Hi, Everybody-
Here we are, each one of us in a WOW moment- that is, in a "World Of We". As I promised at the outset of this blog site, I will do my best to write about uplifting and inspiring things. There sure is enough news about cruel/violent acts, depressing financial circumstances, political unrest and natural catastrophes. People are suffering and enduring unbelievable events in every part of our world. Social media truly feels like a blood sport being played out in a virtual arena, where millions of anonymous contenders aim to kill with their words and images. Who would have imagined that words would be used to incite such hatred within our own country? Who could have imagined that images would be manipulated to obscure Truth? It's hard to feel balanced and calm.
Just to catch you all up a little bit on what I've been doing... I was fortunate in August to spend a good deal of time with family. If you don't know this, I am one of nine children, and so very grateful that our beautiful parents are still with us. I have 12 nieces and nephews. My husband is from a small family and is still trying to memorize names! August found us attending 2 beautiful weddings on back to back weekends in upstate NY.
In September I was invited to come to the Manhattan Neighborhood Network, a Public Access television station in NYC, to take part in a panel discussion for the Open to Hope Show, a series focused on reaching bereaved people to give them resources and emotional support as they are going through the grieving process, particularly after a recent loss. I met the show's founders, Drs. Heidi and Gloria Horsley, several years ago at a conference for The Compassionate Friends, where I was performing some of my original music. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been included on their panels for three episodes to perform some songs and talk about my book, "The Dancing Tree's Secret". The links for these panel discussions are included below.
This month I am working on an original recording at Rising Sun Music in Tampa. John Seda, the owner and engineer at RSM is a treasure and a gifted musician. Raul D Hernandez added some great percussion tracks to the mix. Writing music and taking it to the studio to hear it come into existence is truly "my happy place". I'm also enjoying the experience of teaching a virtual lesson to a young girl who lives in Broward County. I wouldn't say that it is my favorite way to instruct. There are so many variables involved and the audio quality is definitely compromised. The "one-on-one" alchemy of being physically present with a student during a lesson is greatly missed. I find myself actually reaching toward her on the screen to touch her shoulder...LOL.....frustrating! On the plus side, I'm not having to travel! Traffic has never been worse, in Florida. I used to like driving! Now, if I forget "that one thing" at the store, guess what? WE'RE NOT GOING BACK!! ( I know, I know, I said I wouldn't make any political comments. I can't help it. The undercurrent running in the background of my internal operating system is fear that our country is about to collapse. This is a time of extremes.
Okay....so here's a bit of advice from the iChing, an ancient Chinese text also known as The Book of Changes, which dates back to 1000-750 BC. I use an app on my phone, "Visionary I Ching-Software with a Soul". The artwork is simply incredible and the writing, literal translations of the original Chinese texts, never fails to give me insight. I actually meditated for a moment just now, to randomly select a reading for us, which is titled, "Organized Discipline" Here's what it said:
"When life is in balance, evil impulses are checked by human decency. If you hold or aspire to a position of leadership, remember that the true leader captures the hearts of the people by articulating the clear vision that binds them together. In the realm of governement, a good relationship between army and state is critical. Only when the state is economically prosperous can the army be strong. Only when the army is disciplined can the state be protected from disruptive outside forces. For this balance to be preserved, government must be steady and benevolent toward its own people. When balancing strong complementary forces like this, modesty and generosity in the leadship can be the magnetic force that keeps the relationships intact. Solidarity is essential for success."
Wow! Is that a timely bit of wisdom, or what? Are we too far gone to use words like "decency", "benevolent", "modesty", "generosity" and "solidarity"? In my heart, I pray that we are not. If we are able to embody these words in our own daily actions, maybe, just maybe, it will become a movement.....and we will come together.
Until Next Time-Let the Light Find You! xoxoxo Annie
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