who am I ?
I was a little curvy pianist who played her soul on the piano and finally dared to go on stage to share it with others.
Are we free?
We are free if we have the means, but the majority of us have to fight for our basic needs. I would say that we have a very relative and unequal freedom.
What do you remember from your education?
Love, respect and openness to the world.
Thinker/philosopher/writer that has been with you for a long time?
One of the first sentences that struck me as a young man: “I know only one thing, I know nothing” by Socrates. Already, I have asserted that intelligence is more likely to be doubtful than certain. I also love the humble posture behind this thought. As time goes on, I realize that I am wary of those who are too rigid in their stance or parade their knowledge. The older I get, the more I appreciate nuance, diversity of vision, and curiosity.
What troubles your conscience?
The fast paced nature of life. When I was 6 years old, I asked my parents: “Mom, if everyone dies one day, will it still be love?” » That pretty much sums up my existentialism. I think my biggest fear is losing love. Losing the people I love, sure, but also losing love in general. The one who moves us forward, the one who inspires us, the one who makes us grow, the one who creates us. I worry that one day the inspiration will go away. Very simply. At the same time. One of my biggest challenges is keeping my heart open despite this risk.
Most surprising thing you’ve done for love?
I went to the Netherlands for six months a year.
Photo by Josie Desmarais, La Presse Archives
Alexandra Strelisky
Right place or mood?
When I play the piano, I go into a kind of trance, similar to the state you get when you meditate for a long time. A kind of universal love and letting go lives there. It is very good.
Is it good to be selfish?
I would say to take care of our own needs and not project our emotional baggage and trauma onto others. Learn to look after yourself to take responsibility. I also find that we often insult others without realizing it.
A quality you never had?
I am not very patient. I often have to remind myself that the process is more important than the end.
Recurring dream or nightmare?
For a long time I dreamed that I died in a plane crash. If this ever happens to me, pull out this article and tell yourself I saw that coming. Haha!
Photo by Robert Skinner, Law Press Archives
Alexandra Strelisky
Your ghost?
On stage, our worst enemy is our own ego. If we focus too much on ourselves, we can stumble. We must cultivate letting go and trust the body and soul to do their work. A great analogy for life, I think.
The perfect place to dream and create?
A quiet place, with large windows overlooking the mountains and the sea, occasional rain and wind blowing on the leaves of the trees.
A beautiful death, your opinion?
Surrounded by those we love with all our lives.
What bothers you in life?
People who don’t know about others, don’t listen, or aren’t aware of their privilege.
Complete the sentence: If God…
If there is a God ask them to confiscate swords and guns.
