We had the good fortune of connecting with Edson “House” Magaña and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edson “House”, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My balanced has changed tremendously over time. I didn’t realize how unbalanced I was until I took a step back from major commitments and projects I have dedicated my entire life to. I went from feeling I needed to answer every single phone call, email, ask and request immediately, regardless of my personal life (which was either little to none or severely intertwined). I now prioritize as needed as to what serves my sustainability and the longevity of the work. That it’s ok not to be at every single event, gathering or extra curricular activity. Balance is stability, if you learn to build a foundation of stability, learn to sit in that pocket, then nothing will shake you to a breaking point.

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.
I am most proud of the longevity of the work. To be sharing work with my once peers or even students kids is amazing! It creates an opportunity to pass on knowledge and traditions that have nourished so many of us in these communities. The positions I am in such as a professor at Arizona State University are positions where seeds were planted literally decades ago and are now coming to light to grow and offer new opportunities. It was easy in the sense that it revolves around manifestations that I love, and serves as spiritual medicine in the community. So in a sense it has been a selfish act of finding myself, surviving, navigating and learning to accept the flowers. If I were not so naive at times of my life and had set out goals to be financially rich or famous, I might then of been disappointed and found it far more difficult. The lessons are still being learned today, but believe. Believe in yourself and let go of unrealistic expectations of others to see exactly what you see, that is not possible. Do it because you love it, because you would do it regardless of any personal gains. Strive for that balance of happiness enough to realize your worth, which is what goes into your work that you share. Brand is a funny word these days, something to recreate instead of just being and creating. My story is mine, write your own with no expectations or power given to others about it. It’s yours, it’s perfect.

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.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to host amazing visitors, usually artist and dancers of some sort, so you take them to church. They would definitely be involved in sharing at the Hip Hop program at ASU, so a visit to the campus, a guest class would be included for them. Eating is essential in sharing and “breaking’ bread” for the trip, so somewhere in the week we eat some Pho, a burger at the stand and my go to Gallo Blanco for food and drinks. A hike to burn it all off, or maybe even a visit to the lake. Now, back to Saturday night church, we will end the week with a dance session of “catching ghost” on the roof top of bar smith for the classic and undeniable night of Solstice with our family Pete Salaz and Sean Badger.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, so many. My parents Sofia and Jorge Magaña who have made life sacrifices with unbreakable perseverance against all odds to allow me to have a chance to live out dreams, aspirations and the search of self. My extended family of Furious Styles Crew worldwide, that has stood by my side since day one of our existence in 1993. We have grown together, made mistakes along the way, but have never quit. To the original and new generation of Fury, I will forever be in your debt for allowing me to be me, and trusting in the process.

Website: www.bboyhouse.com

Instagram: bboyhouse

Linkedin: Edson (BboyHouse) Magana

Twitter: bboyhouse

Facebook: House Magana

Youtube: bboyhouse

Other: www.furioustylescrew.com www.worththeweight602.com www.lovefightsbackaz.info

Image Credits
odinseyecreation, vephotos, hightierphotos,mannyfernandez,kelly toolis

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