8 Spiritual Lessons 2 New York Street Poets Can Teach You
#1 Embody your creativity.

I love music.
Music has the power to transform how you feel, take you to a different place and reminisce about the past.
For every individual, music can have its own meaning. That could be because you associate a particular song with a particular person. Maybe it reminds you of your partner, as it was your first dance at your wedding. You hear it unexpectedly on the radio and can't help but smile.
One of the most inspirational albums in my life is The Cold Vein by Cannibal Ox. One reason why is the spirituality of the lyrics. Words I have thought a lot about.
Released in 2001 not long before the 9/11 attacks, The Cold Vein strikes the perfect balance between two New York poets — Vast Aire’s clear direct imagery contrasting with Vordul Megallah’s abstract rhythms. The album was produced by underground giant El-P (now more famous as one half of Run the Jewels) on top of some of the best beats of his career.
For more on ‘Can O’ read this excellent article by Mike ‘DJ’ Pizzo in the unfortunately now defunct Cuepoint magazine.
Inspired by lyrics, here are 8 spiritual lessons I took from The Cold Vein.
1. Embody your creativity
Mind in another universe while my physical’s stuck on the earth in these inner city mazes
Creativity is a worthy goal yet it is important to keep your feet on the ground.
Honour and harness the beauty of your imagination, yet don’t get lost with your head in the clouds. We are all trapped in the maze of life, aim to embody your creativity here on earth.
2. Live in the present
Birds of the same feather flock together Congested on a majestic street corner That’s a short time goal for most of ’em Cuz most of ’em Would rather expand their wings and hover over greater things
Success takes time. Ambition often requires patience. Trust the process and live in the present, even if you expect greater in the future.
Right now you are where you are meant to be. On that street corner, right here, right now, in the present. Live for the moment.
3. Write for the right reasons
And I ain’t dealing with no minimum wage I’d rather construct rhymes on a minimum page
Write for passion. Write for love. Write because it makes you feel good. Write because you were born to do it.
It’s easy as a writer to get lost in the crowd. All that matters is that you’re pursuing your passion, any financial gain is merely an added bonus.
4. Avoid distraction
Taking chances in life trying to get by And stop all the time gettin’ high Gotta clear mind and stay focused, avoid serpents And worship life
Cut out all necessary distractions. The harder this process, the more necessary the action. Take a leap of faith with a clear and focussed mind.
Seek nature, look around, celebrate the idiosyncrasies of life. The world is a beautiful place. Thank God for granting you this moment of clarity.
5. Embrace your vulnerability
In this frigid fragile capsule That allows you to fly south before the winter winds trap you
The body is a delicate vessel which needs to be respected.
With vulnerability often comes respect. Respect for humility and respect for authenticity. You have options. Keep learning and adapting as you go but remember you are only human.
6. Find your purpose
You were a still born baby, mother didn’t want you But you were still born
There is so much to be thankful for in this life, starting with your existence in the first place.
You are here for a reason. Your presence on this earth was meant to be. With thoughtful intent and divine grace, you can begin to work out the why.
7. Honesty with intention
I’m honest to a fault and it’s my fault I’m that honest
Ask yourself, what is the intention behind your honesty? One person’s truth may not be another’s.
Your honesty could be the final piece to another’s puzzle, or your truth could shatter their illusions.
Be honest with compassion and sensitivity. How you speak your truth is everything.
8. Surrender to the struggle
Existence is struggle, resistance is futile Meanwhile we now possess the power of ten suns To transcend and elevate into one Famine, the disease and senseless dying is done
You have the power to surrender into the struggle.
You can’t always avoid pain to achieve beautiful, transcendent things in life, but this struggle is part of your journey.
Move towards, not away, from fear.
