Beannacht
For Josie
On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.
And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets in to you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green,
and azure blue
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.
-John O'Donohue
Just buy the book. Really. Go ahead. You'll surely get good use out it.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Lord is My Shepherd: The 23rd Psalm
Ten years ago, Beliefnet.com asked to license a recording of mine (Mother Ann's Song) to accompany an audiovisual meditation on The 23rd Psalm. It was their first video, my first licensing deal, and was the most popular meditation on their home page for years. It's been a long time since I thought about it, so when it popped into my head this morning, I went to find it. At first I had a hard time, wading through so many ads, navigating down and in, but I finally arrived at the Christian Inspiration page, where lo and behold, there it still is, in front of God and everybody. The visual design was done by Kaeshi Chai, an award winning designer and belly dancer. More than 2000 people have "Liked" it on Facebook (who knew?), and God-only-knows how many people have watched it so far. Check it out, you'll like it, too. If you know someone who's having a hard time this week, you can share it with them.
All blessings of the season to you and yours.
All blessings of the season to you and yours.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Next Steps for Occupiers: Dec. 17th and 18th
Be there if you can. Here are a couple of links to help you get there:
http://d17re-occupy.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/306057236094749/
https://www.facebook.com/events/292357677466842/
As I write, OWS is coming to its 3-month anniversary. The Episcopal Cathedral in Boston has offered space for Occupy Boston to converse three nights a week, since they've been kicked out of Dewey Park. Episcopal News Service writes today of Dean of the Cathedral Jep Streit: “The issues raised by the Occupy movement are important to be discussing in society, and so I’m happy to offer our cathedral to provide hospitality and a venue so those conversations can continue," Streit said, noting he felt that attention had of late shifted to controversy over the protesters’ encampment and away from the economic and social justice issues at hand...
Meanwhile, back in NYC, the wealthiest Episcopal Church/Corporation is still making poor choices, hunger strikers are on Day 12, and protester's arrested on the Brooklyn Bridge are in court demanding proof that they broke the law.
Many people think that the OWS movement has had its day, but it won't go away, because people are finding and being found by one another, and one-anothering is the most powerful thing there is. It is acknowledging the power of belovedness that is our gift and right as human beings. Everyone deserves love, and at the very least, people deserve to meet and learn from one another. Never underestimate the power of community. Never underestimate the need for it, nor your inability to control it. Community is what we build together when we all really show up and engage with one another as equals. Implicit in this equality is that people are smart enough to ask for what they need. The Occupiers need a space in which to engage.
Just before Thanksgiving, I had lunch with a friend who had just driven back from Judson Memorial Church the morning after Mayor Bloomberg evicted protesters from Zuccotti Park. She had spent the morning hanging out with some homeless queer teens who had joined OWS because they had felt safe and like they were a part of something important, and they couldn't believe she cared to spend time with them. They asked "You're a pastor?" She assured them she was. "And you want to be with us?" She said yes, she did.
At lunch she began berating herself, and a couple of institutions, because of their privilege. She understood that her being willing to sit with the least of those among us is a conscious choice, and that she could choose to be there because of her privilege. She understands privilege in a way that escapes too many of us. I told her to be gentle with herself. She went and sat with these kids. That's all it takes sometimes to remind someone of their belovedness and humanity; space, a warm meal, some clean socks, and a place to come in out of the cold.
However, it depends on what you have. Trinity Wall Street is not merely an individual, and keeps missing the point. The decision to either exercise or forgo one's privilege (or the privilege enjoyed by one's institution) is a choice that must be made over and again, every day, in every situation. The key is to stay present. It doesn't matter what the choice was last week, or what you might hope for in the future. What you do now is the thing that matters most.
Hey Trinity! Do unto others, brothers. That land was given to you. This Christmas, give the gift of one-anothering.
Questions for reflection :)
1) Where does one go if one doesn't own something or can't afford to rent something?
2) Why do we need police to protect nonviolent gatherings in public spaces?
3) If you're afraid of gathering in a free society, are you really free?
http://d17re-occupy.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/306057236094749/
https://www.facebook.com/events/292357677466842/
As I write, OWS is coming to its 3-month anniversary. The Episcopal Cathedral in Boston has offered space for Occupy Boston to converse three nights a week, since they've been kicked out of Dewey Park. Episcopal News Service writes today of Dean of the Cathedral Jep Streit: “The issues raised by the Occupy movement are important to be discussing in society, and so I’m happy to offer our cathedral to provide hospitality and a venue so those conversations can continue," Streit said, noting he felt that attention had of late shifted to controversy over the protesters’ encampment and away from the economic and social justice issues at hand...
Meanwhile, back in NYC, the wealthiest Episcopal Church/Corporation is still making poor choices, hunger strikers are on Day 12, and protester's arrested on the Brooklyn Bridge are in court demanding proof that they broke the law.
Many people think that the OWS movement has had its day, but it won't go away, because people are finding and being found by one another, and one-anothering is the most powerful thing there is. It is acknowledging the power of belovedness that is our gift and right as human beings. Everyone deserves love, and at the very least, people deserve to meet and learn from one another. Never underestimate the power of community. Never underestimate the need for it, nor your inability to control it. Community is what we build together when we all really show up and engage with one another as equals. Implicit in this equality is that people are smart enough to ask for what they need. The Occupiers need a space in which to engage.
Just before Thanksgiving, I had lunch with a friend who had just driven back from Judson Memorial Church the morning after Mayor Bloomberg evicted protesters from Zuccotti Park. She had spent the morning hanging out with some homeless queer teens who had joined OWS because they had felt safe and like they were a part of something important, and they couldn't believe she cared to spend time with them. They asked "You're a pastor?" She assured them she was. "And you want to be with us?" She said yes, she did.
At lunch she began berating herself, and a couple of institutions, because of their privilege. She understood that her being willing to sit with the least of those among us is a conscious choice, and that she could choose to be there because of her privilege. She understands privilege in a way that escapes too many of us. I told her to be gentle with herself. She went and sat with these kids. That's all it takes sometimes to remind someone of their belovedness and humanity; space, a warm meal, some clean socks, and a place to come in out of the cold.
However, it depends on what you have. Trinity Wall Street is not merely an individual, and keeps missing the point. The decision to either exercise or forgo one's privilege (or the privilege enjoyed by one's institution) is a choice that must be made over and again, every day, in every situation. The key is to stay present. It doesn't matter what the choice was last week, or what you might hope for in the future. What you do now is the thing that matters most.
Hey Trinity! Do unto others, brothers. That land was given to you. This Christmas, give the gift of one-anothering.
Questions for reflection :)
1) Where does one go if one doesn't own something or can't afford to rent something?
2) Why do we need police to protect nonviolent gatherings in public spaces?
3) If you're afraid of gathering in a free society, are you really free?
Saturday, December 10, 2011
A Shruti Box Makes a Perfect Gift
Today I found out I have a new nickname: Shruti Box Queen. Since I often play a shruti box in public, and they have a wonderful and entrancing sound, I do get a lot of questions. 
"How does it work?" (A drone instrument, a shruti box uses metal reeds, like an accordion or a harmonium) "Is it hard to learn?" Nope, simple. "How much do they cost?" About $300 usd. "Where can I get one?" Ah, there's the rub. When I bought my second one, after playing my first one into the ground, it was pure serendipity. I was in Louisville, KY and my friend Margaret Ann took me to a cool music store that no longer exists. The sweet owner man was very nice, and I walked around (cue Bernard Herrmann score here) and there she was, looking cute as a button, at eye level standing next to her sister. I played them both, and then walked away and looked at every other instrument in that store. Then I went back and chose the cuter sister; let it suffice to say I still love her.
Today I got another email from a friend introducing me to a friend who wants advice on purchasing a shruti box. This happens every couple of weeks, and I sometimes think I should start a wholesale business for all the odd instruments I play, but then I wouldn't have any time to play them. I've decided to offer up this little primer now because it's the most wonderful time of the year.
Where to buy a shruti box:
My place of choice to purchase a Shruti box if you are in the USA is shrutibox.com. I haven't dealt with them personally, but I've heard from at least six people that Ron is a real mensch and nice to work with. He sells the type of shruti I use (small, walnut, keys arranged in two rows like a keyboard). I've sent about a dozen people to him, and they're all happy droners. I'm also hoping he stays in business long enough to use him when I wear out my current shruti.
If you are a man and want the box for personal use, buy the M-1 (ain't he sweet?), a male shruti box (notes are G-G). If you want it for mixed use, i.e. with a choir or women's voices, buy the female version above (notes are middle C-C above). Women, just buy the female box (pictured above), unless you've already got one and want to play with another one without waiting for your prince to come. My friend Donald has the M-1 and I definitely covet the pretty purple paper and range.
WARNING: Do not cheap out and buy a shruti box from Lark in the Morning, no matter what, ever! They are a good place for some things (my Bowed Psaltery is from them - not the best by far, but good), but NOT A SHRUTI BOX. Two of my friends bought from them and I played one of them a couple of weeks ago. It was awful and they wouldn't take it back. I appreciate the fact that it's a lot cheaper, but OMG, just say no! Better to get the Shruti Box App for your Android or iphone (Google Shruti Box App).
A good shruti box calls to you from across a crowded room (cue Rodgers and Hammerstein here), and will transform your singing life (once you have found her, neh - ver - let - her - go...). Yeah, like that.
Keshav Music in NYC is a fine option for classic Indian shruti boxes, with lots of options. Keshav works best by appointment, and yes you need one, even for regular business hours, because it's best if you can go there and try the box in person. Patience is the operative word with them, but you can get a fine, classic shruti box.
I don't have any firm leads on international suppliers yet, but when I get some info, I'll add it as a comment.
I'm sure I still know lots of folks who have lived their entire lives without hearing the words "Shruti Box" and are completely well-integrated individuals. However, if you feel like you might be missing something wonderful from your life, YOU MIGHT NEED A SHRUTI BOX! Practice singing every day with a true friend that will not judge you, but will keep you honest... a shruti box can be your best friend, especially to help you get comfortable with close harmonies. It's also sweet for improvisation practice and working with the modes.
(I don't receive any remuneration for any shruti boxes sold anywhere on the planet.)
Today I got another email from a friend introducing me to a friend who wants advice on purchasing a shruti box. This happens every couple of weeks, and I sometimes think I should start a wholesale business for all the odd instruments I play, but then I wouldn't have any time to play them. I've decided to offer up this little primer now because it's the most wonderful time of the year.
Where to buy a shruti box:
My place of choice to purchase a Shruti box if you are in the USA is shrutibox.com. I haven't dealt with them personally, but I've heard from at least six people that Ron is a real mensch and nice to work with. He sells the type of shruti I use (small, walnut, keys arranged in two rows like a keyboard). I've sent about a dozen people to him, and they're all happy droners. I'm also hoping he stays in business long enough to use him when I wear out my current shruti.
WARNING: Do not cheap out and buy a shruti box from Lark in the Morning, no matter what, ever! They are a good place for some things (my Bowed Psaltery is from them - not the best by far, but good), but NOT A SHRUTI BOX. Two of my friends bought from them and I played one of them a couple of weeks ago. It was awful and they wouldn't take it back. I appreciate the fact that it's a lot cheaper, but OMG, just say no! Better to get the Shruti Box App for your Android or iphone (Google Shruti Box App).
A good shruti box calls to you from across a crowded room (cue Rodgers and Hammerstein here), and will transform your singing life (once you have found her, neh - ver - let - her - go...). Yeah, like that.
Keshav Music in NYC is a fine option for classic Indian shruti boxes, with lots of options. Keshav works best by appointment, and yes you need one, even for regular business hours, because it's best if you can go there and try the box in person. Patience is the operative word with them, but you can get a fine, classic shruti box.
I don't have any firm leads on international suppliers yet, but when I get some info, I'll add it as a comment.
I'm sure I still know lots of folks who have lived their entire lives without hearing the words "Shruti Box" and are completely well-integrated individuals. However, if you feel like you might be missing something wonderful from your life, YOU MIGHT NEED A SHRUTI BOX! Practice singing every day with a true friend that will not judge you, but will keep you honest... a shruti box can be your best friend, especially to help you get comfortable with close harmonies. It's also sweet for improvisation practice and working with the modes.
(I don't receive any remuneration for any shruti boxes sold anywhere on the planet.)
Friday, December 2, 2011
Imaging the Sacred Art of Chant II
Last month I shared the call for an online art exhibition I was curating for the Episcopal Church and the Visual Arts. Click here to be taken to ECVA's Advent Art Exhibition, where you can see a diversity of art inspired by sound. Thanks to C. Robin Janning and Diane Walker for inviting me into their world and walking me through the process.
Dabar, by Chuck Hoffman and Peg Carlson-Hoffman. "Dabar, which is translated as ‘word,’ implies deeds and actions, not just words. This creative energy or word of God we believe is still active today—it is constantly creating and inviting us (all beings) to participate in this continuous process." - from the artist's statement.
Enjoy the beautiful art, and don't forget to read the Curator's Statement while you're there.
“This is the gift that God holds out to us in this season:
to carry the light, but also to see in the dark,
and to find the shapes of things in the shadows.”
- Jan L. Richardson, in Night Visions
Dabar, by Chuck Hoffman and Peg Carlson-Hoffman. "Dabar, which is translated as ‘word,’ implies deeds and actions, not just words. This creative energy or word of God we believe is still active today—it is constantly creating and inviting us (all beings) to participate in this continuous process." - from the artist's statement.
Enjoy the beautiful art, and don't forget to read the Curator's Statement while you're there.
“This is the gift that God holds out to us in this season:
to carry the light, but also to see in the dark,
and to find the shapes of things in the shadows.”
- Jan L. Richardson, in Night Visions
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