisten.com/vidyarao

https://tinyurl.com/y7244rhw

https://tinyurl.com/3sutd6ta

SONG CREDITS:Vidya's performance of Yeh Tan Thaat Tambure Ka is one of a series of uploads for Ajab Shahar, a webspace dedicated to mystic poem and song, created by the Kabir Project team (http://www.ajabshahar.org ; http://www.kabirproject.org).

Vocals: Vidya RaoTabla: Idries Khan Sarangi: Bharat Bhushan Goswami Translation: Vidya Rao Video Credits: Camera: Shabnam Virmani Sound: Fireflys Post-Sound, Mumbai Editing: Sharanya Gautam Sub-Titling: Shruti Kulkarni Collection: The Kabir Project