My name is: Zeke Freeman.
I’m known as: Founder and CEO of Bee Raw, but in my head I really think of myself as “Chief Innovation Officer.”
My expertise is in: Having a deep understanding for every ingredient. I grew up surrounded by farm-grown ingredients and, throughout my years as a chef, I encountered those same ingredients and the unique ways in which they could be used. I pay extremely close attention to ingredients, whether I’m preparing a dinner for my family or balancing the right elements and their proportions for our balms to make them as beneficial as possible.
I stay physically healthy with: Brazilian jiu jitsu. It's not a workout. It's a passion, a lifestyle and a mindset. It requires a level of focus and dedication that I have not experienced before. I also practice yoga and Pilates to round things out and stay physically balanced and flexible.
I keep my emotions balanced with: My jiu jitsu practice, meditation, spiritual practice and good old-fashioned psychotherapy. I allot time every day to my practice. It’s extremely important to me that it is built into my schedule.
I’m intellectually stimulated by: podcasts and audiobooks. A perennial favorite of mine is Daniele Bolelli’s podcast, History on Fire. He delves deep into the bravery, wisdom and passions of the historical figures in each episode.
Lately, I have been particularly interested in religious and cultural history. I recently finished Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamim Ansary. Looking at history through different lenses helps me contextualize where we are in the world today and allows me to better empathize with those around me.
I was recently transformed by: A newfound relationship with my jiu jitsu instructor. It started with a helpful conversation and quickly evolved into a spiritual mentorship. He allows me to speak without judgement and has opened my eyes to see the truth in many situations. Sometimes, our discussions are so tough that I walk away feeling mentally exhausted, but, other days, I feel free and light! He is trying to do good in the world, and I am on that path as well.
In the last six months, the ritual that has become so important for me is: To send out a blessing to all with whom I cross paths. What I mean by that is that, no matter who they are or what the circumstances are, I wish unconditionally and from the deepest chamber of my heart unrestricted good for others. I’ve made this a part of my daily life and ritual recently, and it is universally applicable, no matter what you believe in.
Here’s how you can do it too: First, I would highly recommend reading The Gentle Art of Blessing by Pierre Pradervand. In short, the simplest things we do in life can make the biggest impact on our world. The next time someone cuts you off in traffic, the barista messes up your coffee order or the person across the conference room table keeps talking over you, send them a blessing. Wish for their deepest happiness and success and for the sun to shine on them every day. I think you’ll see some really remarkable changes in and around you.
It helps me live my process because: There are moments when I catch myself being judgmental or short-tempered. That is not how I see myself or who I want to be. The practice of blessings brings me back to earth and is a reminder of what is really important in the world.
Take a “Moment” to learn more about Zeke Freeman’s journey here.
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Photo by Robin Barnes