Open Door

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In this twenty-three minute TED talk, India Arie and Idan Raichel share several songs from their collaboration album “Open Door”. In addition, India gives a moving speech about her creative process for songwriting, which she says is dependent upon first praying, then listening, and finally accepting instead of expecting. She details how to not edit the creative process, and how to instead allow the creativity to “flow”. This TED talk has been one of the most meaningful and engaging TED talks I’ve ever seen. Plus, it’s a great little mini-concert of original sound and rare beauty.

Open Door is an album about acceptance and Community. They bridge together two cultures from opposite ends of the Earth into a celebration of diversity and open-mindedness. Open Door means to open yourself to others while also allowing others into you. Their songs are deep and true, resonating with every human spirit on Earth…and at a time when we could really use the uplift and solidarity. In many ways this album is more of a social movement of practical peace, so it’s unfortunate that no one can find it. Their concert tour has received critical acclaim, but the album still has not been released…even though it was produced more than 3 years ago.

India Arie calls the phenomenon of creative expression a spiritual act, knowing as she does that as soon as she begins to edit “the flow”, everything goes. Only when you allow the creative flow to course through you sans editing will you experience the gift of expressing original art. Music is collaboration with the divine within, whether we choose to accept this or not. India articulately describes this, as well as her process for reclaiming this natural-born gift. These rare songs are evidence. They will uplift your spirit and rejuvenate your soul. Enjoy!