Sway Calloway On Peace of Mind, Silence and Earth, Wind & Fire

Sway Calloway has done so much over the course of his life and career. The Bay Area legend has been an artist, radio host, TV personality and entrepreneur, but all of his accomplishments have helped him realize the importance of staying centered — of staying grounded. 

Sway was on hand at The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, and he chopped it up with Ian Davis. A creative powerhouse and talent, Davis honed his skills working with award-winning talent and some of the world's top brands and agencies as a creative strategist and producer. He’s also committed to empowering artists by fostering growth and wellness.

Sway spoke to Ian about how he found the tools to keep him focused.

Ian Davis: How do you stay grounded?

Sway Calloway: I isolate a lot sometimes to silence the things around me so I can silence my mind. I spend a lot of time in nature. I go fishing. I take a lot of walks. We’ve got a lot of local parks where I'm at in LA now. Sometimes early in the morning, I walk to the park and sit down and just smell the aroma we used to smell as kids when you went to the park or went to the playground. 

I like to watch people do organized sports–just off in the distance. Those things are calming to me. Silence calms me down. I continuously work to silence my mind. 

What one song is in your survival toolkit?

“I’ll Write A Song For You” by Earth, Wind & Fire. It’s a very beautiful song–not just because of the words, but because of the mashup of sounds that they use. It creates a really calming and beautiful vibration. 

What is the key to being well, for you?

Intentionality with my friends, the people i’ve been traveling with. Leaving myself open to receive them and being open enough for them to receive me. Being intentional with the relationships i have with friends and loved ones.