The Sea of Nonconformity: A Poet and Capoeirista in Huancayo
“El arte nace del mar de la inconformidad.” – Elio Osejo [Art is born from the sea of nonconformity.]
Elio Osejo is recognized as a famous name from “Juliana,” one of the most well-known Peruvian films of all time, but you wouldn’t know it from the humble and quiet lifestyle he now lives off the beaten path in the middle of the Central Andes. In his role in “Juliana,” the other street kids dubbed him with the nickname “loco” (crazy). It wasn’t because he played a crazy kid, but because he was different from the gang; he was an observer, read the newspaper and spoke wise words for someone so young: “Más y más inflación. Los precios se inflan y los platos se desinflan.” [More and more inflation. The prices inflate and the dishes of food deflate.] True to his character, the Peruvian public called the real life Elio, “loco,” because he never took on another role in his native country despite promises of fame and fortune. He explains that he wants to be constructive and not destructive in his art, but all the lucrative roles they pitched him were of negativity, murder and defeatist stereotypes.
To this day, he remains a nonconformist. As would be expected by society, people try to put him into labeled boxes:
- For his poetic background
- For his tendency to initiate and provoke conversation and discussion
- For his ponytailed long hair
- For his eccentricity
Some thoughts on the subject from Elio:
| Adáptate o Muere | Adapt or Die |
| “Adáptate o muere” me decía mi padre | “Adapt or die” my father told me |
| quien se adaptò un dia a su nueva familia | who adapted one day to his new family |
| y desde entonces no supimos màs de èl | and we never heard more of him from then on |
| “Adáptate o muere” me decía mi madre | “Adapt or die” my mother told me |
| que arrastraba su estigma de leona solitaria | who dragged around her stigma of a solitary lioness |
| y conversaba con sus plantas para no sentir que yo | and conversed with her plants to not feel that I |
| tambien me iba alejando poco a poco de la casa | too was slowly drifting away from home |
| “Adáptate o muere” me decía el sargento sin saber | “Adapt or die” the sergeant told me, not knowing |
| que más tarde descubriría la paz de las mujeres y que | that soon I would discover the peace of women and that |
| mi eterna batalla sería siempre en contra del aburrimiento | my eternal battle would always be against boredom |
| “Adáptate o muere” me decían mis profes | “Adapt or die” my professors told me |
| “Adáptate o muere” me decían mis jefes | “Adapt or die” my bosses told me |
| Miro hacia atrás y escribo satisfecho: | I look back and write satisfied: |
| “La vida nunca dejará de ser maravillosa | “Life will never stop being marvelous |
| hasta para un desadaptado como yo” | even for someone who hasn’t adapted like me” |
Elio doesn’t fit cleanly into any of the boxes people make for him, if at all, but he does dabble in all communities because he believes that art is about sharing and depends on a deep understanding of life by living it thoroughly. With an attitude of openness, connecting with others provides more than information and inspiration; it provides new artistic possibilities. As Elio reminds me through the wisdom of Zen, we need to continually empty our metaphorical cup and refill it with freshness.
These days, you will find Elio immersed in his latest two passions: poetry and capoeira. Capoeira embodies his philosophy of art and life — it’s not about a fight, but a jogo (game) as the Brazilians say. He teaches his young capoeira students to smile because the goal of capoeira is not about winning. Likewise, writing is not about stardom or money and life is not about achieving happiness. Instead, you live your art as a form of “elevated expression” and live happiness through shared moments, the little things.
What boxes do people try to stuff you into?
—
A big thanks to Elio Osejo for his time and for the interview.
Tags: capoeira in Huancayo, elio osejo, juliana peru 1988, nonconformity, Peruvian art, Peruvian poetry, poetry in Huancayo
writing4effect
As always an interesting and deep tale of a colorful and lively character living life on his own terms — truly unfazed by the lure of fame and undaunted in his pursuit of individuality.
Samantha Bangayan
That's exactly it, Sherry! The pursuit of individuality. I was just thinking about how I was swimming in a world of advice and needed to get back on track to decide what was best for me. =P
Faraz
An interesting story and a lovely poem. Seems like a fascinating man to interview. Thanks for sharing!
Samantha Bangayan
Indeed! I was surprised how much I learned from the interview and had to narrow it down to one topic. =) No wonder they say that everyone has a story to share. =) Can't wait for your big story to begin in May!
Roy A. Ackerman
Thanks for bringing light and life to me this morning!
It is the "little things" that are critical.
Samantha Bangayan
Thank YOU so much for stopping by, Roy. =) The more I talk to others here, the more I believe in the importance of those little things. =)
Abe Palmer
I admire people like Elio who are willing to hold to the principals they establish for themselves during the early stages in their life. Challanging others to see lifes BIG picture, allowing them to make their own determination of what their life will be. Finding happiness apart from what everyone else is doing.
Samantha Bangayan
Yes! I think it has a lot to do with keeping to principles. It can be so much easier to stick with the trends and follow the gang, but finding a unique kind of happiness that's perfect for us as individuals is the more fulfilling challenge it seems! Thanks for your thoughts, Abe! =)
mattoftheworld
Thanks Samantha, I really need to watch this movie. Elio seems like a very good soul on and offscreen.
Samantha Bangayan
You do! =) Here's the link: http://youtu.be/nMGyUXRIALU — it'll really help with your Peruvian Spanish too!
Elio is a guy who's got it together for sure. =)
Adrienne
What an enjoyable read today, thanks Samantha for sharing this lovely story with us all. The little things are what truly count and what a great reminder.
Adrienne
Samantha Bangayan
Adrienne, thank you so much for stopping by and for being touched by my interview with Elio! =) He sure did inspire me and remind me to keep on valuing those little things in life. I'm so glad it could help to remind you too!
Kesha Brown
Samantha, wonderful post! You know, we all do it – put people in boxes…and people put us in boxes, but like Elio, if we keep pressing on and doing what we know is right for us, we'll be better off.
I love Elio's attitude through his journey and I know he's truly happy being a nonconformer! 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
It's definitely hard to avoid categorizing! I think it makes us sane as humans, but the challenge to continue being uniquely individual is a worthwhile one!
Kesha, thanks so much for your thoughts. =)
Janet @ The Natural
Samantha, aloha. What a magnificent post. I absolutely loved it and was swept away by the story and its lessons. What an incredible individual Elio is and how rare indeed that he is able resist the myriad temptations and remain true to himself. He knows and lives his core values.
Your statement: ". . . we need to continually empty our metaphorical cup and refill it with freshness" is key to living a life of unending richness and fulfillment through new experiences.
Though not as eloquently stated, someone once told me "when you're green, you grow and when you're ripe, you rot." No doubt about it, Samantha, I want to be ever green.
In terms of boxes, I have been stuffed into the box of whatever profession was mine at that time. Also, I am quite familiar with the "she's just different" box and the "that's Janet" box.
If people can assign a label and fit it into a box, they can deal with it as they always deal with such labels/boxes; they do not trouble themselves to look for the differences.
Years ago a friend came to stay with me for a few days. Upon entering my home, she literally stopped, looked around and then said "WOW! What do you call this style of decorating?" Since the style was a collection of things we liked, it had no particular theme or style other than for our own enjoyment. The entire time she stayed with us, she kept saying "what do you think this style of decorating is called."
When she returned several months later she was delighted to tell us that she had read an article on decorating styles on the plane and she now knew the name for our style. Once she announced it to us–Eclectic–she never mentioned it again. She put the label on it, put in the box, along with us and never mentioned it again.
Samantha, thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us. With great anticipatation, I look forward to your next story. Aloha. Janet
Samantha Bangayan
Janet, I loved how you brought up the idea of having core values. If we know what we believe in, it's easier to hold strongly to that path rather than being pulled to the wayside.
The simplicity of your quote is very powerful! "When you're green, you grow and when you're ripe, you rot." It just goes to show that life is a process and it's not worthwhile constantly seeking the "end."
What a relevant anecdote! It does seem to make people anxious when they can't label something. I know that I have all my blogs and favorite links in categories and I remember you mentioning how you utilize Twitter lists. This is exactly why it's so difficult to continue to be a part of different groups, but Elio has shown me that it's a worthwhile endeavor. =)
Janet, you provide such valuable thoughts. I'm so glad we're connected!
Jane | Find All Answ
Hi Samantha,
Thank you for the wonderful post. Really refreshing. It is true that attitude makes a lot of difference.
Cheers,
Jane.
Samantha Bangayan
Attitude indeed! It's how we approach life. =) Thanks for stopping by, Jane!
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks, friend! =) Talk soon!
Diana Simon
Hi Samantha, first of all, I am glad that you are getting so many comments on your blog!! Well done.
I am really touched by this story how Elio refuses to conform. I think it takes a lot of courage for someone to live authentically especially for someone who is in the spotlight. It's heartwarming to know there are people who can have all the fame but desires instead to listen to their hear and live the life they want.
Thanks for sharing this !
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks, Diana! =) You know that your site has made all the difference — I really appreciate how open you are with your journey.
From what I've heard, you're right that it's been a challenge for Elio because everyone wondered where he went! It just goes to show that happiness comes from decisions we make for ourselves, not for other people! =)
Thanks for the visit, D! =)
Jon
Living your art as a form of elevated expression sounds so profound. I like that a lot. Then again, to me that's what true art is but I haven't thought of it in those terms.
What a fascinating story you've shared with us about Elio, thank you. He remained true to himself and his values; as well as his art. It's humbling to think how many of us would be so tempted to take on the roles he turned down.
Jon
Samantha Bangayan
I only wish I were as profound as Elio is and that I would be able to express my thoughts so eloquently! =) Interesting thought about how many would be tempted to take on those roles for money. I guess we see the same in businesses — jumping on the big clients for money rather than principle or personal interest.
Thanks for your thoughts, Jon. =)
resumesurvislady
I must say, every time I read one of your posts I learn something new. I love your writing style and will be stopping in frequently. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Billye! So glad to be connected and to have you around. =)
Rowena Bolo
Hi Samantha,
I am happy to be commenting on this wonderful post. I was just listening to a "Mental Cleanse" call, where we (actually they, as I'm on listening mode now) study the book "Think and Grow Rich", and there was one lesson plan which ties so beautifully with this story you shared , and the comment that you also wrote – "It just goes to show that happiness comes from decisions we make for ourselves, not for other people."
On a personal note, this is my current challenge now, as I am "easily" influenced by what other people think (and I tell you, I used to be so much of a 'people-pleaser'). Elio's story and non-conformist life is truly inspiring for me.
Thank you for sharing this with us, Samantha.
p.s. it was delightful to watch the capoeira video 🙂
– Rowena
Samantha Bangayan
What a beautiful quote, Rowena! It's so much easier to get caught up in a world where everyone else has the answers for us and that's what "they" want us to believe, but in the end, we're the only ones who know what makes us happy. =) But you're right that it's a difficult path! Thanks for sending some inspiration my way! I hope to continue educating myself as you do.
Talk soon! =)
Deeone
This is a really good post Samantha, I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. As you know from some of my post, I love it when people abide in their own individualism. It says a lot about a persons character and virtues when they refuse to conform to the expectations of others. In the long run it makes for a happy life for the individual who walks their own beaten path.
People have constantly tried to push me into a box that fits societies form of who I should be. When you understand and accept the person that life's experiences have made you; I think that you're closer to the purpose of life than those who follow the leader and their traditions.
You are a very talented writer, and I look forward to sharing more experiences with you. Thanks for commenting so that I was able to make such an awesome connection, with such a awesome young lady. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
That's a beautiful image, Deeone — being closer to the purpose of life. =) You bring up a good point that people these days have more and more life experiences. We're more global and more willing to interact with different types of people, so following just one leader or tradition is less standard.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for the compliment. =) I, too, and ecstatic that we've connected and are in touch!
@StephensHeather
Hi Samantha,
What a beautiful post. I'm reading a book called the me I want to be, and it's so obvious that this man is the me he is meant to be. There are others that put us in the proverbial box, but mostly I think it is ourselves that put us in the box. Our limiting beliefs, our fears, our self doubts that hold us back from reaching for our goals.
I loved this example of someone who is being everything he is meant to be. What an inspiration!
Thanks for sharing!
Heather
My recent post March to Our Success
Samantha Bangayan
Heather, what a perceptive point! We do put ourselves into self-limiting boxes. It just gives another dimension to how Elio lives his life — refusing to put himself into boxes, such as "failure" or "someone who gives up opportunities." Thanks for your thoughts and for stopping by! =) Talk soon!
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d abru
Thanks for a great article. Do you by chance know what music is playing for the ABC song? I’d love to buy the record if you could steer me in the right direction I’d be thrilled. Thanks!
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks! =) The song is by Mestre Suassuna! I’m not sure if he has a record, but you can find the full song on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QctHemmPdwY