The mix of cultures is one of the reasons I chose this band to be in my collection. Although I have to say I particularly love the voice of Iarla-o-lionaird. When I listen to the blending of cultural music, I am certain we have more in common than not.
This is why, I think, it has become important for me to share the music discovered over the years. As the hate crimes become ever present in North America, I worry we will never bridge the gap to understanding we all have a place, we all have purpose and the right to be included. It has been niggling at me to show in a simple way that we are all beautiful. It is difficult to explain why, but the music speaks to me, it is not just sound or words, it seems to go deeper.
When I saw the “FlashMob” videos, something just clicked inside me as I wondered what it would be like to have something similar happen on a grande scale. Watching the artists stroll casually into the performing area, where ever it was, made them approachable, just ordinary people. I think I have always considered them to be more somehow, their instruments, and their gifts giving them higher status. Maybe that has to do with being so young when I was introduced to the symphony. The grandeur of the auditorium, the elegant clothing, the power of the music all telling me the artists were special, bigger than life. But in the videos, they are part of the audience, there are no lines drawn to separate them. For me this indicates an intimacy connecting the audience to the artists. You can see it on the faces of those watching, there is wonder, happiness and for some the desire to join them. It feels like one big family gathered for celebration. There is no concern over who is standing beside you, what you’re wearing, what you look like because no one cares. They are absorbed in the art of listening, even if it is not music to your taste. For those few moments any differences are forgotten and there is unity, acceptance, enjoyment!
There is change happening, I can feel it in my body each morning when I wake, this kind of anxiousness telling me to be ready for something special or at least very different to happen. Maybe it is just because I feel it’s time for the next cycle, being rested and not as sad or scared as I was when I arrived here. I love those magic moments when you realize something, the answer coming to you from the corner of your mind where is was just waiting for you to recognize it. The lightbulb goes on and you suddenly feel confident for the recognition. Today was kind of like that. We got an unusually strong wind blow through, it seemed to emphasize those feelings, because it was very unusual. I felt like I was back in Saskatchewan where the wind blows that way almost every day, especially in the winter. It blew so hard it destroyed the gazebo type building where the “tickling pond” is. I was in my room when I heard a strange crash and thought a tree had just fallen. Worried I looked out to see it was far more than a tree, the metal roof having slid off the poles.
It was so strange to have this kind of destructive wind here, adding to my already unsettled feelings. Seeing it as the winds of change, settled my mind, letting go of the worry my roof might be next, and accepting the possibility of change. I have been trying to write this post all day, but every time I started, the nature around me kept grabbing my attention, never allowing me to stay focused. In the end I decided not to try anymore, just let it be and listen to those sounds of nature, hear their message. Finally, as the day came to a close, I decided to sleep on what was already written, not ready to post until now. The wind got my attention when it tore the building apart, enough to remind me there is purpose for all situations whether we understand or not. So don’t force the ending, let it come to you, be patient. It’s always easier for the one who knows the answer, right? I am a work in progress…..
Lately it seems there are many days which are most suited for the healing sounds of music. Allowing the rhythms to shut off the chatter in my mind so I can enjoy seeing what is in front of me. Sometimes I feel as if most of my day is spent on my iPad, as I forget to look up, look out and see life. This makes me realize it is as always, about balance, changing focus, appreciation for the small things and of course gratitude for being able to make the choice. No matter where you are or what your circumstances may be, you know this is true, for we must take time to appreciate the moments, step out of our routine. Let go of the worry of “getting there on time” and pull over to watch the sunrise or sunset because it is an amazing experience if you let it seep in, making the rest of your day fuller because of it. Breathe it in reminding you of what is of real importance – life itself.
I will venture to say everyone is afraid of “not having enough” whether they can admit it or not. This is why our bank account balance and credit rating are so important to us; saving for a rainy day…..It seems to me there would be more than enough for everyone if our focus was on ensuring “fair trade” rather than hoarding in the eventual self fulfilled prophecy of not enough to go around. But we have been taught to fear the consequences of not working hard enough to support the system, the system takes care of us, or so we are told. Before I left Canada, I realized the system would not take care of me, was not taking care of me in the now, rather I was taking care of the system, ensuring it’s success, not mine.
Living here has shown me where the rest of the world could be headed. Where the majority struggle to have enough, while the few gain tighter control over the resources. Decisions are made, not for the many, but for the few, in order for them to remain above us. Surviving is not necessarily living. I for one am demanding we find a better way! But first we must remember what living is – it is in breathing in the moments, not being a slave to someone else’s idea of success. Turning off the programming of radio and tv in order to hear to the different sounds of the world taught me this. Seeing and hearing the melding of cultures showing me there is a better way. It’s in the notes, it has been my whole life the thread tying me to my past, my parents, the cultures of their different worlds. Separated by the greed of others intentions, the music remained, keeping me connected – an invisible thread……
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