Meet Daniel Moody | Songwriter, Photographer & Coach

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

Hi Daniel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’ve drifted deeply into work at times until burn out forces a full stop, followed by a healing period. This seems to be a common pattern for creatives. Essentially, my aim at this stage of my development, is how do I create a life I don’t need to escape from? So that whatever I’m doing, I can be sure I’m not just trying to chase a deadline, or fulfill everyone’s needs but my own. Rather I try to find how do I want my day to flow in order to feel joy in what I’m doing.

I’m not happy when I have no time at home with my family. So I try to space out my plans and expectations in order to have a to do list that doesn’t provoke anxiety, and have space each day for rest and repose.

I need my daily morning practice in order to balance my mind and body, so to tune myself as the instrument that is set to accomplish the tasks of the day. Managing my schedule ahead of time, and sticking to a consistent daily practice helps me to thread the needle each day and point me towards my long term goals.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My songs are my soul’s voice. They’re my therapy, the light I shine on the world, and they’ve become a vehicle for healing and community building. I host a local jam at the Folk School of Fayetteville called Dad Jam, which is just an excuse for dads to get out of their isolation and come play with friends. Its increasingly hard for men and fathers to make new friends, and music is one of the best opportunity for connection.

I’ve also created a coaching container called Song for the Soul where I help other’s turn grief into song. Utilizing practices from the Artists Way, The Grief Recovery Handbook, and methods of my own, I help groups of beginners and mature artists alike, deepen their self expression by focusing our collective attention on our whole life story. We seek the moments of great impact in order to find lyrical content, and place that to music which enables us to sing the feeling of that memory. The song then works a balm or tonic, helping to heal, and give voice to forgotten or neglected part of ourselves. I am most proud of this work as these circles of angels have proven to me the power that witnessing and sharing our stories can have to mature, enlighten and evolve the human condition.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we’d start with Brunch at our local Arsaga’s (family owned business with excellent, pallet expanding options) with coffee and great conversation. We’d travel the main stretch through our city and hit up Dickson Book Store, Pack Rat Outdoor Outfitters, then move up north to visit Crystal Bridges, Museum of American Art and get dinner in downtown Bentonville wherever strikes our fancy.

Next we’d pack up and head out early to Buffalo River in the Ozark Mountains. Set up camp somewhere remote, and book some canoes and kayaks for a small crew of close friends. We’d float the river during the day, and in the evening feast by the fire with music and stories. Next we’d plan a challenging hike with a great view as payoff. Again, feast with fire and friends to music.

I’d then take everyone to visit the Circle Yoga Shala where I got my teacher certifications, and introduce and Matt and Holly Krepps, two world class teachers and Yoga Therapists. Conversation would expand to encompass the great spiritual traditions and souls would be deepened. We’d cap the day with a few rounds in the Sauna followed by a dip at Steel Creek, a gorgeous swimming hole on the Buffalo next to a towering bluff.

We could spend the last couple of nights in a nice cabin or resort, and enjoy some comfort with games and life changing conversation before packing up and heading back to our respective homes, with plenty of pictures and stories to remember. I’d probably write song about it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife deserves to be recognized in all of my success. She’s the one in my corner constantly reminding me to take care of myself, to eat well, and that my family and my work need me at be best. There’s no better way for me to care for the world than for me to first care for myself. She’s my cheerleader for self care.

Website: https://www.danielhuntermoody.com/

Instagram: @danielhuntermoody

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-moody-46247037/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielhuntermoody

Other: https://danielmoody.bandcamp.com/album/lighthouse

Image Credits
Tyler Main – Photographer