March-ing on….?
As "busy" has become a tired and insufficient adjective for life in our time (and even sometimes an excuse), I want to make sure I choose that morning cup of tea on the shoreline... to greet the sun and new day with gratitude. And it is always  more satisfying when I can share that with someone I love.  Then truly… Fortuna smiles for another moment!
May your March be blessed with moments claimed for their stillness, spaciousness, and gratitude!

Happy Mothers' Day!

Here's to all those who live the tireless commitment of nurturing new growth and unfolding in the children they are born to bring into the world. You are awesome and beautiful. And here's to all those mothers who have gone before us... your examples of love and patience, will and passion endure in our hearts.
And after 15 years, I still hold you Jeannine, as you held me... with gratitude and faith!
Merci beaucoup!

Happy April!

So out with the old, and in with the new is it? 'Farewell' to an Iron Lady, and 'Hello' to someone with large shoes to fill... claiming the legacy/title of one of nature's gentle ones- Francis.
Are we willing to try on new clothes, give each other another chance at re-inventing ourselves, and embrace the opportunities to truly live passionate, and compassionate lives?

One of my dear nieces shared a sweet thought yesterday, about a young child's observation of their family dogs' "being put down".... When the childs' parents were asked by the Veterinarian if their child was okay with being present at the procedure, they replied "no worries... our child knows that dogs have a shorter life than humans, because it doesn't take them as long to learn how to live life to the fullest"! Hip hip hoorah!

Looking forward to meeting a group of Vancouver Island University (Anthropology) students this week up in Cedar/Yellowpoint. I'll be introducing Music-Thanatology there, as well as in Richmond next month at an annual Nurses' Conference. There seems to be a sprouting of creative opportunities popping up, so  here's to sowing more seeds,  tending the garden, and watching good things grow!

Getting hands in the earth... and on the strings!

Be well.

Acoustic Treats

"Getting irrigated" Last nights' performance by Martin Joseph at Victoria's Alex Goolden Hall was like some full-on, hose-down water massage! The seemingly un-limited energy and generosity of this gifted Welsh Songwriter left me vibrating with a feeling of "no matter how confined circumstances may appear, there is change and promise all around!" And his anthemic "On my way...running, loving, stumbling" brought us all to our feet,in a village-making moment. Afterward, I passed out a "business card" to some acquaintances who had also enjoyed the show. As we parted, the fellow added, "I hope I don't have to use this (my services), but thanks".... It was a reminder that when we are honest with each other, our basic view of life is that we prefer life, not death. And I have often enough been asked if "spending so much time with death and dying" doesn't get depressing? Though I wrestle with depression on a rhythmic basis, I believe that, little by little, a more prevailing "focus of gratitude" seems to be the best "blue pill" I can ever need to reach for- of course getting together with friends and family for other music-making activity goes a long way to achieving a balance in the self-care department as well. So, we find our nourishment wherever we can, and hopefully keep "showing up" a little wiser each day! Thank you Corrie!

Staying with authentic experience....

A few friends gathered for a group meditation yesterday morning, which was part of a much broader "online community" meditation. I haven't done much of any "sitting" meditation for some time, and with others even less frequently.... However, something happened for me and the other 3 there, as we all agreed to share some of our experiences of what came up in the meditation, and how we might describe the "energy" within and between us, both during and afterwards, sitting in closer proximity. We agreed to "go deeper" than our usual safe, and familiar ways of communicating and relating to each other...(?)

I was aware of the great vulnerabilty I felt and the others also felt, but also of the great trust and responsibility that was implicit in our verbal reflections. Each one had a unique expression of what they had (and were) experiencing, and each one was able to be honest with the group about what was true and essential about what they saw and felt, in the moment. After finding a natural closing point, we relaxed into less intense being together, but the bond made during the meditation and reflections afterwards, made our "hanging out time" (over hot drinks) more potent and relaxed at the same time?!

If only we could carry that awareness and attentiveness out into our day.... and we can! Even if I have only very-superficial interactions with others in the course of a day, I can still remember their essential wholeness, through a brief meeting of the eyes, or any other more subtle soul imprint.... The urgent task before me is to also remember to hold the other with compassion!

I was also reminded by one of the group that each of us is here to do what we are good at, i.e. something that is unique to our particular experience and gifts. It was also reflected to me that each of us needs to put our gifts to their highest use, or towards where they will have the greatest impact. So, it thus follows that I need to revisit my musical gifts with this in mind, and to use my hands for music-making.... over and above swinging a hammer?.... Now if I could only find a way through this one!