Musik Healer: Cristina Urquieta

MUSIK HEALER: Cristina Urquieta

8/27/2020

Creating balance to find peace

By: Ky Meyer

Photo by @spiraling_photography

HOUSTON, Texas - "Music is the ultimate healer. It wraps us up in its waves and warms us. When we feel a certain way we look for songs that carry that same feeling and listen to them. It helps us understand ourselves."

Cristina Urquieta opened up about the healing power of musik and how it's impacted her life. She's the front-woman of Metanoia, a Houston-grown band known for its high energy performances fusing ska, punk, reggae, rock 'n roll, with a splash of latin.

"There have been so many times when I was hurt, sad, angry, depressed, and I didn't know what to do, but to grab my instrument and just practice. It is everything to me and I understand the healing powers it holds," says Urquieta.

But how do you heal when the "medicine" runs out?

Just a few months into 2020, the gigs stopped, venues closed and packed crowds became a thing of the past. The new reality for most musicians shifted to a virtual audience behind the record button.

"At first I was really anxious because there was no stage time to look forward to, but now is the time to create! Now is the time to adapt!" advises Urquieta, "Focus on what you are trying to accomplish with your music and see how you can channel that into a virtual world. This is a good challenge."

And challenge accepted at that. She may be petite in stature, but Urquieta packs an undeniable punch with the things she's passionate about.

"Music is one single mode. There are many ways to reach people and encourage healing and growth."

Urquieta has taken to social media the past several months to share the importance of balance during these hard-to-navigate times. She's opened up daily about healthy lifestyle choices that keep her best equipped to battle the uncertain days ahead. Now, she incorporates live musik as the warm-up to her online yoga and meditation sessions.

"Meditation and yoga and eating healthy and consciously are all a part of building the body, the temple that houses and supports the mind, which in turn houses the spirit," says Urquieta.

I've been very familiar with Urquieta, working closely with her at musik fesitivals and intimate live experiences. And while I've been fond of her talents behind the mic, getting to know the person she is outside of the musik has made me feel more connected than ever. Urquieta's actions speak volumes.

"It is very important for me to be rounded and share all aspects of growth and healing. Music will reach people faster, but inner work, innerstanding, inner healing takes time and can be accessed though these other modes."

Innerstanding. I love that. Understanding the inner you.

Urquieta's bravery to share the very life ingredients that define her flavor has boldly impacted my journey back to health.

"To the ones who are struggling, with everything going on, it's understandable. Do not be hard on yourselves. If you need a break take a break. There is never anything wrong with stopping to breathe."

Urquieta is a true musik healer who's dedication to make herself better is making a powerful impact.

She reminds other musik makers, "Use this [time] as a catalyst to revamp yourself. Yes, music is number one, but we need be diverse. We need to have many skill sets, so we can reach more people. Find what else you love and see what you can do with that. Be patient," says Urquieta.

Yes, because patience really is a virtue that can help us all tap into the true harmony that lies within.

I look forward to the day I see Cristina Urquieta shine on stage again, but in the meantime, she's glowing like never before.

(And to that I say, Namaste.)

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There is a part of me that is released only when I perform live with my band. It's not a fake version of myself or a persona, even though what I present as the frontwoman of @metanoia.htx is a lot louder and a more intense version of who I am when you have a conversation with me off stage. I like to think of it as an exaggeration or who I am because when you are onstage you only get a glimpse of the depth of that individual. I don't see a future where I don't perform. Or play music. I'll never envision that because what you envision is what you create. I definitely miss performing. â–¡ . . . Side story: this photo was taken during a time I was deeply depressed. I was depressed for a very long time and I couldnt see the light. The things that got me through my days were performing and rehearsal with my bandmates. And a lot of whiskey. Way too much, honestly. But, I don't think anyone other than my band knew what I was going through. And that's bc when j performed I forgot about all of that pain and sadness and I just felt happiness and safety. Music has been my healer, my medicine, my answer, my constant, it is love, truth, experience, light, and dark, it means a lot to me and I'm grateful I made it through that time and grateful to have had my guys there by my side. â™¥ï¸

A post shared by Luz (@laluzmusic) on Apr 3, 2020 at 10:59pm PDT

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Iâ€™m growing. Iâ€™m learning. Iâ€™m listening. Iâ€™m loving. Iâ€™m ready to enter into this next phase of adulthood. I am ready to step into my place as a woman who leads here. I am ready. â™¥ï¸â–¡

A post shared by Luz (@laluzmusic) on Aug 9, 2020 at 3:50pm PDT

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â–¡â–¡â–¡â–¡â€â™€ï¸â™¥ï¸ Free yoga session THIS SUNDAY. 9:30am central FREE âœ”ï¸ â–¡live right here â–¡ tune in â˜€ï¸

A post shared by Luz (@laluzmusic) on Aug 6, 2020 at 4:05pm PDT

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Focus, determination, persistence, patience.

A post shared by Luz (@laluzmusic) on May 30, 2020 at 7:44am PDT

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A variation of wheel pose. #wheelpose is a great #heartopener It is also a great #throatchakra opener as well. When we open up space within our body, we allow energy to flow more fluidly, opening up any blockages or creating movement in places that may become stagnant. #yoga is a tool to help create that energy current throughout the body. That is why its important. â–¡â–¡â€â™€ï¸â™¥ï¸â˜€ï¸

A post shared by Luz (@laluzmusic) on Aug 21, 2020 at 2:47pm PDT