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Tough But Loving
The mc : THE MEDITATIVE CONTEMPLATIONZ is a collection of aphorisms, prose-poems, meditations, and monologues focused on themes such as spirituality, adversity, love, and wisdom. Do you think of your work as closer to poetry, philosophy, or spoken word?
Not to sound facetious, but I look at my work as one entity with many different facets & perspectives.
As an admirer of the late great martial artist & philosopher Bruce Lee, I like to think of my works, be it literary or musical, as a fluidity that is adaptable, flexible & powerful given the artistic objective.
As someone who has many different disciplines, including Dance, Songwriting, Poetry, Acting, Performance, Composition, Production & of course Literary book creation, I tend to incorporate all of these elements within my projects.
For this particular book, the mc :THE MEDITATIVE CONTEMPLATIONZ I was Profoundly influenced by Marcus Aurelius’ book Meditations, which leaned heavily towards stoicism.
The actual title of my book, the mc, heartens to my passion for performing, recording & writing original rap music. The term ‘mc’ in the Hip Hop realm is an acronym for master of ceremonies. Meaning the rap artist embodies all of the elements which make him or her stand out & be a respected individual, including: voice inflection, flow, cadence, storytelling, lyricism, & microphone presence.
Again, I am one who incorporates every aspect & element of my other disciplines to create a cohesive narrative in my creative projects. Having no particular set style or genre allows me & the reader the freedom to feel the work from numerous angles & viewpoints simultaneously.
The comparison between fighters and artists is powerful. What draws you to that parallel?
I began to notice this comparison as someone who is a fan of boxing & a practitioner of the creative arts. The rejections I have faced while pursuing my creative endeavors can be extremely painful, similar to what a boxer may feel in a professional fight with a formidable opponent.
While the boxer has to endure physical blows, the artist feels mental blows to their egos & self esteem with every rejection of their art they have experienced and will receive.
I noticed this startling parallel while listening to the wisdom of the great fighter Mike Tyson, whose Talent for combat was genius & legendary. I connected with the pain he felt & immediately took notes in comparison to myself as an artist speaking for other artists who may feel similar.
The Fighter & The Artist both have to endure these moments of pain, fatigue & frustration to overcome their biggest & most difficult opponent, and that is themselves.
How do you balance intensity with tenderness in your writing?
Great question.
As someone who writes poetry & songs, I tend to view the softer side of my poetry creation as the mother, showing empathy, compassion, gentleness & docility.
The songwriting aspect is the father, as I see it, a bit louder (as it often involves music), tough but loving, encouraging but also aware that he has to teach his son or daughter about the sometimes harsh ways of the world.
These are the 2 dimensions in which I create my music & books.
This Ying & Yang philosophy helps me to create a more balanced picture for my readers as well as the listeners of my musical creations.
What kind of reader did you imagine engaging with this book?
I imagined the open-minded reader who enjoys delving into their higher selves. Who sees no limitations on what art should convey, nor is overly concerned with the niceties of art that is deemed comfortable.
I’ve always felt it’s not the job of the artist to make the person feel comfortable but to merely “feel.” It is this feeling that will Inspire future generations to continue & expound upon the precepts left by their artistic predecessors.
In short,
The mc was written for readers who are interested in art that has the potential to embrace the flames of eternity through bravery, which is eternal.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Artist/Songwriter/Producer/Writer/Actor and Dancer zO-AlonzO Gross is a hybrid of Philosophy, Prose, Poetry, Classic Literature, Parables, Art & Rap lyricism.
This Stunningly Unique book delves into such topics such as Spirituality, Adversity, Wisdom, Blackness, Death & Legacy all told with vivid Artwork from some of the World’s most formidable visual artists such as Pat Turner, Della Marie Perry, Ahannie_Nikoke & Hubert Daniluk. One will get the sense that this is something not to merely read, but to experience and feel as well as return to time and time again.
Nicknamed “Neo-Shakespeare” for his penchant of combining Classical Literature with Rap Aesthetics zO proves his range is diverse and ever far reaching as he delves into the realm of philosophy, prose & parables with a fresh insight Inspired by the Great thinkers of the written word pulling from a diverse array of Artists Friedrich Nietsche, Voltaire, Marcus Aurelius, Ayn Rand, Carl Jung, Audrey Lorde, e.e Cummings, William Shakespeare, Gil-Scott-Heron, James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Woody Allen, Kurt Cobain, John Lennon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Langston Hughes, Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, Nas, Tupac Shakur, Kahili Gibran, Rumi, Albert Einstein, Carl Sagan, Robert Greene, Michael Eric Dyson & the words of Jesus Christ. An open mind with a willingness to look into the heart of the Universe is all that is needed to begin to grasp the concepts presented within this volume which will read different with every exploration.You are cordially and with Love Invited.Experience. Feel. Discover. the mc (Meditative ContemplationZ) by zO-AlonzO Gross.
The mc : THE MEDITATIVE CONTEMPLATIONZ
The Meditative ContemplationZ feels less like a conventional book than a staged interior performance, a gathering of aphorisms, prose-poems, meditations, and lyrical monologues arranged around spirituality, adversity, love, wisdom, death, Blackness, and legacy. What held me all the way through was the sense that zO-AlonzO Gross isn’t trying to build a neat argument so much as a lived atmosphere. He moves from compressed lines like “time leaveZ stretch marks” to longer pieces that open into memory, social critique, and testimony, as in the barber shop vignette “They call me speak easy,” with its grief over gentrification and lost Black community, or the recurring insistence that art, suffering, faith, and self-knowledge are bound together. The book’s visual dimension matters too. The paintings and photographs don’t feel ornamental. They reinforce the sense that this is a collaborative, almost theatrical object, one that wants to be seen as much as read.
Gross writes with a seriousness that can be hard to pull off, and here it works because the conviction is real. When he says the artist has to love the work past indifference, bad turnout, family doubt, and years of invisible labor, I believed him. The same goes for the passage comparing fighters and artists, where the body blows of one life meet the psychic blows of the other. That idea could’ve landed as a slogan in weaker hands, but here it has bruises on it. I also liked how often the book risks tenderness without getting soft. A line about love arriving as “a cold bottle of water next to her bed at 3 am” is so simple, so unshowy, and because of that it lingers. Even the spiritual passages, which lean grand and incantatory, have a searching quality rather than a smug one. The book keeps returning to the thought that to know God, or truth, or purpose, you have to strip away performance and get closer to the self beneath it.
This is a book whose force comes with rough edges, and I mean that as praise. The diction can be florid, the capitalization and stylization relentless, and some pieces hit with more depth than others. There were moments when the aphoristic mode flattened complexity into a pronouncement. But even then, the voice felt urgent, personal, and proudly self-fashioned. The sections on Blackness especially gave the book another register, sharper and more satirical, turning wit toward racism, stereotype, and the humiliating absurdities of public life. Those pieces widened the book’s emotional field. They reminded me that Gross is not only meditating in private but answering the world, sometimes with sorrow, sometimes with laughter, sometimes with a line sharpened like a blade. The artwork and photographs throughout fit the pieces beautifully, and they add a thoughtful, provocative visual layer that deepens the book’s reflective mood.
I found The Meditative ContemplationZ uneven in the way many deeply personal books are, but also vivid, memorable, and unmistakably alive. I came away feeling I’d spent time inside a singular mind, one that believes art should console, provoke, testify, and leave a mark. I’d recommend it most to readers who like poetry-inflected nonfiction, spoken-word energy on the page, and books that care more about voice, spirit, and emotional truth than formal restraint. It’s a book for people who don’t mind a little intensity if the feeling behind it is earned, and here, more often than not, it is.
Pages: 140 | ISBN : 978-1088058848
Sacred Geometry for Healing: MANTRAS AND MANDALAS FOR MEDITATION
The concept of the mandala has appeared across cultures for centuries, carrying with it a long tradition of symbolism, reflection, and spiritual focus. Mandalas are intricate works of art, rich in detail and visual harmony. More than decorative images, they are designed to evoke expansive, universal ideas and invite contemplation. To study a mandala is to enter a quieter mental space, one where negative thoughts recede and more restorative, life-affirming ones can take root.
When meditation joins with sustained focus on a mandala, the effect can feel deeply renewing. Add the repetition of a simple mantra, and the practice becomes even more centering. Together, these elements create room for reflection, sharpen concentration, and help restore a sense of inner balance. They encourage the mind to return to what matters most.
In Sacred Geometry for Healing: Mantras and Mandalas for Meditation, Adria Chalfin presents a nonfiction collection devoted to that very experience. The book features a series of mandalas, each paired with an explanation of its intended purpose and a short mantra for meditation. The format is accessible. The effect is immersive.
The appeal of the mandala lies in its elegant simplicity, even as the artwork itself remains highly intricate. Each design reflects the idea of sacred or universal geometry, the belief that certain shapes carry a transcendent quality. These forms are not merely beautiful. They are meant to focus attention, deepen awareness, and awaken a sense of connection that feels larger than the self.
Chalfin’s collection draws on this tradition with care and intention. Her mandalas represent themes such as aura, nature, holy light, and more. Some carry clear Christian associations. Others feel open-ended and nondenominational, making the book accessible to readers from a range of spiritual backgrounds.
Skeptics may not accept the healing power often attributed to mandalas or mantras, yet that does not diminish the book’s value. Belief is not the only point. The real benefit may lie in the practice itself: choosing an image that resonates, sitting with it, breathing deeply, and allowing the mind to settle. In that stillness, readers may find clarity, calm, and a renewed sense of energy.
That may be this book’s greatest strength. In a culture dominated by technology, immediacy, and material distraction, the act of stepping away becomes more than refreshing; it becomes necessary. Sacred Geometry for Healing offers a simple means of doing exactly that. It provides a space for pause, for inward listening, and for temporary escape from the noise. For readers seeking a meditative aid or a gentle spiritual reset, Chalfin’s book offers both beauty and purpose.
Pages: 114 | ASIN : B086Q7T2PB
Too Strong For Your Own Good: Success With Soul
I read Too Strong For Your Own Good by Anette DeMattio straight through with very few pauses. The book is about what happens when strength turns into self-erasure. DeMattio shares her personal story of illness, burnout, trauma, and recovery while guiding the reader toward a softer and more embodied way of living and leading. The core idea is straightforward. Being strong for too long can disconnect you from your body, your needs, and your joy. The book blends memoir, reflection, and gentle exercises meant to help readers come back to themselves.
What struck me most was the voice. It feels intimate and unfiltered, like someone sitting across from you telling the truth without cleaning it up first. I felt seen more than once, and that surprised me. Some moments made my chest tighten. Others made me laugh in that tired recognition kind of way. The writing is emotional and direct. It repeats ideas on purpose, which at times felt comforting and at other times felt heavy. Still, I never doubted the author’s sincerity. Her lived experience gives the book weight, and I trusted her because she never pretended to have an easy fix.
The focus on listening to the body felt grounded and human, not preachy. I appreciated how often she reminded the reader that exhaustion is not failure. The spiritual language is rich and expressive, and the extended metaphors show how deeply the author wants the reader to fully feel and absorb the message. The heart of the message kept pulling me back. I felt encouraged, challenged, and oddly calmer by the end. It felt less like being taught and more like being invited.
I would recommend this book to people who are tired in a way sleep does not fix. It is especially good for caregivers, leaders, high achievers, and anyone who has built a life around holding it all together. If you are open to reflection, emotion, and slowing down, this book can feel like a deep exhale and a quiet companion when you need one most. Too Strong For Your Own Good: Success With Soul reminds you that real strength isn’t pushing harder. It’s finally listening to yourself.
Pages: 181 | ASIN : B0FZRWRTY7
Words Are Powerful
WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING. is a collection of poetic meditations delivered in short verses, reflections, and fragments resembling journal entries. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Words to Think. Or to Sing. was created to connect pop music lovers, curious minds, thoughtful people, and poetic souls through sonorous art, right from its earliest stage. Music artists usually keep their process mostly private while creating, maybe occasionally sharing some behind-the-scenes after everything is ready and available to stream. I wanted to offer a glimpse into my mind and soul from the beginning of the story in an original, special manner instead, and thought that poetic parts of my pop songs in progress, paired with little insights about their meanings, would be a great way to introduce myself.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?
This publication actually consists of lyric excerpts from pop songs I plan to release one at a time, so it can’t be considered a traditional, classic poetry collection. Modern poetry felt like the closest category to classify it. The biggest challenge lay exactly in this multifaceted nature. Although my songwriting style in general could be described as minimalistic, poetic, and relatable, I had to choose which passages worked well as stand-alone excerpts that could best support this concept of teasing songs while inspiring self-reflection and conversations through selected snippets.
How do you approach writing about deeply personal or emotional topics?
When something catches my attention longer than usual, whether positive or not, I often start to play with words to describe what the situation means to me. It feels like processing or closure, which then, when explored further, can become tuneful. From there, some of these ideas might turn into song concepts, lyric excerpts, and one day, songs to stream. In doing so, I like to use deep but accessible metaphors which come from living life with an open heart and mind. That is my biggest inspiration. For instance, in the excerpt called VANISH, which is about unfulfilled, fading written promises, you can find a delicate interplay between light and rain symbolizing the alternating moments of healing or relief and the recurring storm inside. While both sunlight and tempests consume that piece of paper keeping those promises present and alive, time passes and the words fade as the mind finds its peace. I don’t want to spoil too much, but I hope you will get the chance to read it and maybe one day, even sing some of your favorite lines together with me at the top of our lungs. I think it’s a pretty cool perspective to know that the book is not the end, but just the beginning. Other authors write sequels. I do songs and artistic multimedia concepts from the shared fragments of this work.
How has this collection changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
Deciding to curate and publish this book first, instead of following the usual song-release model, is another testament that I’m not the type for those rushed rides the industry is used to, nor to support a fast-food art approach. That’s why I’m inviting everyone interested to join me in this unique evolving music journey instead. Words are powerful, and if set to music, they become even more memorable and emotional. I want them to linger a little longer and deeply connect with those resonating with all this. Music has always been profoundly meaningful and empowering to me. I would be more than glad and truly honored to become a long-time companion to the readers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Websites
Not with the words, not with the melody, but with a feeling.
Becoming a vision, becoming lines, becoming a complete piece of sonorous truth meant to be shared to unite people who resonate with it.
A mystical, fascinating process you can now be part of.
INTENSIA, a new heartfelt, poetic singer songwriter likely to belong with your favorite pop music companions, is turning the traditional release model upside down, inviting you to look into her soul and mind before anyone else.
Be among the first to witness this spark before her distinctive voice echoes through the world. This unique approach offers an unprecedented glimpse into evolving art, so you can feel and enjoy the essence of her songs before they are even complete.
Dive into this curated collection of lyric excerpts and emotional snapshots from pop songs in progress. Each piece stands on its own as a modern, poetic message, paired with brief reflections about the meaning or emotions behind the words.
It is more than something to read. It is a space to pause, reflect, and connect, with room for your thoughts and reflections too. Write what moves you, what you feel, what you dream. This book and its songs to be are meant to accompany you wherever you go.
For even more space to express yourself, the companion notebook PLACE TO THINK. OR TO WRITE. (ISBN 978-3-911445-02-3) is available as a dedicated space.
WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING. out 26 June 2025 on Amazon. Paperback (ISBN 978-3-911445-00-9), eBook (ISBN 978-3-911445-01-6).
Join INTENSIA’s free Intense Inside Club at http://www.intensia.music and discover this special music developing experience as it unfolds, where connection begins as songs come to life.
#intensiawords
WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING.
Intensia’s Words to Think. Or to Sing. is a collection of poetic meditations that bounce between philosophy, humor, identity, and raw emotion. Structured as a notebook of short verses, reflections, and fleeting thoughts, the book offers a tapestry of lyrical fragments that read like journal entries or inner monologues caught mid-thought. It doesn’t follow a clear narrative. Instead, it invites the reader to wander, pause, laugh, and ponder. The voice shifts freely, sometimes abstract, sometimes punchy, often surprising. At its heart, this book is a dance between the silly and the sacred, the vulnerable and the absurd.
I enjoyed how unfiltered it all felt. There’s this wild honesty in the way the author jumps from introspective sadness to cheeky self-mockery. One line made me laugh. Another hit me hard. And somehow, they sat right next to each other like old friends. I love when a book doesn’t try to be tidy. This one doesn’t even pretend. It’s messy in a good way. It feels like real thought, like someone actually thinking on the page instead of crafting perfect poetry. That made it feel alive. The kind of alive that’s a little chaotic and a little beautiful.
Some bits felt so random I had to reread them three times to decide if they meant something. And I liked that feeling, though I imagine it could drive other readers nuts. There’s no clear plot, no through-line, and the tone switches gears fast. I personally enjoy that kind of unpredictability. It reminded me of flipping through a notebook someone left behind on a park bench, strange, funny, haunting, and kind of thrilling.
I’d recommend this book to people who like their literature weird and personal and a little rough around the edges. If you’re into poetry that feels more like a whisper or a smirk than a polished performance, you’ll probably love this. Artists, songwriters, or anyone who finds inspiration in broken lines and passing moods will find gold in here.
Pages: 104 | ASIN : B0F9RR5TK9
Wisdom and Knowledge
Love’s Guest: Reflections of Inspiration and Wonder: An Annotated Selection from The Spiritual Dialogues by Saint Catherine of Genoa shares with modern readers this influential work about the depth of divine love. Why was this an important book for you to write?
While I was researching material for a new novel at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, I was reading the journals of Thomas Merton. In one entry I read a section where Merton mentions he had been asked to write a biography about the life of an ‘absolutely transformative’ Saint Catherine of Genoa. I had never heard of her, but had a deep and clear urge to read more. Long story short, when I read a certain section of her ‘Spiritual Dialogues,’ I had the overwhelming feeling I was showering in Divine Love, as if every cell in my body was filled with light. I felt transformed. Within days of that reading, still “dripping in the experience,” I knew I would bring this little book to fruition. This is not a ‘religious’ book, nor am I a ‘religious’ man. But, I am aware that the power, pathos, and transformative power of this mystical Saint is alive in her song of Divine Love.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
The book “came” to me in March, 2023. I had written the Preface fairly quickly and edited the text with Annotations. The Meditations on Love also came fairly quickly, all within 3 months.
With the Preface written and text edited, my hope was to find a “scholar” or educated writer for a more in depth and proper Introduction on the life of Saint Catherine’s life and meaning of the text, in particular the role of Divine Love in the world today.. After a few months, while I found a publisher and was receiving strong praise from distinguished Spiritual Leaders, I found no one to write the Introduction. The publisher suggested I write and at this point I delved into deep research and completed the Introduction. This was perhaps the “hardest” part for me, which took another 3 months, and the book was completed in late July, 2023. The publisher then took about 3 months to edit the work, at which time I took another month to incorporate the suggestions.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I had no goals other than to give the book the deepest respect I could muster and do justice to Saint Catherine’s message of Divine Love. I sought to honor the call of Spirit “asking” me to write this book.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Love’s Guest?
I hope readers find in the book a certain wisdom and knowledge of what Divine Love feels like– And a knowledge– and a feeling for and sense of how Divine Love is present in the world today. I will soon begin to offer a contemplative workshop, “The Everyday Mystic” which will explore our individual capacity to receive Spirit in our life on a daily basis.
Author Links: Website
This beautifully illustrated Annotated Selection from Saint Catherine’s Spiritual Dialogues, a classic of Christian literature describing the Italian mystic’s spiritual transformation, includes a reflection workbook to encourage a deepening of love and understanding in our own lives. Freshly edited and revised for the modern reader, Saint Catherine speaks of Love as Spirit, God, and Human existence in a voice simultaneously profound and simple.
Updated with Modern English and a Reflection Workbook
Love’s Guest: Reflections of Inspiration and Wonder
In the elegantly crafted Love’s Guest, readers journey into the depths of St. Catherine of Genoa’s inner universe. Drawing deeply from her influential work, Spiritual Dialogues, this revered 15th-century Italian mystic delves into the intricate nature of divine love. The book opens with a compelling introduction that gracefully ushers readers into the life and profound devotion of Saint Catherine. Recognized for her undying service to the ailing and impoverished, her legacy has been cherished throughout the ages.
As you delve deeper, you’ll encounter a collection of meditations meticulously edited by Marc Aronoff. His masterful editing ensures that the essence of St. Catherine’s insights are accessible and resonant for contemporary readers. At the heart of these meditations lies the exploration of love: a force described as both tender and powerful, akin to a “divine flame” that fills the heart with pure ecstasy. Through these reflections, readers will grapple with the concept of the immortal soul’s capacity to experience a love that transcends the confines of our earthly existence, shedding light on the fragility of our human form. Love is portrayed as the catalyst for transformation, a force that liberates, strengthens, and aligns our aspirations with the divine.
St. Catherine vividly prompts readers to envision God as a sacred thread woven into the very fabric of our being, eternally linking us to the divine. Such imagery is potent, inviting readers to continuously acknowledge and celebrate this eternal bond. Accompanied by thought-provoking queries, this book becomes a meditation guide, urging introspection. The closing remarks by Brother Paul Quenon are particularly poignant, while Jan Richardson’s artistry—marked by its discerning palette and refined simplicity—augments the book’s resonance, encapsulating the essence of the meditations beautifully.
Engaging with Love’s Guest is a transformative experience. While its narrative may be concise, its message about the universality of love resonates timelessly. Even though St. Catherine voiced these sentiments centuries ago, their relevance in today’s context remains undiminished. Love’s Guest stands as a testament to her enduring wisdom and boundless compassion.
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0CGGV5CLC
