3 Things to Know About the Vulnerably Vibrant Vision

Where are we going? What is our plan? How does it work? What will it all look like - what's the vision?

These are all great questions. Important questions, and questions I continue to search for clarity and direction on everyday. But I do know that my vision for Vulnerably Vibrant is to build a supportive community of people inspiring others to live armed with vulnerability and alive with vibrance. 

1. Where are we going? 

The Vulnerably Vibrant message and our community is going big places - and small places. It's going into cities and towns. Into schools, and businesses, and churches. and into the lives of people. Our message is going to build up hearts that are broken and break down walls that need wrecking. 

2. What's our plan?

Vulnerably Vibrant plans to share our faith stories through speaking, and singing, and moving - together! I plan to empower people with God's word. I plan to grow and multiply the community and to do life with each other.  I plan to have a regular Facebook Live show, start a podcast, write a blog, and begin a Vulnerably Vibrant show on Youtube. I plan to create more and partner with other businesses and ministries to offer you really cool items, information, music, movement plans, and more. 

3. How does it work?

To get things started I will start by speaking and singing for live events (aka Keynote Concerts), spreading the Vulnerably Vibrant message through music. I will also be teaching Revelation Wellness classes online and in the community, spreading the message through movement. To Begin, our community of vibrant people will be located primarily online through social media and an exclusive access page on the website. But eventually I hope to bring events and retreats to you so we can meet up and get to know each other in person too!

So that's what the Vulnerably Vibrant vision is for now - and I look forward to seeing all the places it takes us in the future. Thank you for joining the cause and helping make the vision reality. 

What are you most pumped for?

Please share what you are most excited for about Vulnerably Vibrant in the comments below? New Youtube videos? Live events? Music? Movement? Community? Your input is so helpful in making this the best and most impactful experience possible!

I Can't Sing Like Celine Dion and The Reason It Doesn't Matter - Even Though it'd be Cool

Remember when that special someone in high school sent you a sappy love song because they "couldn't have said it better"? Your emotions seemed to have been summed up perfectly in the lyrics of the music, as if the song was created specifically for you - for that purpose. In a way, it kind of was.

A few days ago I shared a link to a message by Bob Kauflin about the purpose of singing and music. And so now I'd like to share a little bit about what it means to me and the roll music plays in Vulnerably Vibrant. 

Music Moves Us

As a singer songwriter performing for over 10 years, I've had the honor of seeing first hand the way music can move people. Move people physically to clap their hands or to get up and dance. Move people emotionally to tears or to laughter. And move people spiritually to worship, to sing praise, and to even meet their Savior. Music has a way of moving us. A way of engaging us emotionally with words. A way of expressing our deepest feelings of love, grief, our needs, and desires. A way of bringing us together around a central message and taking us back to meaningful experiences and memories. 

To Sing Like Celine Dion

I'm not the most amazing musician. I don't have an endless catalog of written songs. I'm not good at living a typical artist lifestyle. I constantly battle vocal nodules and fears on stage. I can't play fancy licks on the guitar and I only dream of having a voice like Celine Dion and Freddy Mercury. 

But, I Have Passion

But, I do have passion. A passion to share my story - a freedom story - through music. A unique gift that I've been given and has allowed me to do so many wonderful things in my own music career. And I truly believe all that I have done, the people I've met, the experiences I've had, and lessons I've learned by making music throughout the years has prepared me for doing just that. Because if music has the power to take you back to high school - I bet you still remember all the lyrics to "your song" - It has the power to do so much more. 

To serve others with music from the soul - with vulnerability and vibrance.

Share A Song!

Let's have fun with this one! Name a special song and share a memory it takes you back to in the comments below. 

A Dream: More Than the Weird Things You See in Your Sleep

Have you ever had a dream? Not the kind of dream you have in your sleep where you do weird things like forget to put your pants on before school or realize your on a date with the wrong guy. But a dream that's always there. A vision. A picture-like movie vividly in your mind. A message. 

A Dream

I believe we all have this kind of dream - a message to send us on a journey to fulfill our purpose. And once it's been discovered, it's the only thing you want to do. The only thing your meant to do. Or at least that's how its been for me.

By now, I have written several blogs explaining what Vulnerably Vibrant is, who it is for, and how movement and Revelation Wellness® plays an important role in our ministry. But I think it is time to share a little more about who I am - my story and dream for the Vulnerably Vibrant message.

Who is Alexa Kriss

I am a singer songwriter, a wellness professional, a child of the most high King and I am passionate about all three.

Music

Most of you probably know me from music. That's why I am here. I have sung professionally for over 10 years and it's brought many amazing opportunities from performing on national television (let me know if you want to see that), touring the nation, working and recording with the best in the business, and getting to know absolutely outstanding people - like my husband, Max and his family - just to name a few.

Movement

I graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney with a degree in Exercise Science Wellness and Nutrition. I developed a passion and awareness for holistic wellness young, as I navigated an experience through high school that shaped my education path and lead to an invitation to sprint for the University's varsity track team. Go Lopers! That whole story is blog of its own, but I can safely argue that track - and consequently movement - has shaped me more and is one of the most influential things of my life. 

Message

So what about this dream? What's the message? Simply put - its my faith story. My testimony of God's transforming hand in my life.

You see, despite my intentional efforts to live well - overuse of my body caused a nagging knee injury which ended up bringing my track days to an early end. Incorrect use of my voice caused the dreaded development of vocal nodules and polyps and a fear that they might do the same to my music. Past wounds and corruptive thinking, well, they caused a daily struggle with anxiety. All of which is a complicated battle to this day. 

The Powerful Message

But the message is simple. Though I am weak, my Father is strong. He says "I am enough." And so I surrender and answer the call. And I discovered that my injuries, my wounds, my struggles, those things that make me most vulnerable - through grace - is what makes me most vibrant. 

And that is the dream. The message I am called to share. 

Partner with me by supporting Vulnerably Vibrant and sharing the message. What's your faith story? Tell us how you've experienced being vulnerably vibrant in the comments below. 

How Vulnerably Vibrant Fits With Revelation Wellness®

Slim is sexy, they say. Get a better body. Be addicted to the gym. Eat fad diets. Do beach body workouts. And envy half-dressed people with 6-pack abs. All in the name of what? Health? Status? Image? 

Picture Of Health

The heath and fitness world can be such a confusing place. Even the most well intentioned people can influence and be influenced in harmful ways. It's not a light matter and it must be navigated with great care. Our health and fitness is extremely personal, but our society has increasingly made it more public. Anymore social media anyone to place themselves as an expert in the industry if they want to. And through all the magazines, TV shows, celebrities, and even music, pop culture fitness tends to paint a perfect picture of health, yet it sends a strong message of image - what it's suppose to look like. what it supposed to feels like. what health and fitness is supposed to be like. 

But you Are an Individual. Not an Exact Copy. Thank Goodness!

We, as humans, just want to fit in. To be loved and accepted. So we buy the lies, and desperately try to make ourselves exact copies of society's picture of health and fitness. The bad news is it simply can't be done. The good news - it's not supposed to. 

Vulnerably Vibrant and Revelation Wellness®

That is why I am so excited to go through Revelation Wellness® training. To bring holistic wellness to health and fitness, and ultimately serve the community through movement - in a positive light, the way it was designed to be. As Alisa Keeton, the founder and CEO of Revelation Wellness® says, "we desired to breathe fresh hope into the fitness world and provide a new way for people to meet together and grow in love for God and for one another."

I encourage you to visit the Revelation Wellness® website to read more about the call for movement that has been placed on my heart AND watch this awesome RevWell video. 

For more information on Revelation Wellness® visit www.revelationwellness.org

Movement of the Body

Revelation Wellness® is the perfect compliment to the Vulnerably Vibrant mission - serving others through the message of God's Word, music from the soul, and movement of the body. Bringing this training back to the community is a huge physical, spiritual, and financial investment. But I believe in the cause and that it is an important step in serving through movement. 

Movement is About Wellness and Freedom

Health and fitness is not about looking a certain way. Its not about wearing certain clothing - or wearing little clothing. Its not about fitting the picture portrayed, or fitting in at all. It's about what's happening on the inside, not the outside. It's about wellness and healing. About peace, and growth, and individuality, and joy. It's about worship and freedom and setting people free.

What does health and fitness mean to you? Share in the comments below. 

Also learn more about the Vulnerably Vibrant mission and click donate to support the cause.

Why Your Mindset to Moving Can Have so Much Meaning

Wake up. Get ready. Squeeze in a devotional reading on the Bible App while I eat breakfast. Go to work. Take care of kids. Clean the house. Do the laundry. Mow the yard. Feed the dog. And if I'm lucky - workout. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day. Its true. Life is busy! And working out often finds itself at the bottom of the To Do List. 

But it's Important

The problem is, we all know the importance of working out. We are machines built to move. But our mindset and busy schedules tend to make it difficult to incorporate and enjoy regular movement in our daily lives. Even as an exercise and wellness professional, I have found myself to struggle with this before. And it seemed, the more I knew, the more guilty I felt about not working out and moving my body. 

The Mindset of Moving the Body

This is because the world tells us working out is is something we should do.  But should is such a brutal word. A word that tends to invoke guilt and failure. And working out, or the lack of it, is never meant to do that! Movement is all about mindset. When we choose to look at moving our bodies as something we get to do, any dread, irritation, and unrealistic expectation of working out actually turns to joy.  It is then that our workouts can truly become worship. How cool is that!

Working Out as Worship is Powerful

I am passionate about overall wellness. And for me, part of that includes worship and working out - even when it feels like I'm barely squeezing it in. So when I began combining the two, which happens to also usually include music, my life was reenergized. I discovered it was a powerful tool to help change my mindset, to heal and grow, and hear from God. And not that it's all about lists, but it is nice to be able to do two things at the same time.

Working out as worship allows me to further serve others as I continue to fill my life with positive and empowering movement. And because of all this, I am thrilled to be a part of Revelation Wellness - more on that in the next post - and to be able to serve the community through the message of God's word and movement of the body. 

So Let's Move

Let me know If you are interested in learning how your workouts can be worship. And if you already do this, please share your experience. We would love to hear!

3 Kinds of People the Vulnerably Vibrant Community is For

A featherless baby bird, barely able to raise its tiny pink head, chirps as it awaits its next meal from mom. If you've ever seen a naked nestling chick, you know they are the ultimate representation of vulnerable. Now take a fledgling. A youngster just out of the nest. Still working on those flying skills, he stays close to mom for care and spends most of his time hopping around practicing life. A little less, but I would still say pretty vulnerable. Now look at momma bird. Fearlessly and faithfully caring for her helpless chicks, flying through the sky, finding food, staying with her flock, seemingly not a care in the world. 

Last post I wrote about the meaning of Vulnerably Vibrant - about the lamb and the wolves and the mighty Protector. And about the importance of being armed with vulnerability. But knowing all of that, it can still be quite intimidating to do without a family, a flock, a community. 

Taking Flight

So that's what Vulnerably Vibrant is all about. Building a community to inspire others to embrace the ability to be vulnerable in order to live in vibrance. But more than that, its a family that serves those who are vulnerable - Webster's vulnerable - and helps them flip the coin and fly. 

The negativity often associated with vulnerability creates victims. But there are two sides to the vulnerable coin - the victim & the victor. Both vulnerable. Both very different outcomes. 

It's For Everyone

Ironically enough, the vulnerability that allows one to be a victim is exactly what empowers another to be a victor. In turn it's that vibrant vulnerability that can then reach out and bring someone else to victory. So who is the Vulnerably Vibrant community for?

Victims

Its for the victims. Those who are "lost, confused, beat down, misused, defeated" (straight from the song Stranger - I couldn't resist). Those who are under attack and alone. Its for anyone who needs a helping hand, an encouraging word, a friend to come along side them and shine a light in the darkness. Its for the nestling who needs nourishment, warmth, and a safe place to call home. 

Victors

Its for the victors. For those who've overcome. Who want to live in vibrance and reach out to others armed with their vulnerability. Its for those who have flipped the vulnerable coin and have taken flight. 

Everyone In Between

And its for everyone in between. Its for those who are on the journey. Its for the fledgling - those who are learning, and growing, and self-improving everyday. Those who need a flock, a community of inspiration and support. A place to serve and be served and have fun along the way. Vulnerably Vibrant is for everyone. 

Join the Flock

So I encourage you to join the community. Be armed with vulnerability and alive with vibrance. Spread the word and share your story - where are you at on your journey today? 

Why Vulnerably Vibrant Isn't an Oxymoron

Imagine. An innocent lamb surrounded by vicious wolves. Tormented day and night by their circling and snarling. No where to run or hide. Exposed and targeted. Prowling closer and closer toward the vulnerable lamb - until they...

Vulnerable. A quick search in Webster's Dictionary and you get the definition "capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; open to attack or damage." Not that looking this up convinced me, but thinking about that really doesn't make being vulnerable sound like something I want to be. Like A lamb surrounded by wolves. I don't think so.

The Big Lie

But what if I said that Webster lied - or at least didn't tell the whole story. What if there was a completely other side to vulnerability that's not disclosed in that definition. One that doesn't look like the poor lamb among wolves. But one that sends the wolves running.

A Reason Not an Excuse

Let me explain. The lamb is vulnerability. The wolves, well, they are things in the world that prey on it. 

The world can be such a harsh and cruel place. And for whatever reason whether it be a difficult childhood, ill treatment from a parent or peers, a traumatic life event, self insecurities, or even just misunderstanding, we learn to protect ourselves from the wolves. We learn to hide who we authentically are in an effort to avoid attack. We learn that being vulnerable is bad. In one sense, this is natural. A survival mechanism. But in the process we inadvertently hurt ourselves. We shut out all that has or could damage us and we end up damaging who we are as a human being, who we are as a person. Through our observation, education, or experience, the world has taught us that being who we are isn't safe.

BUT we were created for so much more than protective walls and never ending performances. We were created for authentic, vulnerable connection.

And that's why there has to be another side to vulnerable. 

The Mighty Protector

Personally, along my journey of faith and healing, I discovered that vulnerability was - and still is sometimes - my biggest fear. I think we all, at some point, can relate to that. I was constantly performing both on and off the stage, desperately trying to protect myself from life's wolves. However, the more I prayed and the more I grew, the more I realized a lamb is no match for a hungry wolf. And here's the kicker, it doesn't have to be. 

I realized I have a mighty Protector who created me to be authentically who I am even if that means to be vulnerable. A Protector more powerful and more perfect than I can even comprehend. No amount of my running or performing could protect me the way the great Shepherd protects His lamb. So I let Him.

And something beautiful happened.

I began to live - more vibrant than I'd ever lived before. I began to see myself and my circumstances in a different light. Slowly but surely I started to feel more safe being myself. I didn't feel powerless and drained, but full of energy and life. Full of His vibrance. 

It's Not an Oxymoron

And so now I know, it can be scary to allow yourself to be vulnerable - the world and its wolves do that to us, and I still have a long way to go. But I truly believe we are called to live vulnerably. Not the helplessly tormented lamb kind of vulnerable. But the kind of vulnerable that relies on the mighty Protector. The armed with vulnerability kind of vulnerable. And when we have the courage to do that we become vibrant. Vulnerably Vibrant. 

I DO is featured in a commericial!

I DO, off the mini album Greater Height, was just featured in a commercial advertisement for Hello Beautiful Bridal! 

Watch the video!

PREMIERE SHOW ANNOUNCED

December 1, 2017

That's right! Mark your calendars.

Click the photo for more details.

Alexa Kriss The David Bowers Awards Winner!

On August 1st, 2017 Alexa Kriss received The David Bowers Award! Broadcast on WRFZ FM 106.3 (Rochester, NY), on the stations of the 365 Radio Network as well as YouTube, iHeart Radio, Mixcloud, Spreaker and iTunes. Alexa's interview on the show is available for download and listen at Blog Talk Radio. 

Thanks for the continued support!

Greater Height Exclusive iTunes Release TOMORROW 7/1/17

My precious gems, the time has come. Check out this release letter and, starting tomorrow, remember to listen, share, and repeat!

I can't wait to hear what you think. Thank you for all that you do!

AK

Greater Height Release Announcement

July 7, 2017 @ 7PM