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!

One chance.... one moment to enter!

So, while many courageous souls assert there human dignity and thirst for change around the planet, there is also a horizon for a more personal kind of exploration - a sojourn en France...!
Miryam and I will accompany Monique, Dominique, and Amber to the land of the Huchets...next month!
Besides much walking in Paris, there will be a special visit to the fountainhead of the medieval Labyrinth tradition at Chartres Cathedral, a "homecoming" tour of the Loire valley from west to east, and then South to Bourgogne, where a pilgrim of monastic infirmary music will connect with the beauty of Cluny and Taize....

I will be bringing a good-sized lyre (the reverie harp) with me as well, as that is the only harp-like instrument small enough for the overhead carry-on compartment of the plane. I fully intend to play wherever possible, and for whomever may benefit- be they infants... or bedridden elders....
It is a dream coming in to being, on this our 25th wedding anniversary year...!

We invite and look forward to a Bonne Voyage!
Grosses Bises!

Cooling Down to Autumn

What a summer!
Never as brief as what I imagine an Arctic bloom to be- some day I would like to get to see that! But summer for many of us Canadians is lamentably short. This one was sweet nonetheless. I am thankful for a generous helping of time in nature, with family, friends... but also many wonderful musical moments that included a pre-natal invitation to a new member of the family, several bedside vigils for elders on their end-of-life journey, memorials, funerals, and even a wedding thrown in there for good measure!
Now it's time for projects that bring me back to building inner resources, and to making good on a long-held dream of "laying down some tracks": a CD of Harp, Voice and other offerings that have lain dormant for too long. There seems to be a critical mass of motivation arising, and perhaps more importantly, a recognition that the time has come, and the right alignment of supportive souls and resources are present!
On to the studio!

Ensemble Laude Lauds

Thanks to Elizabeth and all the ensemble who put their hearts and souls into the tones that washed the walls in this last Sunday afternoon's Viriditas concert in Victoria.
The "surround sound" from behind our seats in the balcony sent shivers up and down my spine, and I felt nourished by the solo and multiple voice renderings that reverberated the very flesh and bones of St. Andrews' Presbyterian Church that day.

If you love Early Music delivered with passion and joy, then don't miss this groups' next offering- a matinee performance on Mother's Day (May 9th), at Providence Farm in Cowichan Bay. check them out:http://www.ensemblelaude.org/concerts.html

Heya!