Meet X. ARI | Singer, Songwriter, Mental Health Advocate, Host of Mental Health Month with X. ARI

We had the good fortune of connecting with X. ARI and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi X. ARI, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Every morning I recite many affirmations in the mirror with my hands on my heart to positively support my inner growth and self development. However, my life motto is to turn “Pain Into Power”. This is done by channeling my weaknesses into my greatest strengths by finding blessings in my burdens. I’ve learned how to channel dark energy into light through healthy conduits for healing such as creativity and self-care. I have several mental health conditions and have found my to turn them superpower by this transmutation of “Pain Into Power”. It is my mission to use creativity to empower and raise awareness by encouraging others to turn their Pain into Power by finding their conduit for healing. My mental health challenges and motto have given me so much meaning in this lifetime and I’m grateful to have the capacity to share my story and resources for recovery to help others heal and be inspired to not just survive, but thrive.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am most excited about my fifth EP “Anja”, coming out on July 23, dedicated to my first ever girlfriend. It’s been such a gift to be inspired by true love and grow into a fluid human being. I have been working on music and mental health quite a lot this year and have been advocating and sharing my story publicly since 2017. I’m proud of myself for hosting “Mental Health Month with X. ARI” this past May, 2020. It was a free online wellness and self-care festival with sessions by healers, teachers, advocates, artists, and organizations such as Jack.org, Be There, National Alliance on Mental Illness (San Fernando Valley & Westside LA), Free Arts, Vry, Pause+Expand, Over the Bridge, and more. Throughout the month she’s featuring powerful stories, Yoga, Guided Meditations, Sound-Baths, Coping Skills with NAMI, LGBTQIA+ x Mental Health, Film, Live Music, Sleep Hygiene, Crystal Healing, Cultural Diversity, Mindful Mantras, Intention Setting, and more! The online festival inspired me so much that I am hosting an in person wellness festival called “WisdoMania Fest” on May 20-22, 2022 in Los Angeles. The idea is to enter with an open heart and leave with newfound wisdom. There will be live music by advocates, films on mental health, self care sessions, and creative workshops. I have the vision of becoming the Coachella of wellness where creativity and self-care collide. Our purpose is to help others learn how to channel their Pain Into Power and to spark open conversation to normalize mental health and create an environment where everyone feels accepted, supported, and seen.

How I got to where I am today is quite a long story. I was exposed to music at a young age and experienced mental health challenges since childhood. Finding my way to combine the two is my ultimate destiny and took time, trauma, transformation, healing, rebirth, hope, and education. Success doesn’t come easy, but as my father says “the harder I work the luckier I get”. Everyday I take steps towards my goals and I make sure to be mindful by appreciating the process. Learning to love the journey rather than hyperfocusing on the final destination has been really great for my happiness and personal fulfillment. I want people to know that no matter what they perceive as their own mental, physical, or spiritual limitations, with the right attitude and perseverance anything is truly possible. If I struggle with multiple mental health challenges and have found my way to harness them into a superpower through transmutation so can others. If I can find meaning and purpose in my challenges and make my burdens my blessings, so can you!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
– Hiking at Fryman Canyon

– Kayaking at Marina Del Ray

– Road trip to Joshua Tree

– Homemade meals because I love to cook and show my love through cooking

– Diva’s taco truck

– Taheem for Israeli food on Melrose

– The Abbey

– Once venues open, we’d go for live music (Black Rabbit Rose, Madame Siame, Bardot for School Night)

– Magic Castle (if we can get an invite there!!)

– Venice Skate Park

– Dockweiler State Beach for a bonfire by the water

– Sunset in Santa Monica or Malibu

– Road trip to San Diego

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my dear friend Elizabeth April who has supported me as a friend and has taught me I am more powerful than I once thought. She’s played a large role in my expansion and belief in myself.

Website: https://xariofficial.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xARIofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/xARIofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xARIofficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEzwRtvaRC7wBCmdSlt6czg

Image Credits
Chris Chapman