Reflection for today…Critical Reading -Henry David Thoreau & Tupac Shakur

* Editor’s Note: Today {September 13th, 1996} marks the 23rd anniversary of Tupac’s tragic death at the age of 25.

Rest in Peace Tupac.

We will continue to celebrate your life and your legacy.

{Things are not the same without you…}

https://2paclegacy.net/today-marks-23-years-since-tupac-was-killed/ 

In this reflection, I wanted to explore the intellectual and poetic side of Tupac that is rarely discussed {the same happens with Jim Morrison the lead singer of The Doors}.

I hope to explore other artist’s reading lists in future reflections.

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“Readers are plentiful;  

thinkers are rare.”  
–Henry David Thoreau

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Tupac Shakur was always hungry for knowledge.  

He was a voracious reader and student of life. His passion for learning and social justice advocacy was a part of his essence. 

Tupac’s intellectual power came from a vast knowledge of eclectic topics. He loved to explore esoteric, the metaphysical and philosophical topics. This study became the foundation for his song lyrics and life philosophy.

His mother, Afeni Shakur, had already instilled in him a revolutionary education as she was a member of The Black Panthers. She passed on her wisdom and Tupac continued to polish the jewels.

Tupac was truly an autodidact {a self-taught person}. He would educate others through his song lyrics.

“Before his tragic death at age of 25, Tupac rapped about poverty, violence in the black community, police brutality, black empowerment, political strategy and spirituality.” https://www.blackfaves.com/story/11-books-tupac-shakurs-bookshelf-still-relevant-today/

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In this short video, Tupac’s first manager Leila Steinberg discusses Tupac’s love of literature and critical thinking.

“Leila Steinberg is an artist and community organizer who began working with youth twenty years ago in the San Francisco Bay area. As the daughter of a criminal defence attorney, she grew up surrounded by the workings of the justice system and took a front row seat at the personal tragedies and socio-economic pressures that turn so many at-risk youths into hardened felons. Steinberg helps them connect with their hearts and turn anger and pain into creativity.
AIM promotes artistic expression as a way to handle problems as opposed to choosing violence, drugs or other forms of escape. As the program facilitator, Steinberg sees confronting pain as the best way to move past it. She believes self-awareness is a key to making better choices.
Steinberg is committed to helping people who fall through the cracks of society. In 1995 she began a series of specialized programs for youth within the juvenile justice system and those residing in residential treatment facilities. As hip-hop music became the expression of today’s youth, Steinberg began training artists to develop voices powerful enough to reach a generation. While conducting poetry workshops in Northern California, she met Tupac Shakur and he became a regular participant in her class. They shared a vision of developing a space where each artist in attendance is encouraged, inspired and motivated to address social change in their work. Tupac referred to Leila as the “bow” and himself as the “arrow.” –http://www.pinlight.com/leila.htm

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This clip is from the movie Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel.

It is said to be a “documentary examining the politics, music and life of Tupac Shakur.”

This is the description from the Youtube video…

“This is a list of books read by Tupac during his lifetime including while he was at the Baltimore School of Arts and in prison. They are presented in no particular order. The topics include Black history, the afterlife, religion including Zen, war, women’s liberation, music, and poetry. Reading these books, it is clear how they moulded Tupac’s thinking and language. This is a handy list of good reading material if you ever find yourself locked up.”

 One Hundred Years of Solitude
Written by: Gabriel Garcia Marquez

1984
Written by: George Orwell

Ah, This!
Written by: Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

All God’s Children:
The Boskett Family and the American Tradition of Violence
Written by: Fox Butterfield

All You Need to Know About the Music Business
Written by: Donald Passman

And Still I Rise
Written by: Maya Angelou

Art of War
Written by: Sun Tzu

Assata: An Autobiography
Written by: Assata Shakur

At the Bottom of the River
Written by: Jamaica Kincaid

The Autobiography of Malcolm X
As told to: Alex Haley

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is
Written by: A.C. Bhaktive-danta Swami Prabhupada

Black Like Me
Written by: John Howard Griffin

Black Sister:
Poetry by Black American Women, 1746 to 1980
Edited by Earlene Stetson

Blues People
Written by: Amiri Baraka

Catcher in the Rye
Written by: J.D. Salinger

The Complete Illustrated Book of the Psychic Sciences
Written by: Walter B. Gibson and Litzka R. Gibson

The Confessions of Nat Turner
Written by: William Styron

The Destiny of the Nations
Written by: Alice A. Bailey

The Diary of Anais Nin
Edited and with a Preface by: Gunther Stuhlmann

The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy
Written by: E.D. Hirsch, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, James Trefil

The Grapes of Wrath
Written by: John Steinbeck

Great White Lie:
Slavery, Emancipation and Changing Racial Attitudes
Written by: Jack Gratus

The Harder We Run:
Black Workers Since the Civil War
Written by: William H. Harris

Here and Hereafter
Written by: Ruth Montgomery

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
Written by: Maya Angelou

I Shall Not Be Moved
Written by: Maya Angelou

Imitation of Christ
Written by: Thomas a Kempis

In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens
Written by: Alice Walker

Initiation
Written by: Elisabeth Haich

Interesting People:
Black American History Makers
Written by: George L. Lee

James Baldwin: The Legacy
Edited by: Quincy Troupe

Kabbalah
Written by: Gersham Scholem

Life and Words of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Written by: Ira Peck

Life as Carola
Written by: Joan Grant

Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs
Written by: Linda Goodman

Makes Me Wanna Holler
Written by: Nathan McCall

The Meaning of Masonry
Written by: W.L. Wilmshurst

Moby Dick
Written by: Herman Melville

Monster:
The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member
Written by: Sanyika Shakur

Music of Black Americans: A History
Written by: Eileen Southern

Mysticism
Written by: Evelyn Underhill

Native Son
Written by: Richard Wright

Nature, Man and Woman
Written by: Alan W. Watts

No Man Is an Island
Written by: Thomas Merton

Nostradamus: The Millennium & Beyond
Written by: Peter Lorie

The Phenomenon of Man
Written by: Teilhard de Chardin

Ponder on This: A Compilation
From the Writings of: Alice A Bailey & the Tibetan Master, Djwhal Khul

The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing
Written by: Mark Bricklin

The Prince
Written by: Niccolo Machiavelli

The Psychedelic Experience:
A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead
Written by: Timothy Leary, Ph.D., Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., Richard Alpert, Ph.D.

The Psychic Realm
Written by: Naomi A. Hintze and J. Gaither Pratt, Ph.D.

A Raisin in the Sun
Written by: Lorraine Hansberry

Roots
Written by: Alex Haley

Savage Inequalities: Children in America’s Schools
Written by: Jonathan Kozol

Secret Splendor
Written by: Charles Essert

Serving Humanity
From the writings of: Alice A. Bailey

Sisterhood is Powerful:
Anthology of Writings from the Women’s Liberation Movement
Written by: Robin Morgan

The State of the World Atlas
Written by: Michael Kidron and Ronald Segal

Social Essays
Written by: LeRoi Jones

The Souls of Black Folk
Written by: W.E. Burghardt DuBois

Teachings of the Buddha
Written by: Jack Kornfield

Telepathy
Written by: Alice A Bailey

The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Written by: W.Y. Evans-Wentz

Thoughts and Meditations
Written by: Kahlil Gibran

Tropic of Cancer
Written by: Henry Miller

The Visionary Poetics of Allen Ginsberg
Written by: Paul Portuges

Wisdom of Insecurity
Written by: A.N. Watts

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Written by: Robert M. Pirsig

Copied from: https://www.thuglifearmy.com/index.php/tupac-reading-library.html

{Goodreads also has an alternate list of books that Tupac read}.

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For more information…

Henry David Thoreau…http://thoreau.library.ucsb.edu/thoreau_life.html

Tupac Shakur…http://2pac.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000637/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/23942.Books_Read_by_Tupac_Shakur_

Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel Movie…http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314806/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

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Peace & Poetic Love…

-V.

Reflection for today…Radiate Boundless Love -Buddha & Richard Ashcroft

“Radiate boundless love towards the entire world 

— above, below, and across

— unhindered, without ill will, without enmity.”

– The Buddha

(From the Metta Sutta)

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Please enjoy Leave Me High by Richard Ashcroft…

 

Richard Ashcroft’s angelic voice feels like such a healing vibration. I truly feel his soul radiating boundless love. Listening to the beauty of this song brings me to the point of tears. Richard is indeed blessed with such a gift and talent. Through his art, he is able to contribute to the healing of the world {like other artists}.

In Leave Me High, Richard says that “no love can fulfill like this love that you give.” He isn’t specifically talking about a lover in a typical romantic sense {although he could be}. Another possibility is that he is referencing self-love; where no one else can complete you or fulfill you like your own love can.

The idea of self-love as a source of spiritual strength and healing is discussed at length in the mastery of love by Don Miguel Ruiz. Self-love is the key to happiness and peace in our relationships with others and ourselves. For Don Miguel Ruiz, self-love is non-negotiable because it is so married to respect. It is the key ingredient for a spiritually and emotionally fulfilled life.

“Humans hunt for love. We feel that we need that love because we believe we don’t have love, because we don’t love ourselves. We hunt for love in other humans just like us, expecting to get love from them when these humans are in the same condition as we are. They don’t love themselves either, so how much love can we get from them? We merely create a bigger need that isn’t real; we keep hunting and hunting, but in the wrong place, because other humans don’t have the love we need.” 

― Miguel Ruiz, The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship –Toltec Wisdom Book

 

I suspect that Richard is referring to God or a universal/higher power where no one can fulfill him like this divine love does. He sings, …”leave me high, leave me looking over mountains in the heavens…”. The song has a spiritual vibe to me and love is equated with ascension and enlightenment, “your love take me higher, bring me light, everything.”

The main thesis to me is “take those chains from your heart and soul.” In essence, Richard is speaking about emancipation but from what? I think the chains are the walls that we keep to protect our hearts.  We can become imprisoned by all the ways that we try to protect ourselves from pain, loss/grief, suffering and betrayal. By wearing armour on our hearts and souls, we risk missing out on real intimacy, love and healing. It is much wiser to listen to Richard and “take those chains from your heart and soul…”

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What is your interpretation of this song?

I am by no means right or wrong.

I just thought it would be fun to try to interpret it.

 

Have you read the mastery of love?

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Lyrics

“Leave me high
Leave me looking
Leave me low
Leave me warm
No love can fulfill
Like this love that you give
Leave me high
Leave me looking
Over mountains in the heavens
No love can fulfill
Like this love that you give

Hello, hello, hello, hello
Yeah, hello, hello, hello, hello

Wasted moments come together
Like a boat on a stream
Your love take me higher
Bring me light, everything
Oh take those chains from within my soul
Like a slow train moving my soul on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Take those chains from your heart and soul
Like a slow train moving my soul on

Hello, hello, hello, hello

Take those chains from your heart and soul
Like a slow train moving my soul on
Take those chains from your heart and soul
Yeah like a slow train
Take those chains from your heart and soul
Yeah like a slow train
Take those chains from your heart and soul
Yeah like a slow train 
Take those chains from your heart and soul
Like a slow train moving my soul on
Through the mountains over heavens
Take those chains from your heart and soul
Yeah like a slow train
Take those chains from your heart and soul
Through the mountains over heavens
Through the mountains over heavens
Leave me high
Leave me looking.”

https://www.richardashcroftonline.com/lyrics/leavemehigh.html

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For more information…

Buddha….https://www.iep.utm.edu/buddha/

https://www.lionsroar.com/who-was-the-buddha/

https://www.diamondway-buddhism.org/buddhism/buddha/

Richard Ashcroft…http://richardashcroft.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe4D66kzmrI3TI2gPz6WjTw

https://www.facebook.com/richardashcroft/

https://twitter.com/richardashcroft?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

The Mastery of Love Book…https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/81939.The_Mastery_of_Love

Don Miguel Ruiz…http://www.miguelruiz.com/

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Peace & Healing Love…

Reflection for today…I’m Waiting For You -Haruki Murakami & Garbage

“For a while” is a phrase whose length can’t be measured.

At least by the person who’s waiting.” 
―Haruki Murakami,   

South of the Border, West of the Sun

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Please enjoy Milk {Siren Mix} by Garbage {& Shirley Manson’s soulful voice}…

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Lyrics

I am milk
I am red hot kitchen
And I am cool
Cool as the deep blue ocean

I am lost
So I am cruel
But I’d be love and sweetness
If I had you
I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

I am weak
But I am strong
I can use my tears to
Bring you home
I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

I am milk
I am red hot kitchen
I am cool
Cool as the deep blue ocean

I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

I’m aching for you
I’m aching for you

I’m waiting
I’m waiting
I’m waiting
For you

Songwriters: Douglas Elwin Erickson / Shirley Ann Manson / Steve W. Marker / Bryan David Vig

Milk lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group

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For more information…

Haruki Murakami…http://www.harukimurakami.com/

Garbage…https://garbage.com/

https://www.instagram.com/garbage/?hl=en

Shirley Manson…https://www.facebook.com/shirleymanson/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1276549/

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Peace…

Reflection for today…I Against I -The Bhagavad Gita & Mos Def

“He who has conquered himself by the Self,

he is a friend of himself;

but he whose self is unconquered,

his self acts as his own enemy like an external foe.”
–Bhagavad-Gita, VI.6

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You can be your best friend or your own worst enemy. It really is your choice. Sadly, most people are their own worst enemies. They consciously or unconsciously engage in self-sabotage/self-destructive behaviour.

This is the shadow side that Carl Jung talks about. {I will be discussing this fascinating concept in future posts}.

The question is: how to emancipate yourself from your self-destructive prison?

How do you stop fighting yourself?

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Please enjoy I Against I by Mos Def…

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Lyrics

“I-ya, I against I, flesh of my flesh, and mind of my mind,

two of a kind but one won’t survive,

my images reflect in the enemies eye, and his images reflect in mine the same time,

I-ya, I-ya, I against I, flesh of my flesh, and mind of my mind, two of a kind but one won’t survive,

Right here is where the end gon’ start at, conflict, contact ‘n’ combat,

fighters stand where the land is marked at, settle the dispute about who the livest, 3 word answer, Whoever survive this, only one of us can ride forever, so you and I can’t ride together, can’t live or cant die together, all we can do is collide together, so I skillfully apply the pressure, won’t stop until I’m forever… one! A doorstep where death never come, spread across time til my time never done, and I’m never done, walk tall, why ever run? when they move if I ever come? bad man never fret the war, tell’em come general we have the stock, the mad fire burn I-ya,

I against I, flesh of my flesh, and mind of my mind, two of a kind but one won’t survive, my images reflect in the enemies eye, and his images reflect in mine the same time, I-ya, I-ya,

I against I, flesh of my flesh, and mind of my mind, two of a kind but one won’t survive, survive (x16)

Reign supreme in your U-N-I, V-E-R-S-E with the sharpness, narrow row building no space for partners, no space for drivers, no space for walkers, no space regardless, your on my path then get off it, hardheaded and unresponsive, get they lives put on target with harshness, come with the canons sparkin’ they darken, who am i? one man squadron, Ma stir the fire this time that’d snatch your tomorrow, the thousand-yard spear that’ll pierce through your armour, you can get it on right now if you want to, but when ya front 9 get marched through, I warned you, You know who forever belong to,

I-ya, I-ya I against I, flesh of my flesh, and mind of my mind, two of a kind but one won’t survive, my images reflect in the enemies eye, and his images reflect in mine the same time, I-ya, I-ya, I against I, flesh of my flesh, and mind of my mind, two of a kind but one won’t survive, my images reflect in the enemies eye, and his images reflect in mine, survive survive (x16).”

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For more information…

Bhagavad Gita…http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/

Mos Def {who is now called Yasiin Bey}…https://www.facebook.com/yasiinbey/

Carl Jung…https://www.cgjungpage.org/

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Peace…

Reflection for today…Intimate Conversation -Haruki Murakami

“We used to spend hours talking.

We never got tired of talking, never ran out of topics – novels, the world, scenery, language.

Our conversations were more open and intimate than any lovers’.” 
―Haruki Murakami,    Sputnik Sweetheart

Dr. Hannibal Lecter’s relationship to FBI Profiler Will Graham is one of deep intimacy. It is a complicated relationship of intellectual equals and more. Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy played it beautifully. 

I really cannot recommend watching Hannibal enough. It is by far one of my most favourite television series ever. I really think Bryan Fuller, the gifted actors and his team have created a cinematic masterpiece made for television.

Hannibal is surreal and sophisticated with a dark romanticism. It is cerebral as it delves into the psyches of FBI profiler Will Graham and Dr.Hannibal Lecter. 

It will be a delight for anyone that enjoys psychology, criminology, Bryan Fuller’s creative vision and Thomas Harris‘ books respectively.

Have you seen Hannibal?

What did you think?

Does it haunt you?

It haunts me in the most beautiful way…

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For More Information…

Haruki Murakami…

http://www.harukimurakami.com

Thomas Harris

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12455.Thomas_Harris

Hannibal Television Series…

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2243973/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Mads Mikkelsen…

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0586568/?ref_=tt_cl_t2

Hugh Dancy…

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0199215/?ref_=tt_cl_t1

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Hugh Dancy & Mads Mikkelsen Wish You Peace…

-V.

Stream of Consciousness Reflections…Psychic Cords

Aloha.

I came across this article on the internet about psychic cords. It proposes that we are connected psychically through these cords and we stay connected even if a relationship ends. The relevant quote from the article says:

…”It doesn’t matter if you were the person who walked away or if someone else left you, a loss is felt either way. It is especially painful if a relationship ends without closure. Unfortunately, often times when people “breakup” what they don’t realize is that they may very well still have cords attached…”

I am not sure if everything this quote proposes is true- especially about both parties feeling the loss. Someone that leaves their partner for someone else or simply wants the relationship to end may not feel any loss- not at all like the abandoned and rejected party does.

It can be painful when a relationship ends without closure. This part is obvious because at least one of the two people is left in the dark wondering what they think they did wrong or how they didn’t measure up. Luckily, you can always try to find closure on your own and cut the psychic cord to start a new chapter in your life. That ending can lead to a new beginning with someone that truly deserves you. 

Can we be psychically attached to someone? I think so.

What about you?

Agent Mulder from The X-Files

Please enjoy…To You Alone by The Beta Band

{I love the line,

“A black box inside my mind
Records the time we spent together.”

It truly is genius to think of our memories stored on a black box just like the black box on an air plane that records the flight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPzeHM9fsww

Live Version…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEiurCeu9lc

“If you could look at me from above my feet
I’ll have you back in time for me, don’t look back for me
There’s not a lottery for you in there
Guitar in hand, hold it like a song man

You do not realise the line that runs from me

Too glad to visualise the lie line that runs from me

I’m sending out, I’m sadder now
Before the sky will fall on yer, who’s calling yer
A black box inside my mind
Records the time we spent together

You do not realise the line that runs from me
Across the universe to you alone
The universe, are you alone
Are you alone
Are you alone
Are you alone
Are you alone
I’m a-singin like a fool
I’m a-singin like a fool
I’m a-singin like a fool
I’m a-singin like a fool

She’s like the snow-capped trees in my jigsaw
Lose at the seams within fear of your dreams
She’s like a fool you meet at the hot store
Hand in the pale, and the blacker the veil
The blacker the veil

I’m a-singin like a fool
I’m a-singin like a fool
I’m a-singin like a fool
I’m a-singin like a fool

I’m sending out, I’m sadder now
Before the sky will fall on yer, who’s calling yer
A black box inside my mind
Records the time we spent together

You do not realise the line that runs from me
Across the universe to you alone
Are you alone
Are you alone
Are you alone
Are you alone
Are you alone
Are you alone
I’m a-singin like a fool.”

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For more information…

The Beta Band…https://www.facebook.com/thebetas

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Peace & Psychic Love…

Reflection for today…Deconstructing Happiness -Karl Pilkington

*This post is dedicated to my friend Olly who is the biggest Karl Pilkington fan that I know.

Karl Pilkington is a critical thinker.

Karl Loves To Think Outside The Box…

Part of Karl’s mass appeal is that he stays true to himself. Despite his massive success, Karl seems to still be authentic. He is always honest, curious, humble and so funny. He is best known as comedian Ricky Gervais’ friend and colleague on their very successful podcasts The Ricky Gervais Show. He was the star of an idiot abroad and even wrote a diary about his adventures. His latest creative endeavour is the moaning of life.

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In this short video clip Karl deconstructs happiness in relation to physical beauty/fitness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnoIj624Wf8

Happiness | The Moaning of Life | Karl Pilkington

For the moaning of life, he meets a man who has had 120 procedures and approximately $150,000 worth of plastic surgeries. Karl posed without his shirt next to the man who’s had all the plastic surgeries. The interviewer says to Karl, “I am quite impressed with that you don’t care. You are happy to stand there posing with your top off. And let’s face it, you haven’t the best body known to man.”

I love Karl’s humble yet refreshing attitude in response to the interviewer. He replies that his body is “not a bad one…it works. But I understand that any women watching this wouldn’t go…oh, look at him. But that’s the reality isn’t it? That’s what most people look like.” Why is Karl’s physique so unattractive or unacceptable?? I don’t think it is by any means. It’s a manner of perception and what we are being sold {in an ideological sense i.e. perfection}. Most people prefer fantasy and illusion instead of truth. Karl Pilkington is the ultimate realist and he employs his critical thinking skills to deconstruct the situation.

Karl inquisitively asks, “So I don’t know what’s happened where they think that’s normal on the left.” Adverting has sent people on a relentless quest for perfection, beauty/sex appeal and youth. Men are now being attacked with similar psychological warfare that women are attacked with {albeit to a much lesser degree}. Even children are being groomed as consumers.

We are reduced to our exterior appearances- not even amounting to the sum of our parts. In the mainstream media, what we look like has solely defined who we are. Our rich inner life, emotions, intellect, spirituality have been erased from the discourse and divorced from our identities. I wonder what consequences this emotional and spiritual disconnection will bring. We cannot allow society, marketing/advertising to dictate to us who we are. Your self identity needs to be your own creation because only you know who you are inside.

The ridiculous new plastic surgery that Karl mentions is testicle ironing. What has happened to people that they need to invent these new procedures? Are they really that bored or obsessed with unattainable perfection? Why don’t people focus on true problems in humanity: poverty; hunger; war; abuse to children, animals, women, the environment; human trafficking; genital mutilation; acid attacks; rapes; racism, sexism, discrimination of all types; social inequality, etc? I always wonder what great things people could accomplish in their personal lives {and humanity as a whole} if we wouldn’t be seduced by this culture of narcissism and distraction.

Will people wake up to their own power in order to enact change in their lives and in the context of the world? Will most remain asleep? Time will tell but hopefully more will realize this matrix is a prison {if we chose to stay enslaved in it}. It is time to wake up and realize that emancipation from society’s brainwashing is in our hands. We hold the key. This quest for perfection, endless youth and eternal beauty is a social construction and an illusion.

No one will argue against self-care as caring about one’s health and appearance is quite healthy. The danger lies in caring too much because it can distract you from more important things in life that are more deserving of your time, energy and attention. Focusing obsessively on such trivial and vain things such as perfection seems like such a waste of energy, time, money and human potential but that’s just my opinion. As Karl says, “don’t worry about it.”

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Do you agree or disagree with Karl Pilkington?

Why or why not?

{I hope to feature more moaning of life clips and Karl Pilkington in the near future}.

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Please enjoy Clutching at Straws by Andrea Parker {from her Kiss My Arp cd}….

{I was lucky enough to see her in person when she opened up for Radiohead. It was divine and I loved her music}.

I copied this from her biography page…

“”Known as no1darker – Parker has always been uncompromising, passionate about the music and loaded with don’t–give-a-shit resolve. She has a love of art, arps, photography, architecture, graffiti, 808, concrete, glaciers, adidas, Bass, rust and all things white.  She is incredibly hard to pigeon hole : one minute she will be in the studio making dark, menacing, haunting music-  going from Booty shakin’ beats to string drenched ballads. The next she’ll be climbing mountains and reaching new summits; from Kilimanjaro in Africa to the avenue of the volcanoes in Ecuador.  She has worked for many charity’s, including Crisis, the NSPCC, Get kids going and many more, she even dressed up as Pudsey Bear for Children in Need!!  An old school analogue girl at heart, she still remains a die hard B Girl and is defiantly a freaky B*tch! One things for sure: She’d give the men in white coats a run for their money if they even dared think about taking her away…”

-Time Out magazine

“Beats so phat, so dope and so dark, there ain’t a NYC MC alive (cept maybe Rakim) that could handle them”

-New York Times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40JbtBCjz1U&feature=share

“Knowing our self
Who we think that we are
Constantly changing
Constantly changing
So near and so far
Knowing ourself
Who we think that we are
Constantly changing
Constantly changing
So near and so far
Who we think that we are
Who we think that we are
Who we think that we are.”

*

For more information…

Karl Pilkington…http://www.karlpilkington.com/ 

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1797453/

The Moaning of Life…http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3277670/ 

Andrea Parker…http://www.andreaparker.co.uk/ 

http://www.andreaparker.co.uk/about-andrea

*

Peace & Namaste…

Stream of Consciousness Reflections…Summer Loving…

Aloha.

How is your summer unfolding?

Summer is definitely my favourite season. It is the season I was born in and it is also the season when I feel the most alive. I love to see people enjoying the beautiful weather. I love to soak up the sun and be outside as much as I can. The only tragedy is that summer doesn’t last long {where I live}.

{Note to self: move to a place that has a tropical climate}.

What does summer make you feel like? It makes me feel like this Dee Lite song: Groove is in the Heart. {I haven’t tried out the dance moves in the video yet}.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etviGf1uWlg

  

*

One night I was on a moonlight walk and I witnessed something that was so romantic and lovely. A couple was going to sit on a bench and I noticed that he was carrying a guitar. When they sat down, he started playing for her. I felt like I was intruding on their intimate serenade/moonlight guitar session so I left. In my mind, it would be such a soulful way to spend a summer night.

When you are with someone you love and loves you in return, everything seems magical.

I am working on some posts right now. Specifically, I am getting ready to work on some “health is wealth” posts where I will be discussing health topics and my fitness inspirations. There are so many things I want to work on. Hopefully these posts will manifest in time.

Peace & Love…

Stream of Consciousness Reflections…

Aloha.

I have been wanting to do these stream of consciousness posts for quite some time. I had the idea to do them months ago but they have only manifested now. I have a sneaking suspicion that I am going to write them mostly at night because my mind is more lucid. Aside from this, I just adore the night. {I also equally adore the day, the sun and the sunlight}. The moonlight illuminates my soul and all that is hidden in the day is revealed- my heart’s desires. I feel so inspired to write at night. After all, I am of the nocturnal persuasion.

{I simply adore DJ Shadow’s music. This song/the whole entroducing album is a masterpiece}.

I am going to just write what is on my mind at the time without over-thinking or over-analyzing. It is going to be chaos, anarchy and complete freedom. Having a blog means having complete creative license to create the type of blog that you want. This carte blanche enables me to write when the mood strikes since there are no deadlines. I think it will be a fun experiment of sorts. I only hope that you enjoy it.

Peace & Love…

I adore this picture of Charlize Theron praying. She is also one of my favourite actresses/people.

*

For more information…

Charlize Theron..http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000234/?ref_=nv_sr_1

DJ Shadow…http://djshadow.com/ 

Reflection for today…Love Grows in Secret -Pablo Neruda

“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret,

between the shadow and the soul. ” 

–Pablo Neruda

There needs to be intimacy for love to grow…

*

Please enjoy My Secret Friend By IAMX & Imogen Heap…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-jMWzfj9gM

{I am seriously in love with this song.

IAMX/Chris Corner and Imogen Heap are magic}.

*

For more information…

Pablo Neruda…http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/pablo-neruda

IAMX…http://www.iamx.eu/

Imogen Heap…http://www.imogenheap.com/

*

Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…All I Want In This World Is You -Haruki Murakami

“I have a million things to talk to you about.

All I want in this world is you.

I want to see you and talk.

I want the two of us to begin everything from the beginning.” 
―Haruki Murakami,   

Norwegian Wood

*

Please enjoy All I Need by Radiohead…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9IODJdi3GA

Radiohead – All I Need [live From the Basement]

*

Radiohead came to be my favourite band out of all the many bands/artists that I love.

I simply adore them.

My faith in humanity, life and love is restored when I listen to them.

When I watch this video, I am reminded of how much musicians and artists are so necessary in this world. They are vital because they are alchemists who can transform pain and suffering into beauty and enlightenment.

They are also healers that greatly contribute to the healing of the world. 

I have a great reverence for musicians and artists.

They are doctors of the heart and soul.

*

For more information…

Haruki Murakami…http://www.murakami.ch/main_3.html 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3354.Haruki_Murakami

Radiohead…http://www.radiohead.com/

*

Peace & Cosmic Love…

Tricky Reflects On The Seductive Powers Of Ego…

Tricky/Adrian Thaws is an artist that is unequivocal.

He has no peer.

Tricky is a Humble Musical Genius…

He was one of the original members of Massive Attack and he is credited along with them for inventing the genre of trip hop {although it is a label that he rejects}.

In this video clip, Tricky reflects on the seductive powers of ego.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebQ9nQmiRuY

Tricky disregards music critics and writers but instead embraces his listeners. He has disdain for the term “fan” as it is derived from the word fanatic. Tricky feels that it is derogatory; instead, he calls them like-minded people. For Tricky it is his listeners that really matter. He says a lot of what guides his career is a dedication to his listeners.

Tricky calls what music critics write as forgettable, disposable and devoid of meaning as “his music will still be there after the magazine has faded and gone.” He concludes that music criticism is not really real. {Any loyal Tricky listener will notice the connection to his songs “for real” and “really real”}.

Ego is a very dangerous element for Tricky. He observes,

“Ego is a very dangerous thing to play around with. Ego will get you quicker than coke, quicker than heroine, quicker than drugs, drink…In this business, it’s all those things. You got cocaine, you got heroine, you got alcohol, self-abuse…Everybody knows what they can do to an artist. The ego is just as dangerous as all of those…When you start to take yourself too seriously…

What I always remember…now it is my turn and one day no one’s going to be interested in what I’m doing and there’s going to someone else…there’s going to be a new Tricky. There’s going to be a new kid that someone’s talking about. I’m going to be a has been…an artist of back then. I’m going to be an old school artist. I might still have people that are in to what I’m doing but the interest is not going to be there. Every dog has his day. So it’s just short-term now, appreciate it and better hope you got something else to go on to because you can’t stay in the limelight. You can’t stay a now person. You can’t be the in person.

When I’m 50, whatever people think about me, if I, people will say if I changed the face of music. That aint’ going to matter. You know what I mean? It’s going to be someone else who changes the face of music or what people write about. You can’t really take yourself too seriously. You got to have fun. You got to feel like you’re lucky… I could be out there doing construction work. I could have a job where I get up at four, five o’clock in the morning and work on the road all day. That’s a hard job. Now I go around the world doing press and playing shows.

Ego don’t come into it…”

It is this gratitude that sets Tricky apart as he completely removes ego from the equation. His humility and work ethos are so refreshing in this age of ego and narcissism. I completely respect Tricky, his music and his philosophy. I have been an admirer and listener of his music for so many years. Tricky’s music has been a continuous healing soundtrack in my life. His music continues to sing to my soul and like any timeless love affair, I can honestly say that this love has only intensified with time. I deeply appreciate Tricky’s music/art, talent and humility. I am always fascinated to know more about Adrian Thaws, the brilliant yet humble man behind the artist Tricky.

*Happy birthday Tricky!!!

I love and respect you, your music/art more than ever.

Please keep creating more.

Thank you from the depths of my soul.

*

Please enjoy Nothing’s Changed by Tricky & Francesca Belmonte…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSpmnjbomx0

Tricky performs Nothing’s Changed featuring Francesca Belmonte –

“Success has got nothing to do with happiness…”

*

For more information…

Tricky…http://www.trickysite.com/

Francesca Belmonte…http://francescabelmonte.co.uk/

*

Peace & Namaste….

Jim Morrison Predicts The Evolution Of Music…

Jim Morrison was a wise man beyond his years- a true old soul.

In this short video clip, Jim offers his predictions on the future of music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS3dIyHpAgc

Jim Morrison – The Future of Music

Jim cites the blues and folk music {or country music as he said later} are the roots of American music; namely rock n’ roll. He thought that rock music was a fusion of the blues and folk/country music. Jim felt that rock music was dying and that musicians were returning to their roots in either the blues or folk/country music. He prophesied that in the future music would turn to electronics; specifically he foresaw the rise of electronica/trip hop, rap music, hip hop and the DJ {disc jockey}, etc.

Did Jim’s shamanic powers grant him his futuristic vision?

Regardless of how he was able to foresee the future, Jim was a visionary.

{I would have loved to see the evolution of The Doors’ music and Jim’s poetry}.

*

Please enjoy this electronic remix of The Doors’ interviews…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkh2Dqe6QLc

T_Mo – The Future

*

For more information on Jim Morrison…

https://thedoors.com/

Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…Reverence For Music As Art -Jack White

Jack White has a deep reverence for music as an art form.

Jack White Has Got So Much Soul…

In this short video clip, he elaborates on his creative fuel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=289ZMP76RHU

Jack White on why he makes music

*

Jack’s desire to create something new is the nucleus of his creative process.

He vehemently rejects the usual paradigm of the rock musician lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll {although he says it is a heavy metal way of thinking}.

Jack says, “That’s not creating. That’s not art. That’s not trying to exist in a place where you are sort of mimicking God in a way, in a small tribute to try to create something brand new that didn’t exist before and to see if it can change people’s emotions…”

I love everything Jack said but particularly the notion of musicians mimicking God with their creative tribute. We have all heard the phrase “rock god” in reference to certain rock n’ roll musicians. Jack’s version is a lot more humble and realistic. He only claims to mimic God and not actually be a god. His reasons are very pure because he only wants to create art and provide a conduit for people’s emotions. Music has the transformative and cathartic power to alter people’s emotions. Music therapy exists to help people heal. 

Jack’s impetus for being a musician is derived from his creativity. He wants to share emotions and create an experience for his listeners- an emotional connection born from an artistic experience.

Jack ends the video clip with this observation,

“Partying and all those things and meeting people is kind of boring. It’s easy to do that in a bar. That’s for people who really have no idea what to do with themselves, I think. That shouldn’t be associated with art.”

It seems as though his artistic vision is quite clear and that he is a serious artist. Jack deeply loves and respects music. He has a higher vision for art; perhaps one of elevated consciousness and transcendence. Art can be so many things to different people. It can cathartic or destructive. It can be haunting or enlightening.

Whatever art is, it should not be dismissed.

*

Please enjoy I’m Shakin’ by Jack White…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkcGuZHPbKk

Jack White – I’m Shakin’

*I am a fan of Jack White but especially The White Stripes. When I first heard The White Stripes all those years ago, I simply fell in love with their music.

I have yet to hear his other bands The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather.

 What about you?

*

I really enjoy watching this video…

I am quite enamored with his dancing.

It brings a smile to my face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQls2xs9-zY

Jack White – I’m Shakin’ (TSC – Ogg)

*

What do you think about Jack White’s reflections on music as art?

*

For more information…

Jack White…http://jackwhiteiii.com/news/

The White Stripes…http://whitestripes.com/lo-fi/news.html

*

Peace & Creative Love…

Reflection for today…The Beauty of Living & Dying -Brandon Lee

Hello everyone. I thought I would start this year’s blog posts with a memento mori reflection on death and life. Since it is impossible to divorce death from life, we can use reflective energy to focus on how we want to live.

The beauty that Brandon Lee speaks with is eloquent, timeless and utterly peaceful. I am sure most of you know that Brandon was tragically killed while filming The Crow in 1993. This video clip was shot a little while before he died.

{I hope to do a post on The Crow and possibly Brandon Lee in the future}.

Let’s reflect on life and death with the same peace and gratitude that Brandon exudes.

Brandon Lee…A Beautiful Soul That Lived With Electric Vitality

I thank you so much for reading this humble blog.

I am eternally grateful.

Peace & Compassionate Love…

*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRtqMv_dubA

“Because we do not know when we will die,

we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well

and yet everything happens only a certain number of times and a very small number, really.

How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood?

An afternoon that is so deeply a part of your being that you can’t even conceive of your life without it. Perhaps four, five times more. Perhaps not even that.

How many more times will you watch the full moon rise?

Perhaps twenty and yet it all seems limitless.”

-From the book The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles

This quote is on Brandon’s Tombstone.
Brandon is buried next to his father Bruce Lee in the Lake View Cemetary in Seattle, Washington.

Here is a closer look…

Brandon loved this quote so much that he had chosen it for his wedding invitations.

He was to be married to his soul mate Eliza Hutton one week after he finished filming The Crow on April 17th, 1993. Brandon tragically died on March 31st, 1993.

The Crow is dedicated to Brandon and Eliza.

Brandon & Eliza…Soul Mates Never Die…

*

Please enjoy Street Spirit by Radiohead…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPX3u0XJzKM

radiohead – street spirit (fade out)

  

Street Spirit (Fade Out)

“Rows of houses all bearing down on me I can feel their blue hands touching me All these things into position All these things we’ll one day swallow whole And fade out again and fade out

This machine will not communicate These thoughts and the strain I am under Be a world child, form a circle Before we all go under And fade out again and fade out again

Cracked eggs, dead birds Scream as they fight for life I can feel death, can see it’s beady eyes All these things into position All these things we’ll one day swallow whole And fade out again and fade out again

Immerse your soul in love Immerse your soul in love.”

SONG INFORMATION

Released: March 1995 Found on: The Bends & Street Spirit single. Acoustic version found on Fake Plastic Trees CD2.

This song was written in 1993, around the same time as “My Iron Lung.” “Creep” is Radiohead’s American hit, this is the British equivalent. Noted by singer-songwriter and guitarist Thom Yorke as “one of [the band’s] saddest songs” and describing it as “the dark tunnel without the light at the end,” “Street Spirit” was released as the band’s ninth single and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, the highest chart position the band achieved until “Paranoid Android” from OK Computer, which reached number three in 1997.

Yorke has suggested that the song was inspired by the 1991 novel The Famished Road, written by Ben Okri, and that its music was inspired by R.E.M. The track is built around a soft melody in A minor with an arpeggio (broken chord) guitar part.

Thom: “Street Spirit is our purest song, but I didn’t write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn’t ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. Street Spirit has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It’s called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn’t play it. I’d crack. I’d break down on stage. That’s why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That’s what’s meant by ‘all these things you’ll one day swallow whole’. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn’t have it in me to articulate the emotion. I’d crack…

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don’t realise what they’re listening to. They don’t realise that Street Spirit is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he’ll get the last laugh. And it’s real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I’d crack.

I can’t believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That’s why I’m convinced that they don’t know what it’s about. It’s why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you’re going to have your dog put down and it’s wagging its tail on the way there. That’s what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn’t picked us as its catalysts, and so I don’t claim it. It asks too much. I didn’t write that song.”

-Copied & Pasted from http://www.greenplastic.com/radiohead-lyrics/the-bends/street-spirit-fade-out/

*

For more information…

Brandon Lee…http://www.brandonleemovement.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000488/

The Sheltering Sky book by Paul Bowles…

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243598.The_Sheltering_Sky 

The Crow Film…http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109506/?ref_=nv_sr_1 

The Crow Graphic Novel…http://thecrowcomics.wordpress.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/97486.The_Crow

James O’Barr {The Crow Creator}…http://jamesobarr.typepad.com/ 

Radiohead…http://www.radiohead.com/

*

What do you think about Brandon’s favourite quote?

What are your reflections?

I would love to read them.

*

Brandon Wishes You An Open Mind & An Open Heart…

Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…Nobility In Poverty -Ricky Gervais

In this short video clip, master comedian Ricky Gervais reflects on money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m1gkZTUG4s

Ricky acknowledges that he was poor as his family was a working class family that lived in a council estate.

He was unaware of his social status because everyone around him was in the same situation. There was no juxtaposition until he got to university.

*

Ricky Gervais lives by the Bob Dylan quote,

“A man can consider himself a success if he gets up in the morning, goes to bed at night and in between does exactly what he wants.”

Ricky has artistic integrity in all of his creative endeavors.

Ricky Gervais Wishes You Financial & Creative Success…

*

His raw honesty comes forth in his admission of guilt regarding his new-found wealth.

He struggled with wealth because of his belief in the nobility in poverty.

One gets the sense that Ricky has contempt for rich people. Perhaps this is due to his humble upbringing and working class sensibilities.

I think Ricky has contempt for greed.

What is noble is that he wants to be proud of how he earns his money and consequent success.

Ricky’s work ethic/discipline, ethics and talent guide him in his work.

He is quite involved in animal rights, social activism, humanitarian efforts and charities. 

Ricky uses comedy as a societal mirror to criticize issues that desperately need it.

*

The clip ends on a somewhat ambivalent note.

He states that he does not understand making money yet he concludes that he makes money.

I think what Ricky is saying is that he does not strive to make more money for the sake of making money.

He seems content with the success he already has instead of playing the money chasing game.

It is so refreshing for a person of his stature to adopt this attitude.

In that satisfaction lies another kind of wealth- creative satisfaction.

*

Do you think there is nobility in poverty?

What about wealth?

Do you agree or disagree with Ricky Gervais?

Why or why not?

*

For more information…

Ricky Gervais…http://www.rickygervais.com

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Reflection for today…The Value of Money -Nikola Tesla (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com) 
• Reflection for today…Living Well Is The Best Revenge -Ricky Gervais (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• How Ricky Gervais Learned to Write (missingthemuse.wordpress.com)
• Ricky Gervais Wants Beagles Spared from Research (ecorazzi.com)
• 20 Adorable TwitPics That Prove Ricky Gervais Is A Cat Lady (buzzfeed.com)
• Don’t Buy Furs and Foie Gras This Holiday Season, Ricky Gervais Urges (news.softpedia.com)

Reflection for today…In Love With Her Madness -Charles Bukowski

“She’s mad but she’s magic.

There’s no lie in her fire.”
-Charles Bukowski

Angelina Jolie is Magic…

*

Please enjoy Girl I Love You by Massive Attack {featuring Horace Andy}…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQPSMRQnNlU

Live Version…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atIXiwXeFnU

*

For more information…

Charles Bukowski…http://bukowski.net

Massive Attack…http://www.massiveattack.co.uk

*

Peace & Mad Love…

Reflection for today…The Value of Money -Nikola Tesla

     “Money does not represent such a value as men have placed upon it.”

-Nikola Tesla

*

In this short video clip, Moby discusses the value of money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSGwVm-Tj_s

He notes, “the ultimate goal in acquiring money is to have enough money so you don’t have to worry about money. 

His observation, “the best thing about money is when you don’t have to pay attention to money” is paradoxical.

It is a paradox that you can stop paying attention to money only when you have money.

This begs the question of how much money does one need to have in order to stop paying attention to it? 

{I suspect that it varies from individual  to individual}.

Moby talks about how he grew up poor and even lived in an abandoned factory in a crack neighborhood.

*It should be noted that at no point in time does he complain about the poverty he experienced.

One senses an air of gratitude from Moby for these experiences.

His humble beginnings are quite the contrast to his massive success as a musician. I believe that Moby truly deserves and enjoys his success- financial and otherwise.

His last point was that he doesn’t understand the pursuit of money for the sake of money.

Chasing money for the sake of money sounds like greed to me.

To me it seems that Moby is asking existential questions about human existence.

Specifically, he is questioning purpose and what brings happiness and satisfaction. 

He does not think that happiness is derived solely from money.

Moby Loves Animals & Is An Animal Activist…

However, Moby notes that money can improve the quality of your life.

Sociology teaches us that a person’s income and social status greatly impacts their health and quality of life.

Sadly, society is not a level playing field; hence, the vital and urgent importance of social equality is understood.

Moby invites us to define success and find happiness and satisfaction on own our terms. 

*

Please enjoy Paid in Full by the legendary Eric B & Rakim…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7t8eoA_1jQ

*

Do you agree or disagree with Moby?

Why or why not?

What does success mean to you?

What brings you happiness and satisfaction in life?

*

For more information…

Nikola Tesla…http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ll/index.html

Moby…http://www.moby.com

Eric B. & Rakim…http://www.ericbnrakim.com

*

Moby Wishes You Peace, Love and Happiness…

Related articles

• Bad Ass Of The Week Nikola Tesla (badassoftheweek.com)
• Nikola Tesla Memorial (memoryhollow.wordpress.com)
• Stephanie’s Review of Nikola Tesla: Imagination and the Man That Invented the 20th Century by Sean Patrick (pawsbookreviews.com)
• Reflection for today…Nobility In Poverty- Ricky Gervais (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Potential- Doris Lessing (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• What is Important In Life- Henry James (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Music & Creativity- David Lynch Interviews Moby (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…The Goal of Creativity- Moby (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Love Vs. Infatuation -Chuck Klosterman

“I have never understood the concept of infatuation.

It has always been my understanding that being ‘infatuated’ with someone means you think you are in love, but you’re actually not; infatuation is (supposedly) just a foolish, fleeting feeling.

But if being ‘in love’ is an abstract notion, and it’s not tangible, and there is no way to physically prove it to anyone else…

well, how is being in love any different than having an infatuation?

They’re both human constructions.

If you think you’re in love with someone and you feel like you’re in love with someone, then you obviously are; thinking and feeling is the sum total of what love is.

Why do we feel an obligation to certify emotions with some kind of retrospective, self-imposed authenticity?” 

― Chuck Klosterman,

Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story

*

Please enjoy Think I’m In Love by Beck…

From The Basement Version…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S1wL87JywI

Original Video Version…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7WdKAvZ2ec

*

Do you agree with Chuck Klosterman?

Why or why not?

Are the concepts of love and infatuation too cerebral/intellectual and abstract?

Are they not emotive enough?

Can love truly be defined?

Why do we constantly need to define things?

Why can’t we just let them be? 

*Is the role of art to define love or is it the goal of life?

Are feelings of love more or less valid than thoughts of love?

{I think it all counts but I believe love is shown in actions}.

How can you prove your love?

Doesn’t infatuation sound so immature as opposed to love?

{I think love is mature and infatuation is immature}.

Is infatuation always temporary?

{It is interesting to note that most poets/authors/musicians/artists write and sing more about love and not infatuation}. Why do you think that is?

Is infatuation dangerous?

*

For more information…

Chuck Klosterman…

http://pages.simonandschuster.com/chuckklosterman 

http://twitter.com/CKlosterman

Beck…http://www.beck.com

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Break Me Gently…Honesty Breaks Down Walls in High Fidelity (mysouslonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…First Love Archetype- Chuck Klosterman (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Somebody That I Used To Know- Gotye Featuring Kimbra (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Memories- Haruki Murakami (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…The Storm Is Inside Of You -Haruki Murakami

“Sometimes fate is like a small sandstorm that keeps changing directions. You change direction but the sandstorm chases you. You turn again, but the storm adjusts. Over and over you play this out, like some ominous dance with death just before dawn. Why? Because this storm isn’t something that blew in from far away, something that has nothing to do with you.

This storm is you. Something inside of you.

So all you can do is give in to it, step right inside the storm, closing your eyes and plugging up your ears so the sand doesn’t get in, and walk through it, step by step. There’s no sun there, no moon, no direction, no sense of time. Just fine white sand swirling up into the sky like pulverized bones. That’s the kind of sandstorm you need to imagine.

And you really will have to make it through that violent, metaphysical, symbolic storm. No matter how metaphysical or symbolic it might be, make no mistake about it: it will cut through flesh like a thousand razor blades. People will bleed there, and you will bleed too. Hot, red blood. You’ll catch that blood in your hands, your own blood and the blood of others.

And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. 

When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person who walked in.

That’s what this storm’s all about.” 

―Haruki Murakami,   Kafka on the Shore 

The Storm Is Something Inside Of You…

*

Please enjoy Riders On The Storm By The Doors…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS-af9Q-zvQ

*Side note: “Riders On The Storm” was the last song recorded by the members of The Doors, according to Ray, as well as Jim´s last recorded song to be released (recorded December 1970 – January 1971 – released in June ´71).”

*

For more information…

Haruki Murakami…http://www.murakami.ch/main_6.html 

http://www.murakamibooks.co.uk

The Doors…https://thedoors.com

*

Isn’t Haruki Murakami so wise?

Doesn’t he write so beautifully?

Is the storm an emotional, psychological or spiritual storm?

{I think it is all of the above}.

Could a storm be a real mental illness or physical illness?

{I think so- especially with mental illness because it is internal just like Murakami’s metaphorical storm}.

Is life just a pause between each storm?

Or is life the storm itself?

{One could come to that conclusion because life involves constant change}. 

Is the purpose of the storm to make us grow, learn, heal and/or evolve?

Do we need the chaos and suffering of the storm so that we can learn, grow/evolve and heal?

I like that he suggests that even though we will get hurt we will also heal.

We are inherently resilient.

He also stresses the idea of metamorphosis.

Once we come out of the storm we are changed.

Could this be spiritual/emotional/psychological alchemy?

{I would love to hear your thoughts}.

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Reflection for today…Human Loneliness- Haruki Murakami (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…The Salvation of Love- Haruki Murakami (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Memories- Haruki Murakami (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Keeping Memories Alive- Haruki Murakamai (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• SAMSA IN LOVE (newyorker.com)
• Ellen on Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami (russellbooks.wordpress.com)
• Haruki Murakami a popular bet for Nobel Literature Prize (japandailypress.com)
• Haruki Murakami gets back to the Beatles in new short story (theguardian.com)

Story For Home by Gabriel Byrne…

Gabriel Byrne is one of my favourite people.

Even though I have never had the honor of meeting him, he intrigues me in the most beautiful way.

He is a very soulful person who seems to be deeply compassionate, sensitive, introspective and intelligent.

In this short clip, you can feel Gabriel’s conviction in his words and voice.

{His voice is medicine for my soul}.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eYvTpZTZFU

His suggestion of “imagining Ireland” is a great segue into this post.

*

In this short clip, Gabriel discusses his hunger for travel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ-rQcJF6Ns

He says that he always had a desire to travel and move.

In his birthplace of Ireland, Gabriel feels that he is always colliding with his past. 

 He feels defined by his past in Dublin.

Whereas in New York he feels that he has a clean slate- a tabula rasa where he is “free to compose his own present.” 

Gabriel lived in Los Angeles for five years but he decided to leave. He feels that when you live in a place without clearly defined seasons, your sense of time becomes distorted. Time passes almost invisibly yet quickly.

*

Gabriel decided to move to New York and he lives there presently.

He compares Los Angeles to New York and he focuses on their restless nature.

“It’s a restless city…Los Angeles even more so than New York is a city where people come to…it has to exist for those people who can’t exist in places outside of it.

It exists for people who become in a way…who outgrow or out-dream or out-fantasize their own places

For Gabriel, Los Angeles is a land of paradox.

It offers new beginnings and freedom yet an ambiance of melancholy haunts it.

He notes, “The sense of freedom and light and being able to re-invent oneself is very strong there…but there’s also a sense of melancholy that pervades the place.”

I found the following observation to be the most intriguing. 

“It is a place where people think that if they get successful enough, they are not going to die.”

In essence, Gabriel is using memento mori to analyze people’s avoidance of death. It is almost as if success was used as a passport out of death.

This incisive observation is very Buddhist as Buddha believe in impermanence {i.e. everything dies}.

*

One doesn’t need to have a gypsy soul to want to move or travel.

We’ve all dreamed of moving our proverbial roots to far away magical lands.

I know I have…

I believe the term is called wanderlust.

*

Ireland is definitely one of the countries that I long to visit.

Majestic Ireland…

It is the birth place of two of my favourite actors Jonathan Rhys Meyers and of course Gabriel Byrne. They often speak about Ireland’s sublime beauty.

Ireland’s Majestic Northern Lights…

To be honest there are so many places I would love to visit.

Since I was a child I fell in love with Egyptian history and mythology. 

Ancient Egypt has fascinated me and still fascinates me to this day.

Egypt is one place I would love to visit.

Egypt: A Land of Alchemical Beauty

Iceland also seems like a mystical land full of haunting beauty.

The Magical Northern Lights in Iceland…

I would love to experience the northern lights- aurora borealis.

I would love to experience the beauty of Iceland that resonates in the music of Björk and Sigur Rós.

*Please enjoy Sigur Rós – Ágætis Byrjun…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWoQxk0-f0o   

       

 These days my heart longs to visit the magical lands of Greece.

Greece…A Place of Rich History and Eternal Beauty…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-ZeMwI2pL4

Japan is also another country I definitely want to visit.

I love Japanese culture and I love the humility and resilience of Japanese people.

Other places I would like to visit:

New Zealand…

Waitomo Worm Cave in New Zealand…

Australia…

and Hawaii.

Aloha From Paradise…

I would also love to visit Buddhist temples through-out the world.

I would really like to explore all the countries of Latin America- especially Cuba.

{To be honest, there are too many places I would love to visit but I just mentioned a few to not make this post too long}.

*

I think travel enriches one’s life in so many ways.

It open one’s mind and possibly even one’s heart.

Travelling connects us with our shared humanity and our interdependence.

Where would you like to travel to?

Where would you like to move to?

Do you agree with Gabriel?

*

For more information…

Gabriel Byrne…http://www.byrneholics.com/ 

Jonathan Rhys Meyers…http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001667/

Björk…http://www.bjork.com

Sigur Rós…http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk 

*

Peace & Namaste

Related articles

• Reflection for today…Depression -Gabriel Byrne (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Gabriel Byrne Discusses The Abyss of Alcoholism & Depression…(mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Love is a Catalyst -Henry David Thoreau (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Santorini (slayermusings.wordpress.com) 
• Benicio Del Toro Praises Gabriel Byrne… (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Gabriel Byrne compares Irish Catholic Church to the Taliban (VIDEO) (irishcentral.com)

Reflection for today…The Ocean of Consciousness -Rumi…

I remember reading some Buddhist teachings many moons ago that spoke about the ocean of consciousness.

It spoke about each of us being a wave in the ocean.

We think that we are completely independent; that we are a single wave because of the illusion of our ego.

Our ego clouds and distorts our perception creating a false sense of self.

It is complicated as in Western society there is so much focus on the self: self-improvement, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-doubt, etc.

The truth is that while it may seem that we are individual waves,

we are actually part of the ocean; the ocean of humanity.

*

I really cannot understand how some people can have no compassion for each other.

At the root of this poverty of the spirit is a lack of compassion for the self, selfishness and an overindulgence of the ego.

{One cannot offer compassion if you have no compassion for yourself}.

As I said to my friend, if we don’t help each other then we will all sink.

I know that we all have our individual problems but if we just focus on them, then we cannot get out of our heads and the prison of selfishness.

There is a delicate balance between having compassion and helping others with helping yourself and protecting yourself from harm. Boundaries are necessary.

I always struggle with how to have compassion while not losing myself.

The sad truth is that many people mistake kindness for weakness.

The truth is that it takes great strength to be compassionate in this world.

It takes great spiritual strength to open your heart and mind to offer your compassion. 

*

 When the triple disasters were taking place in Japan in 2011, I was horrified. I was watching the news on the internet. I constantly watched BBC, CBC and Al Jazeera with tears in my eyes.

I could not help crying as I watched the news.

It hurt my heart and soul to witness such suffering.

I could not believe that on top of the tsunami and the earthquake there was a nuclear situation as well. As I thought of Fukushima, I was reminded of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. I was very concerned and afraid for Japan. I still am.

While I had no family, friends or loved ones in Japan, I felt deep compassion for the Japanese.

It didn’t matter in the least if I didn’t know a single soul in Japan.

We are all interconnected and if Japan was suffering and grieving then we all were.

I still think of Japan and how the triple disasters affected and affect people today- especially the effects of nuclear contamination/radiation.

The reason that I share this is because I had an epiphany then.

My good friend and I were having coffee one day {during the disasters in 2011}.

I was telling him about what was happening in Japan.

He stopped me in the middle of my sentence and said very coldly, “you know what…I just don’t care.”

That is when I realized that something inside of him died.

To be honest, I was very disturbed by his comment and his attitude.

Upon deep reflection, I felt sadness and compassion for him.

He had just gone through a very painful and dark time with the illness of his mother. I know that this experience had a very damaging effect on him.

I think he was most likely spiritually disconnected and emotionally numb at that point.

He probably had nothing left to give as he was in desperate need of healing.

*

Compassion is the greatest gift you can offer someone.

Compassion is what makes us truly human.

Our humanity is rooted in compassion.

*Remember that we are all in this life together.

We all depend on each other.

We are all interdependent as waves in the ocean of humanity.

*

Please enjoy Ocean by Azam Ali and Loga Ramin Torkian as I felt it complimented this post.

It is from Azam Ali’s album: “Lamentation of Swans: A Journey Towards Silence.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3558lJuA8Y8

*

To learn more about Azam Ali, Loga Ramin Torkian and Niyaz…

http://www.niyazmusic.com/

Here is a brief description that I copied and pasted from their biography.

From this link: http://www.niyazmusic.com/#!/biography/

“Niyaz, which means ‘yearning’ in Persian and Urdu, was formed in 2005 by Azam Ali, multi-instrumentalist Loga Ramin Torkian and two-time Grammy nominated producer and electronic musician Carmen Rizzo.

The band borrows from an historic lineage of Middle Eastern poets setting verse to music, perhaps most famously known today through the work of the 13th century Persian poet Rumi and the endless barrage of quotes attributed to him on Twitter and Facebook.

While the immediate goal of Niyaz was to explore the music and identity of Iranians living in exile and struggling to maintain their cultural identity in the modern world on their first two acclaimed records, Niyaz and Nine Heavens, the band has expanded that theme with Sumud.”

*

Azam Ali is the singer with the heavenly voice in Niyaz.

Her voice is truly “otherworldly” and hauntingly beautiful.

She has also been a part of another band named VAS. Their albums include: Sunyata (1997), Offerings (1998), In the Garden of Souls (2000) and Feast of Silence (2004).

Azam has released seven albums between Niyaz and VAS.

Niyaz’s albums include: Niyaz (2005), Nine Heavens (2008) and Sumud (2012).

She has also released four solo albums: Portals of Grace (2002), Elysium for the Brave (2006), From Night to the Edge of Day (2011) and Lamentation of Swans- A Journey Towards Silence (2013).

Azam has also been involved in movie soundtracks (the movie 300) and video game soundtracks.

For more information, please visit her official website…

http://www.azamalimusic.com/main.php

*Much Love to Japan and the rest of the world.

My prayers are with Japan as they are facing another natural disaster in the form of a typhoon.

*

Peace & Namaste Friends…

Related articles

• Compassion (essenceofbuddhism.wordpress.com)
• World Music For The 21st Century (nab09.wordpress.com)
• Azam Ali’s ‘Eman (Faith)’- thank you. (fertilitydoll.wordpress.com)
• Japan’s Triple Disaster – A Lecture (andrewshears.com)
• 晴天の霹靂 : Thunderclap from a clear sky (emilyintheglass.wordpress.com)
• Compassion – The Weapon of Mass Construction (morethangold.me)
• 12. Fukushima now in state of emergency, leaking 300 tons of radioactive water into the ocean daily (12160.info)
• FUKUSHIMA: A Nuclear Catastrophe of Epic Proportions (fromthetrenchesworldreport.com)
• Japan: Typhoon Wipha causes more nuclear contamination at Fukushima (euronews.com)
• One Wrong Move at Fukushima Could Unleash a Nuclear Disaster Equivalent to 85 Chernobyls (endtimeheadlines.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Transcending Misery -Thom Yorke

“It’s easy to be miserable.

Being happy is tougher and cooler.”

-Thom Yorke

*

Please enjoy Optimistic by Radiohead…

Live From The Basement Version…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COUaNmm53VA

Album Version…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFKV6ZWuCAc

“…You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough…”

*

Do you agree with Thom?

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Meeting People is Easy -Radiohead (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Cosmic Order- Carl Jung (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Soulful Gaze -Henry David Thoureau

“Could a greater miracle take place

than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”

-Henry David Thoreau

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS0Tg0IjCp4

“Marina Abramovic and Ulay started an intense love story in the 70s, performing art out of the van they lived in. When they felt the relationship had run its course, they decided to walk the Great Wall of China, each from one end, meeting for one last hug in the middle and never seeing each other again. at her 2010 MoMa retrospective Marina performed ‘The Artist Is Present’ as part of the show, a minute of silence with each stranger who sat in front of her. Ulay arrived without her knowing it.”

Soulful Gaze Between Performance Artists Marina Abramović & Ulay…

 A Soulful Touch…

Ulay’s Eyes Reveal A Love Remembered…

*

They say that the eyes are the mirrors of the soul but what about the heart?

The eyes reveal the heart’s hidden desires and suffering.

Marina’s Tears Reveal A Love Never Forgotten…

*

Have you ever looked into someone’s eyes and saw a mysterious universe that you want to discover?

Please enjoy Touched by Vast…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S_R13jV11Q

“Touched
You say that I am too
So much of what you say is true
I’ll never find someone quite like you
Again
I’ll never find someone quite like you
Like you

The razors and the dying roses plead
I don’t leave you alone
The demi-gods and hungry ghosts of God
God knows I’m not at home

I’ll never find someone quite like you
Again
I’ll never find someone quite like you
Again

I, I looked into your eyes and saw
A world that does not exist
I looked into your eyes and saw
A world I wish I was in

I’ll never find someone quite as touched
As you
I’ll never love someone quite the way that I
Loved you.”

*

Did Marina’s and Ulay’s performance bring you to tears?

It brought me to tears because it reminds us that we are so vulnerable and emotional- so utterly human.

*

For more information…

Henry David Thoreau…http://www.walden.org/thoreau

Marina Abramović …http://www.marinaabramovicinstitute.org/

http://marinafilm.com/about-marina-abramovic

VAST…http://vast.me/

*

Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…Doors Fans Are Not Made, They Are Born…

I think it is no secret that I am a doors fan and admirer of Jim Morrison respectively. {If you have read this blog for some time, then you will have already come to this conclusion}. I find Jim Morrison to be quite fascinating and highly intelligent. He was a poet, shaman, intellectual and rock n’ roll prodigy {amongst other things}.

{There are more Jim Morrison posts in the works so keep your ear to the ground}…

*

This short video clip is a comedy sketch from a show called Kids in The Hall.

It begs the question…what type of fan are you? {You don’t have to be a doors fan specifically. I am asking what type of fan you are in general}.

What are you a passionate fan of?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xillqqt0Y0

As much as I love The Doors and their music, I cannot say that I am this type of fanatic {like the record store owner}.

I like to think I am more of an admirer than a fanatic.

However, the person that introduced me to the doors is similar to the record store owner in this comedy skit. He was the biggest and most passionate doors fan that I have ever met. He read several Jim Morrison biographies and books. He had the complete Doors discography- which he listened to often. At one point in time, he wanted to get a tattoo of Jim Morrison. Of course when I saw him years later and reminded him about this, he looked at me as if he didn’t remember. The years have passed and I am a doors fan more than ever. I am also a fan of Jim Morrison and his poetry. What about you?

*

What did you think of the Kids in the Hall comedy sketch? I thought it was quite funny.

Ironically the record store owner in this Kids In The Hall skit is exactly like the record store employees in the movie High Fidelity.

I am not a fan of elitism but for the purposes of comedy I can appreciate its humor.

At least you can say that these record store employees are very passionate people.

*

Please enjoy Peace Frog by The Doors…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJjv1yUfudQ

*

For more information…

The Doors…https://thedoors.com/ 

Kids In The Hall…http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096626/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

*

Peace & Namaste…

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Side note: I have been looking for this Jim Morrison t-shirt forever.

Does anybody have an idea where I can get it?

Related articles

• Reflection for today…Unforgettable -Jim Morrison (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…What is Important In Life -Henry James

“Three things in human life are important:

the first is to be kind;

the second is to be kind;

and the third is to be kind.”
–Henry James

Compassion Is At The Heart of Buddhism…

…”It’s the kind words you gave to that homeless man without judging that man
it’s the fact that you gave;
and showed compassion ’cause he humbly asked you for change…”

*

Please enjoy Helpful by Dead Prez…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy7cZP3dSVc

“[Pulse of the people]
[If it feel good to ya]
[It’s okay to smile]

can’t get but so far in this life being selfish.
a free spirit
a giving heart
that’s what wealth is
we rich when we recognize the power that’s within
it’s not all about the money
it’s the time that we spend
it’s the hand that we lend
to a friend when we can
it’s the kind words you gave to that homeless man
without judging that man
it’s the fact that you gave;
and showed compassion ’cause he humbly asked you for change
i know the blessings I receive is not just for me
a shared blessing comes back to you
that’s what I believe
to help someone in need
to throw down some rope
to be a ray of hope
ya know?

sometimes you gotta help somebody
sometimes you gotta help somebody
sometimes you just gotta be helpful
when life gets stressful
sometimes you gotta help somebody
sometimes you gotta help somebody
what goes around is gonna come back ’round
what goes around is gonna come back ’round
when you help somebody

donate my extra clothes
to a clothing drive.
help the lady cross the street
bring her bags inside.
send a letter to a prisoner to lift his spirit.
be a mentor to a child ’cause it takes a village.

lend a hand, help a brother
that I learned the hard way
all for one
one for all
it got to be the squad way
the early bird get the worm
it’s corny but it’s true
first impressions last forever
careful how you move
first you crawl
then you walk
the 1 before the 2
nothing new under the sun
the golden rule
lazy people work the hardest
that’s my motivation
everything in moderation
even moderation

yo
yo, when you put out your hand,
is it to give or to receive?
see what goes around will come back around
I do believe
that the positive and negative is relative to where you live
not from experience
that’s what we tell the kids
’cause they are the seeds
the stronger the root
the stronger the tree
if we eat from the fruit
the stronger we be
if we do it today
tomorrow we free.”

Copied & Pasted from: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107859444044/

*

Thank you Stic & M-1 {Dead Prez} for this inspirational song.

I love Dead Prez.

Their music is full of pure wisdom.

*

For more information on…

Henry James…

http://www.online-literature.com/henry_james/

Dead Prez…

http://deadprezblog.wordpress.com/

*

How can you be helpful?

You never know how much your words and actions can help someone in need.

We are all interconnected as sentient beings.

Why not have compassion for each other?

One love.

“A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed…”

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• The-four-immeasurables-buddhas-advice-to-rahula/ (jasbaku.wordpress.com)
  
• Japan’s Suicide Forest Teaches About Compassion & The Human Need For Real Connection (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Awakening Compassion -Pema Chodron (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Use Buddhist Teachings As A Catalyst -Dalai Lama (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Faith in One’s Spiritual Path -Paulo Coelho (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Compassion Is The Key To Enlightenment -Buddha (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Good Deeds Cannot Be Erased -Buddha (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• The Power of Being Gentle -Gandhi (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Potential -Doris Lessing (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Interrelationship -Thich Nhat Hanh (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Burning With Love -Rumi

“I am burning with Love.

Does anyone need a light?

You can set your rubbish ablaze from the fire within me.”  

-Rumi

Soulful Lovers Romy Schneider & Alain Delon in La Piscine…

“I Am Burning With Love…”

“Come On Baby, Light My Fire…”

*

Please enjoy Real Love by the exquisite Chrysta Bell….

Acoustic Version…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60RwrhdTovc

Official Video Version…

http://youtu.be/hozNfOuQwIw

From the album: 
Chrysta Bell – This Train 
Produced by David Lynch

Lyrics

“Driving through the night 
flying fast to you 
real love 
real love 
the moon is flying with me 
the moon is crying with me 
got to get to your house 
call me home 
flying with the moon 
sirens driving in the valley 
sirens flare 
got to feel your love 
real love 
don’t cut me 
don’t you cut me 
don’t you cut me 
gotta hole in my heart 
I wanna feel your love 
I wanna feel your love 
the moon passed behind a cloud 
the stars are hiding from me 
I’m coming home baby I’m coming home 
lonely 
moon rush by 
lonely 
got to feel your love 
real love 
make it real make it real make it real love 
I wanna feel your love 
I wanna feel your love 
the wind is blowing 
the wind is blowing by 
I’m coming home baby I’m coming home 
coming home 
real love 
coming home 
for real love real love.“

credits

from Chrysta Bell -This Train Produced by David Lynch, released 29 September 2011 
Vocals: Chrysta Bell 
Guitar: David Lynch 
Guitar, Bass and Synth: John Neff 
Drums: David Lynch and John Neff Written by David Lynch, John Neff and Chrysta Bell 
Engineering: John Neff 
Mixed by David Lynch and John Neff 
Published by Zibella Music (BMI)

Copied & Pasted from: http://chrystabell.bandcamp.com/track/real-love

*

Chrysta Bell is a soulful songstress.

Her collaboration with David Lynch evokes a beautiful, surreal and haunting ambiance. Chrysta and David create a haunting world that you never want to leave. Listening to their music is like entering a dream you never want to awake from.

Chrysta Bell & David Lynch Bring Surrealist Beauty To Life…

*

For more information on Chrysta Bell…

http://chrystabell.bandcamp.com/

https://twitter.com/Chrysta_Bell

https://www.facebook.com/chrysta.bell.official

*

Peace & Namaste Friends…

Related articles

• Reflection for today…Love’s Alchemy -Rumi (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…The Surrealism of Life -David Lynch (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Beautiful Journey- Angelina Jolie

“I’m with a man who’s evolved enough to look at my body and see it as more beautiful because of the journey it has taken. ”  

–Angelina Jolie

In essence, Angelina is describing unconditional love.

*

Please enjoy Young & Beautiful by Lana Del Rey…

{Thank you Olly http://slayermusings.wordpress.com/ for sending me this lovely song}.

http://youtu.be/o_1aF54DO60

“Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?

Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?

I know you will. I know you will. I know that you will.”

*

For more information…

Angelina Jolie…http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001401/

Lana Del Rey…http://www.lanadelrey.com/?country=ca

*

Do you appreciate your body for the journey it has taken? 

Can you see the beauty of your resilient body and mind?

Can you see the beauty of your resilience?

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Compassion Is The Key To Enlightenment -Buddha (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Sanity -Angelina Jolie (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Angelina Jolie just got even more beautiful (ruizsar.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…You Give Me Life -Saul Williams (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Lady Inspirations: Angelina Jolie (simplyaginggracefully.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Music Therapy -Jimi Hendrix

“Music is a safe kind of high.” 
―Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix…Spiritual High…

Jimi Hendrix…Musical & Spiritual Bliss…

Jimi’s Musical & Spiritual Love Revolution…

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In this short clip, Jimi discusses the spiritual role of music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQWpKrArhhE

Please enjoy Purple Haze…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFeXxC5lBLo

“Excuse me while I kiss the sky…”

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For more information…

Jimi Hendrix…

http://www.jimihendrix.com/us/home

*

Peace & Love…

Jimi Hendrix Wishes You Peace, Love & Musical Bliss…

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• Reflection for today…Respect Your Love -Jimi Hendrix (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…A True Genius -Albert Einstein (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…The Surrealism of Life -David Lynch

I watched David Lynch‘s film Inland Empire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBENalLEnSE

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460829/?ref_=sr_1

{“As an actress starts to adopt the persona of her character in a film,

her world starts to become nightmarish and surreal.”

Tagline: A Story of a mystery…

A mystery inside worlds within worlds…

Unfolding around a woman…

A woman in love and in trouble.}

*

On the bonus features disc, David revealed that he opens his film premieres with an improvisation of the Aitareya Upanishad.

“We are like the spider…

We weave our life and move along in it.

We are like the dreamer who dreams and then lives in the dream.

This is true for the entire universe…” 

David Lynch: The Awakened Dreamer

Dreamer Within A Dream…

Surrealist Spiritual Ascension…

*

Buddhism speaks about life being an illusion.

We are living in a dream within a dream.

The goal is to live our potential by awakening our Buddha nature.

Then we can live accordingly by developing our wisdom and compassion.

*

Please enjoy Karmacoma by Massive Attack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbZPyWI0Wds

This song has such a surreal vibe that reminds me of David Lynch’s art.

It has that Edgar Allen Poe “dream within a dream” quality.

{I love Massive Attack}.

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For more information…

David Lynch…http://davidlynch.com/index/

Massive Attack…http://www.massiveattack.co.uk/

*

Have a surrealist day.

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

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• Reflection for today…The Goal of Creativity -Moby (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Music & Creativity -David Lynch Interviews Moby (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Art Is A Question Mark -Marilyn Manson (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Unforgettable -Jim Morrison

“I see myself as a huge fiery comet, a shooting star.

Everyone stops, points up and gasps “Oh look at that!”

Then- whoosh, and I’m gone…

and they’ll never see anything like it ever again…

and they won’t be able to forget me- ever.”

―Jim Morrison 

Jim Morrison…Poet/Writer/Musician/Artist/Free Spirit/Beautiful Soul

Jim Morrison’s Grave in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
It is a pilgrimage for Jim Morrison admirers to visit his grave and pay their respects…

 *

James Douglas Morrison also known as Jim Morrison was a free spirit, poet, artist, writer and musician.

He is one of those artists whose art has a timeless impact on humanity.

Jim was a lover of literature, philosophy, music, poetry, art, drama, shamanism, independent and critical thinking, etcetera.

He had many intellectual, creative and artistic interests.

Later in his life he was developing a stronger affinity for the blues and poetry.

I would have loved to see how Jim would have evolved as an artist and human being.

For now his admirers can read and listen to his work- the creative gifts he left us.

Jim will never be forgotten…

He is unforgettable.

*

Please enjoy Jim’s Smile…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMhiDCZXU2k

I adore his smile!!!

It is like he has a secret- so mischievous…

{Jim’s smile could melt the coldest heart}.

*

Please enjoy Bird of Prey by Jim Morrison…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ft37338Okc

*

Have you read Jim’s poetry books?

What are your favourite Doors‘ songs?

What are your reflections on Jim Morrison?

*

For more information on Jim Morrison…

https://thedoors.com/home

*

Many more Jim Morrison posts are coming up in the near future…

Peace & Namaste…

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• Reflection for today…No Eternal Reward -Jim Morrison (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
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Reflection for today…The Goal of Creativity -Moby

“The Goal of Creativity is Beauty.”

–Moby

Moby and David Lynch: Two Masters in Creativity
Photo courtesy of Moby
http://www.moby.com/

David Lynch & Moby Working in Creative Synchronicity
Photo Courtesy of Moby
http://www.moby.com/

Moby Reflects…

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In this short clip, Moby reflects on the goal of creativity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xitia8di4n4

He heard David Lynch say:

“Creativity in and of itself is a beautiful thing.”

That one sentence resonated so much with Moby that it inspired him to refine his artistic focus.

Moby reflected on the preciousness of life and decided that he wants to remember making beautiful art and music on his death-bed.

His new focus is self-expression and to make beautiful art that will affect people.

In my opinion, Moby has always made beautiful emotive music that has touched people’s souls.

I have been a fan of his music for many years and am grateful that he is continuing on his artistic path.

*

What Moby said made me reflect on the legacy that I want to leave behind.

{Thinking of what you want to remember on your death-bed really puts life into crystal clear focus}.

I think that the relationships, friendships and interactions with people is what we leave behind.

{Of course if you are an artist you will leave behind your art as well}.

Whenever we gave the gift of our spiritual presence, love, compassion and kindness is hopefully what people will remember.

*

This clip also made me realize again how interconnected we really are.

{Buddhism and many spiritual paths speak about the interconnection of sentient beings}.

You never know how your words or actions will affect someone.

{I try to be really mindful about this}.

Our words and actions are so powerful that they have ripple effects.

Why not try to give the best of yourself to others?

{I know that it is easier said than done but we can still try our best to give our best}.

*

Please enjoy The Sky is Broken by Moby…

{The X-Files episode “All Things” from Season 7 includes Moby’s song “The Sky is Broken}.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsFIZa1jQCE

*

What are your creative goals?

What do you think the role of creativity is?

How can you infuse your life and the lives of others with more beauty?

*

For more information…

Moby…http://www.moby.com/

David Lynch…http://davidlynch.com/

*

Moby wishes you peace, love, creativity and enlightenment…

Peace & Namaste….

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• Reflection is Fuel for The Creative Process -Gotye (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Creativity & Intelligence -Albert Einstein (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…How Art Evolves Consciousness -Alex Grey (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Music & Creativity -David Lynch Interviews Moby

Moby and David Lynch are two artists that I deeply admire.

David Lynch and Moby…Art at its Finest…
Photo courtesy of: http://www.cultture.com/

Their art has enhanced my life in many ways.

Moby and David Lynch Playing Music Together…

In my opinion, they are masters of creativity and creative expression- art at its finest.

{I am always fascinated by the creative process and creative expression}.

In this short clip, Moby and David Lynch discuss creativity and music.

Moby and David Discuss Creativity and Music…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EFPQpVFdPs

Moby was struck with an epiphany when David Lynch said that creativity in and of itself is beautiful.

He realized that “our lives should be spent in service of making great art, not accommodating the market place.”

Moby wants to make “beautiful, emotional and melodic” music with artistic integrity.

I love how he humbly says that he doesn’t know if he has accomplished his creative goals.

David reassured him that his songs are “really thrilling.”

I love how they collaborate with each other artistically.

You really get the sense that they deeply admire each other…so beautiful.

*

Please enjoy this short clip where Moby and David jam…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpipJFmpGjU

The Poison Tree- Moby Remixed by David Lynch…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdMGghLBpd0

Noah’s Ark -David Lynch remixed by Moby…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5et5kCmIHk

*

For more information…

Moby…http://www.moby.com/

David Lynch…http://davidlynch.com/

*

Do you think that creativity in and of itself is beautiful?

What do you think about artistic integrity?

What is the role of business and commerce in art?

*

Moby and David Lynch Are Friends
Photo property of http://www.moby.com/

Peace & Namaste…

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• Reflection for today…Art Is A Question Mark -Marilyn Manson (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…How Art Evolves Consciousness -Alex Grey (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Questioning Identity -Tilda Swinton

“I’m basically interested in identity, and I still find fascinating the question,

how do we identify ourselves, and how do we settle into other people’s expectations for our identity?”

–Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton as David Bowie.
Photographed by Craig Mcdean for AnOther Magazine.

Tilda channels David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust alter ego…

Tilda is a Rebel Rebel…

Tilda is a huge David Bowie Fan…

“The other day, I was going through the airport security and I was searched by a male security guard. I’m very often referred to as “Sir” in elevators and such. I think it has to do with being this tall and not wearing much lipstick. I think people just can’t imagine I’d be a woman if I look like this.”

“You’re always playing yourself.
It’s all autobiography, whatever you’re doing.
It’s using them as a kind of prism through which to throw something real about yourself, or something relaxed at least.
Because the last thing you want is to look like you’re acting.”

Tilda Swinton in Candy Magazine

Tilda is a Futuristic Cosmic Mermaid…

Tilda as a Cosmic Space Goddess…

Tilda Laughs At The Status Quo…

Tilda Transforms Through Make-up Artistry…

“These photographic performances and the opportunity they afford me to play with the shapes and attitudes of this lexicon are thrilling to me.”

*

Tilda Swinton is a brilliant actress and performer {one of my favourites}.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Zajvjm4LI

She has performed “the maybe” where she sleeps in a glass cage for performance art.

Tilda’s recent performance at MOMA {Museum of Modern Art}…

Tilda is a fascinating artist and human being.

“It’s a real comfort zone for me to feel alien.”

It should come to no surprise that she is a writer.

If you have ever hear her speak, you will be struck with her grace, intelligence and eloquence.

Her natural beauty radiates outwards.

*

Tilda tends to favor a more natural and androgynous look.

The pictures from Candy magazine depict her in drag make-up.

These pictures are in juxtaposition with her usual natural aesthetic.

Scottish actress Tilda Swinton relishes in androgyny, artistry and creativity…

*

Tilda is so intriguing to me not only as an actress/artist but as a thinker and human being.

She says that a recurring theme in her work is the question of identity and the question of transformation.

Tilda Swinton in W Magazine {August 2011}

In this clip, she discusses identity and transformation….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEIFzoBgNe8

“Society circumscribes us and we play into this feeling that we have to pick one identity and stick with it and any natural transformation within our spirit is to be resisted at all costs.

If there is some great shift in someone’s life one is to feel nothing, but shame and failure, that’s the thing I am constantly drawn back to.”

“There is something insane about a lack of doubt. Doubt, to me anyway, is what makes you human, and without doubt even the righteous lose their grip not only on reality but also on their humanity.”

What keeps her engaged in performing and acting is the moment of shift and doubt in one’s identity.

“There’s such an effort to try and explain people.”

Tilda Removes The Wig/Veil/Metaphorical Mask…

Tilda The Transformer…

*

Gender, identity and beauty are such an intriguing topics which I hope to explore in future posts.

“Tilda does not always play women; she has played Mozart on stage, an Elizabethan nobleman in Orlando (1992) and an androgynous angel, Gabriel, in Constantine (2005).”
-Internet Movie Database

*

Please enjoy the fascinating video of master make-up artist Joseph Harwood as he transforms himself from a male/androgynous appearance into a female appearance.

{Joseph really shows us how make-up is art and how you can express yourself and construct our own identity}.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBxGwTEc0AQ

Joseph answers questions about androgyny and gender…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cAYU7D0wfY

To watch more of Joseph’s make-up artistry videos…

http://www.youtube.com/user/jhmemoires

For more information on Joseph Harwood…

http://www.josephharwood.com/

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Please enjoy David Bowie’s new song “The Stars Are Out Tonight”…

Tilda Swinton & David Bowie…An Artistic Dream…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH7dMBcg-gE

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I am most grateful for a class I took called “sociology of gender relations” because it enlightened me about gender.

This class also brought to my awareness the struggles of women, gay people, transgendered people and other types of minorities.

More than anything this class convinced me that everyone deserves equality, there needs to be more love, compassion and acceptance in the world and that we should collectively fight discrimination of all kinds.

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For more information on…

Tilda Swinton…

Tilda and Bjork…

please visit her internet movie database page…

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0842770/

Twitter…https://twitter.com/NotTildaSwinton

David Bowie…http://www.davidbowie.com/

*

I would love to read your thoughts on this post or about gender, identity, androgyny and/or beauty.

What are your favourite Tilda Swinton performances/films?

What are your favourite David Bowie songs/albums and alter egos?

What are your alter egos?

Tilda Swinton…a brilliant artist/actress/chameleon

Peace & Namaste…

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Reflection is Fuel for The Creative Process -Gotye

“These songs come out of so many random and contradictory thoughts bouncing around my head- like sound waves between sheets of glass and when I’m lucky they also allow me to reflect on the world around me.”

-Gotye

Gotye – Making Making Mirrors – a short documentary:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZXLyeatI0s

Gotye – The Making of Eyes Wide Open – documentary:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_iuE_L2wys

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These short documentaries give a glimpse into Gotye‘s creative process.

I am fascinated by the creative process and creativity overall.

{I hope to explore it more in future posts}.

Reflection is Fuel for the Creative Process…

Gotye’s creative genius shines through.

I love how Gotye uses older and sometimes forgotten/obscure music and recycles it.

{I also love how he used his dad’s art for his album cover}.

Wally de Backer/Gotye reflects on life as a part of his creative process

He is an alchemist {and his studio is his alchemical laboratory}.

Awaken Your Creative Potential…

I love how dedicated Gotye is to his art.

He is so infinitely talented.

Wally de Backer/Gotye is an example of someone who develops his creative potential.

{We all have creative potential and Buddha nature but we don’t all choose to awaken it}.

The most beautiful thing is the happiness and beauty he must feel while creating such beauty.

I have always felt that musicians and artists have the potential to contribute to the healing of the world.

{This is why I have a music therapy category.

It is because music and art have therapeutic powers}.

*

For more information on Gotye,

please visit his official website..

http://www.gotye.com/

*

What are your reflections on Gotye’s short documentaries?

What are your reflections on creativity and the creative process?

I would love to read them…

*

How can you develop your creative potential?

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

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• Reflection for today…The Goal of Creativity -Moby (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Music & Creativity -David Lynch interviews Moby (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Cosmic Order -Carl Jung

“In all chaos there is a cosmos,

in all disorder a secret order.”

-Carl Jung

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I am such a star-gazer and lover of the universe.

Are you?

I think all of the secrets and mysteries of the universe are revealed in the sky.

Stars are like hieroglyphics etched above.

The night sky is so exquisite- mysterious yet revealing.

The sky in daylight also has its beauty.

 The moon and the sun are proof that true love exists.

They are lovers and soul mates.

*

Please enjoy Subterranean Homesick Alien by Radiohead…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byN3JDPoJRo

“The breath of the morning
I keep forgetting
The smell of the warm summer air

I live in a town
Where you can’t smell a thing
You watch your feet
For cracks in the pavement

Up above
Aliens hover
Making home movies
For the folks back home

Of all these weird creatures
Who lock up their spirits
Drill holes in themselves
And live for their secrets

They’re all uptight
 Uptight.. [x7]

I wish that they’d swoop down in a country lane
Late at night when I’m driving
Take me on board their beautiful ship
Show me the world as I’d love to see it

I’d tell all my friends
But they’d never believe
They’d think that I’d finally lost it completely

I’d show them the stars
And the meaning of life
They’d shut me away
But I’d be all right
All right..

I’m just uptight
 Uptight.. [x7]”

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For more information, please visit…

Carl Jung…http://www.cgjungpage.org/

Radiohead…http://radiohead.com/

*

Peace & Namaste…

 

Related articles

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Reflection for today…Cowards Run From Love -Bob Marley

“The biggest coward of a man is to awaken the love of a woman without the intention of loving her.”

–Bob Marley

*

I really love this quote.

The idea of awakening love in someone without loving them or intending to love them is so cruel and selfish yet it happens.

It is deceitful and disrespectful to use someone.

It should also be noted that a woman who awakens the love of a man without the intention of loving him is also a coward.

Same goes for everyone.

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Please enjoy Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley & The Wailers…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z3yFUhasqs

*

For more information on Bob Marley,

please visit his official website…

http://www.bobmarley.com/

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

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Reflection for today…Unconditional Love -Johnny Cash

“There’s unconditional love there.

You hear that phrase a lot but it’s real with me and her [June Carter].

She loves me in spite of everything, in spite of myself.

She has saved my life more than once.

She’s always been there with her love, and it has certainly made me forget the pain for a long time, many times.

When it gets dark and everybody’s gone home and the lights are turned off, it’s just me and her.”
―Johnny Cash

June & Johnny…Love in Action…

Johnny Cash & June Carter…
Soul Mates Never Die…

*

I love what Johnny said about June loving him in spite of everything- in spite of himself.

I believe he was referring to his self-destructiveness at the time.

Johnny was suffering from heavy drug and alcohol addiction.

His spiritual strength and June’s love empowered him to transcend his suffering, eradicate his demons and heal from the prison of addiction.

Johnny in his autobiography:
“She’s The Greatest Woman I Have Ever Known.
Nobody Else, Except My Mother, Comes Close.”

Johnny didn’t just love June…he ADORED her….

*

When he speaks about June’s love, I think Johnny is speaking about her spiritual presence.

It is through your spiritual presence that you can really be there for someone because you are present and mindful in that moment.

You are able to open your heart and soul to offer your compassion and love.

June’s undying love and fierce loyalty was always present.

I still believe that love is loyalty and loyalty is love.

Loyalty is how we prove our love and express it.

It is our gift to our beloved.

Love isn’t simply a feeling but it is action.

*

Real love heals and gives spiritual strength.

It is that powerful.

One of John’s Soulful Love Letters to June…

I Adore Love Letters Because They Truly Reveal The Soul…

{Lets resurrect the lost art of letter writing…}

Johnny & June…A Marriage of Equals

Johnny wrote the song Flesh and Blood about his love for June…

“…So when this day was ended I was still not satisfied

For I knew everything I touched would wither and would die

And love is all that will remain and grow from all these seeds…”

*

I should also mention that Johnny Cash died on September 12th, 2003, less than four months after June died.

{It has been said that he was holding her hand when she died}.

Many say that his health complications worsened after June died.

Some even speculate that he died from a broken heart.

Johnny & June Lived In Love For 35 Years…

They are buried next to each other in Hendersonville Memory Gardens in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

*

The movie Walk The Line starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon is about Johnny’s life and his and June’s love story.

{He really should have won an Oscar for his performance in my humble opinion}.

For more info, please visit the internet movie database page…Walk The Line Film.

*

In celebration of their love and love overall, please enjoy Ring of Fire sung by Johnny Cash…

{It was co-written by June about her and Johnny’s passionate ascension in to love}.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq4a2te0yhE

“Love is a burning thing
And it makes a fiery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell into a ring of fire

I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire

I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire

The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wild

I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire

I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire

And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
The ring of fire.”

*

While passion may calm down with time, it lives when there is true love…

One of John’s Passionate Love Letters To June…
Photo property of: http://www.johnnycashonline.com/

*

For more information on Johnny Cash,

please visit his official website…http://www.johnnycash.com/

*

Peace & Namaste…

A Loving Glance Reveals Your Heart…

Related articles

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Reflection for today…Music Celebrates Life -Björk

“Singing is like a celebration of oxygen.”

–Björk

Bjork is a Magical Artist/Singer/Musician…

A Celebration of Bjork’s Music Career…

Bjork’s Talent & Creativity are Limitless…

*

Please enjoy One Day by Björk …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-nDLfFmEq8

*

For more information on Björk,

please visit her official website…

http://bjork.com/

*

Björk sends you peace, creativity and enlightenment…

Peace & Namaste…

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Reflection for today…The Dangers of a Sad Soul -Henry David Thoreau

“A sad soul can kill you quicker, much quicker, than any germ” 
―Henry David Thoreau 

Norma Jeane Mortenson otherwise known as Marilyn Monroe was not a “sad soul.”

She was a beautiful soul. 

I don’t particularly think that anyone is a “sad soul.”

Everyone has some melancholy in their soul.

In the continuum of melancholy, some people experience more sadness than others.

I think Thoreau means a chronic sadness/depression is what will kill you.

What is your interpretation?

*

Please enjoy Wash My Soul by Tricky.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpDJ8KRzV_s

*

How can you “wash your soul?”

Meditation? Healing? Love?

*

For more information…

Henry David Thoreau…http://www.walden.org/thoreau

Marilyn Monroe…http://marilynmonroe.com/

Tricky…http://www.trickysite.com/

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

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Reflection for today…Faith In One’s Spiritual Path -Paulo Coelho

“In order to have faith in his own path,

he does not need to prove that someone else’s path is wrong.”
―Paulo Coelho

Warrior of the Light

Stic Man Praying…

Buddhism is an inclusive spiritual path…

*

Please enjoy “No Way As The Way” by Dead Prez…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEXB0WsFVKg

*

I love how inclusive “no way as the way” is.

“…My mind is a Buddhist temple.

The truth is simple.

I try to be principled.

Walking with a warrior’s spirit.

Aint’ nothing like learning from first hand life experience.

I’m a realist.

That’s all I deal with.

Respecting truth, that’s all I build with.

A child of the universe.

My religion is life and it’s just as valid.

I strive for balance…”

*

For more information…

Paulo Coelho…http://paulocoelhoblog.com/

Dead Prez….http://deadprezblog.wordpress.com/

Their new album “Information Age” is available for purchase now…

{Thank you Stic Man & M-1!}

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/information-age/id565661367

http://www.amazon.com/Information-Age/dp/B009I5LNMW

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Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…Human Loneliness -Haruki Murakami

“Why do people have to be this lonely?

What’s the point of it all?

Millions of people in this world, all of them yearning, looking to others to satisfy them, yet isolating themselves.

Why?

Was the earth put here just to nourish human loneliness?”  
–Haruki Murakami,   

Sputnik Sweetheart 

Loneliness can follow you like a shadow…

*

Loneliness can be a source of existential angst, alienation and suffering.

What does loneliness mean to you?

Do you feel lonely?

What do you do when you feel that void inside?

Does being with someone else actually cure or minimize your loneliness?

I tend to feel more alone than lonely {even though I know we are never really alone}.

Being a lone wolf, I am comfortable with solitude.

I find solace, strength and wisdom in it.

{My view of loneliness is more like an upcoming Charles Bukowski reflection}.

I do feel compassion for others that are experiencing loneliness.

*

Please enjoy Lonely Soul by UNKLE & Richard Ashcroft…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lpfWF4owSI

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For more information…

Haruki Murakami…http://www.murakami.ch/main_4.html

UNKLE…http://unkle.com/

Richard Ashcroft…http://richardashcroft.co.uk/

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Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Japan’s Suicide Forest Teaches About Compassion & The Human Need For Real Connection…(mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Loneliness- Emily Carr (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

 

Reflection for today…Sexual Healing -Paulo Coelho

Sex, relaxation and tension

by Paulo Coelho on February 20, 2013

Men and women whisper to each other because they have turned a sacred gesture into a sinful act.

This is the world in which we live. And while robbing the present moment of its reality can be dangerous, disobedience can also be a virtue, when we know how to use it.

If two bodies merely join together, that is not sex, it is merely pleasure.

Sex goes far beyond pleasure.

In sex, relaxation and tension go hand in hand, as do pain and pleasure, shyness and the courage to go beyond one’s limits.

How can such opposing states exist in harmony together?

There is only one way: by surrendering yourself.

Because the act of surrender means: ‘I trust you.’

It isn’t enough to imagine everything that might happen if we allowed ourselves to join not just our bodies, but our souls as well.

Let us plunge together, then, down the dangerous path of surrender.

It may be dangerous, but it is the only path worth following.

Let us forget all that we are taught about how it is noble to give and humiliating to receive.

Because for most people, generosity consists only in giving, but receiving is also an act of love.

Allowing someone else to make us happy will make them happy too.”

taken from MANUSCRIPT FOUND IN ACCRA

Yoga Kiss=Pure Bliss

The Alchemy of Yoga unites two as one…

Yogis Radiating Love…

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Please enjoy Leif Erikson by Interpol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25zAd0JFD8g

“She says it helps with the lights out.

Her rabid glow is like braille to the night.

She swears I’m a slave to the details

But if your life is such a big joke, why should I care?
The clock is set for nine but you know you’re gonna make it eight.

So that you two can take some time, teach each other to reciprocate.
She feels that my sentimental side should be held with kid gloves

But she doesn’t know that I left my urge in the icebox.

She swears I’m just prey to the female,

Well then hook me up and throw me, baby cakes, cuz I like to get hooked.
The clock is set for nine but you know you’re gonna make it eight.

All the people that you’ve loved they’re all bound to leave some keepsakes.

I’ve been swinging all the time, think it’s time to learn your way.

I picture you and me together in the jungle it would be ok.
I’ll bring you when my lifeboat sails through the night

That is supposing that you don’t sleep tonight
It’s like learning a new language

Helps me catch up on my mime

If  you don’t bring up those lonely parts This could be a good time

It’s like learning a new language
You come here to me

We’ll collect those lonely parts and set them down

You come here to me
She says brief things, her love’s a pony

My love’s subliminal
She says brief things, her love’s a pony

My love’s subliminal.”

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For more information…

Paulo Coelho…http://paulocoelhoblog.com/

Interpol…http://www.matadorrecords.com/interpol/

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Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…Revolutionary Spirit -Ernesto Che Guevara

“The revolution is made through human beings,

but individuals must forge their revolutionary spirit day by day.”  

―Ernesto Che Guevara

Che says that the first duty of a revolutionary is to be educated…

Che Loved Literature…

Che Was An Author, Scholar, Revolutionary & Doctor…

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Please enjoy “Does It” by Tricky from his new album “False Idols.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVQmQc2HBDk

{I am so excited about his new album False Idols}!

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For more information…

Che Guevara…http://www.hey-che.com 

http://www.cheguevara.com 

http://www.che-lives.com

Tricky…http://www.trickysite.com/

Tricky…One of my favourite artists/musicians

*

How can you forge your revolutionary spirit every day?

What does revolution mean to you?

How can you be a revolutionary in your own life?

*

Peace & Revolutionary Love…

Reflection for today…Self-Actualization -Saul Williams

“Now is the time to self-actualize…”

–Saul Williams

Saul Williams says the time to awaken your potential is now…

Saul takes a moment of reflection…

Please enjoy “Coded Language” by Saul Williams and DJ Krust…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HerpGwbLSM8

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For more information on Saul Williams, please visit his official website:

http://www.saulwilliams.com/

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Sending you the seeds of self-actualization…

Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…Float With Me -David Lynch

“Float with me in the world of ether.”
―David Lynch

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Please enjoy Dirge by Death in Vegas…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9spOx5Hmoa0

*

For more information…

David Lynch…http://davidlynch.com/

Death in Vegas…https://www.facebook.com/deathinvegasmusic

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Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Reflection for today…Ideas Are Like Fish -David Lynch (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…The Surrealism of Life -David Lynch (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Music & Creativity -David Lynch Interviews Moby (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…The Goal of Creativity -Moby (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Following Your Heart -Erykah Badu

“Following your heart also involves eliminating things that no longer evolve you.”

-Erykah Badu 

Please enjoy “Didn’t cha know” by Erykah Badu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np21rH7Ldto

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The word revolution contains the word evolution.

Evolution is revolution…

*

For more information on Erykah Badu, please visit her official website:

http://erykah-badu.com/newssystem/news.php

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Peace & Namaste Friends…

Reflection for today…Potential -Doris Lessing

“Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so.” 
— Doris Lessing

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Society is not a level playing field.

Equal opportunities are mostly urban legends.

Spoken word poets and hip hop artists often speak about social inequalities and injustice through social commentary.

Some hip hop artists educate, enlighten/uplift consciousness and inspire.

Stic Man & M-1 are Dead Prez: My favourite hip hop artists/activists/revolutionaries

Tupac Shakur was a brilliant poet/artist/activist/revolutionary

This poetic narrative storytelling made me fall in love with hip hop because it gave a voice to the voiceless.

It was the poetry of the streets.

Many will not like the social commentary.

It is so incisive and critical but it has to be because the living conditions are full of suffering and injustice.

*

It should be noted that conscious hip hop and punk music have many parallels.

They both fight against the status quo.

They both subvert the dominant paradigm.

*

Black ice is such a gifted poet and spoken word artist.

He shoots from the hip and his poems go straight to your heart and mind.

In his poem Imagine, he meditates on social inequality and how different life would be if equal opportunities actually existed.

He proposes to “put love where the hate is.”

*

Please enjoy his poem Imagine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kVT89O6cLo

“What happens in neighbourhoods where the self-esteem has been overshadowed by the decay and the children no longer play the way they used to?

Where young boys choose to follow figures that had no father figures…

Whatever happened to that we shall overcome shit?…

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.neh.gov/files/divisions/preservation/images/we_shall_overcome_full_page.jpg

Cold winters are sheltered by crack houses instead of recreational centers that they claim to not have the paper to keep open for operation…

What’s a young boy to do when he doesn’t want to do wrong but there’s a lock on the right door?

When he has the heart of a soldier, the aggression of a prizefighter but no one’s taught him what to fight for…

Young Tupac was one of many boys without fathers {as Black Ice says}.
However, the absence of his father was eclipsed by his mother’s fierce love.
Afeni {a former Black Panther} passed on infinite wisdom to her son so it isn’t true that “no one taught him what to fight for.”
“My mother taught me three things: respect, knowledge, search for knowledge.
It’s an eternal journey.” -Tupac.
I included this caption of Tupac because he had “the heart of a soldier and aggression of a prize fighter”- not to mention the mind of a revolutionary leader.. 
In the end, Tupac defined manhood for himself and became quite the revolutionary man.

I would have loved to see Tupac become a father…

See, most of our families are fatherless and quite poor so we miss out on meals as well as kisses and hugs.

Photo Courtesy of: http://zunlee.com/

You’ve got the audacity to cut the funding for the facilities that keep us off the streets then ask us why we sell drugs.

Imagine if we put down our dices and guns, picked up our daughters and sons and put a little love right there where the hate is…

Photo Courtesy of: http://zunlee.com/images/sized/assets/blog/DSC_9675-Color_720_1080_c1.jpg

Imagine if these little inner-city kids had the same type of schools that these rich kids have way out there in the sticks…”

–Black Ice

*

Imagine we lived in a world where there was no suffering, injustice/oppression, “third world” class distinction or any class distinction whatsoever.

This is the world that I want to live in…

Art by BANKSY

Peace & Namaste.

{More posts about poverty/social inequality/injustice, sociology, spoken word poetry, Tupac, Dead Prez, Black Ice and hip hop coming up in the future…}

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For more information…

Dorris Lessing…http://www.dorislessing.org/

Black Ice…https://twitter.com/BLACKICETHEPOET

Tupac…http://www.2pac.com/

The Tupac Shakur foundation…http://www.tasf.org/

Dead Prez…http://deadprezblog.wordpress.com/blog/

“Tupac’s Legend

Tupac Amaru Shakur was an inspiration to millions.

While  2Pac was most famous for his rap career,  he was also a gifted actor, poet and thoughtful while outspoken advocate for the poor and the overlooked in America. During his life, he produced an immense amount of artistic work, which included studio albums, major Hollywood feature films, and published works.  He was most prolific in the music industry, selling over 75 million albums. 2Pac’s unapologetic lyrics were relevant, important, and reflective of the hard lives led by many. His music earned attention and respect through a poetic style that embraced street vocabulary while being innovative. Today, 2Pac is still considered by many to be one of the biggest influences on modern hip-hop.

2Pac’s career has earned him six Grammy nominations and three MTV Video Music Award nominations. In 1997, Shakur was honored by the American Music Awards as the Favorite Hip Hop Artist.

Born on June 16 1971 in New York City, Shakur’s parents were both members of the Black Panther Party whose militant style and provocative ideologies for civil rights would come to influence 2Pac’s music. At an early age, Tuapc’s love for performance and the arts began to show, as he began acting at age 13 and later enrolled in the Baltimore School of the Arts before dropping out at 17. Shakur broke into the music business with rap group Digital Underground as a back-up dancer and roadie. Eventually Shakur released his first solo album in ’91, 2pacalypse Now. 2Pac’s music career began to grow as his second album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z included two top 20 pop chart tracks: I Get Around and Keep Ya Head Up.

Shakur’s legal battles began after he established his rap career. In the early nineties Shakur faced a wrongful death suit which settled out of court, accusations of assaulting police officers where charges were ultimately dropped, and even an incident where Shakur sustained five gunshot wounds from shooter Dexter Isaac. In 1995 2Pac was sentenced one-and-a-half to four-and-a-half years in prison for sexual abuse. However, not even prison could slow the success of Shakur’s career.

While incarcerated 2Pac’s latest album at the time, Me Against the World, was number one in the pop charts and would later go double platinum. Shakur became the first artist to reach number one in the pop charts while serving a prison sentence. Making the most of his time in jail, 2Pac became a passionate reader. Among his favorites were the works of Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance writer whose works were in part the foundation for western political science. Shakur’s appreciation of his work inspired the nickname: Makaveli.

After serving only eight months of his sentence, 2Pac was out on parole thanks to a 1.4 million dollar bond paid by Suge Knight, CEO of Death Row Records. Now signed with Death Row Records, Shakur went on to create All Eyez on Me, which featured hits How Do You Want It and California Love.

2Pac’s life was cut short in September of 1996 when Shakur became the victim of a drive-by shooting while his car waited on a red light. While Shakur survived the surgery that followed he was pronounced dead almost a week after the attack.

Even today, 2Pac’s influence is wide-spread. From the Library of Congress where his song Dear Mama was added in 2010 to the National Registry, to artists like 11 time Grammy winner Eminem who in an interview with MTV said:

“He made you feel like you knew him. I think that , honestly, Tupac was the greatest songwriter that ever lived. He made it seem so easy. The emotion was there, and feeling, and everything he was trying to describe. You saw a picture that he was trying to paint.”

2Pac leaves a legacy of honesty and passion in his songs. Respected by many,  2Pac has become an inspiration for artists and a standard in rap music.”

-Copied & Pasted from: http://www.2pac.com/legend/

The Tupac Shakur Foundation

“MISSION

Our mission is to provide training and support for students who aspire to enhance their creative talents. Each and every child desires freedom to creatively express themselves. We provide an environment that encourages freedom of expression, serves as a resource for families, and empowers via education.

ABOUT

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF) is home to the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, just outside of Atlanta in Stone Mountain, Georgia. TASF was founded in 1997 originally as the Shakur Family Foundation by Afeni Shakur, mother of multi-talented Tupac Amaru Shakur. Since its inception TASF has offered performing arts camps, essay competitions, youth book clubs, visual arts workshops, community development projects, and scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate degrees.

On June 11, 2005 the TASF opened the Center! The Center is dedicated to providing youth and the community with educational programs in the arts. It is a fact that early arts education improves school grades, as well as offers invaluable life lessons while building self-esteem and confidence. For nearly 15 years, the Foundation’s programs have served youth of all social and economic backgrounds, giving countless young people the courage to get off the streets and learn vital skills that have the potential to positively impact their communities. The Center is open to the public and hosts several noteworthy events throughout the year.

MORE ABOUT TUPAC

Tupac Amaru Shakur dealt with great obstacles such as homelessness, hunger, and pain, amongst other situations during his youth. Performing arts provided the hope that would seed the expression that would one day influence generations worldwide.

Tupac accomplished a lot before his murder at the age of 25. At an early age, he wrote and organized family productions, casting himself as the lead and his older cousins in supporting roles. Tupac formally trained at the 127th Street Ensemble and Baltimore School for the Arts. At the age of twelve, he experienced his first formal stage role as the character “Travis” in the stage play ‘Raisin In the Sun’ at the prestigious Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

Tupac was eventually cast in several feature films and recorded several chart topping albums. In fact, he released the first ever double hip-hop CD.   Today, years after his physical departure, he is the second highest selling Hip-Hop artist of all time. His gift- his words and creative talent- continues to inspire others around the world!“

-Copied & Pasted from: http://www.tasf.org/the-foundation/about-tasf/

Tupac Sends You Peace…

Related articles

• Imitation #7 : “Imagine” by Black Ice (soulofrhymes.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…The Salvation of Love -Haruki Murakami

“If you can love someone with your whole heart,

even one person, then there’s salvation in life. 

Even if you can’t get together with that person.” 
―Haruki Murakami,   

1Q84

Please enjoy I Love You by King Biscuit Time.

King Biscuit Time is Steve Mason.

{It was one of his many musical projects}.

Those fans of  The Beta Band will recognize his voice because he was the lead singer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INb0t9uhzu4

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Do you agree with Mr.Murakami?

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For more information…

 Haruki Murakami…http://www.murakami.ch/main_2.html 

or his official UK website…http://www.murakamibooks.co.uk/

King Biscuit Time…http://www.kingbiscuittime.co.uk/

Steve Mason…http://stevemasontheartist.com/

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Reflection for today…Keeping Memories Alive -Haruki Murakami (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Keeping Memories Alive -Haruki Murakami

“No matter how much suffering you went through,

you never wanted to let go of those memories.” 
―Haruki Murakami

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Most of the pictures are from the brilliant film Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind.

I highly recommend it!

*

Please enjoy “The Only Thing I Know” by Gotye…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=QvnJaq6VD7U&feature=endscreen

“I’m living with your memory
In the attic in my mind
And you’ve been getting by without me
But I’ve been spending all my time
With a girl that I remember
Who’ll never leave or need to grow
Cos when you left you left your memory
Now it’s the only thing I know

When the past gives me no comfort
And though the future is the cost
The way I’m choosing to remember
I’ll forever be the man I never was

And you, you fade
But the memory remains the same
And I, I can’t change
And I think that living with your memory
Is slowly driving me insane

You are perfect but you’re empty
And it gets so lonely in my mind
Cos your image in my memory’s
The only shred of you that’s left behind
You were real but then you left me
And that’s the part I can’t accept
So I’ll keep on living with your memory
Because it’s all that I’ve got left.”

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For more information…

 Haruki Murakami…http://www.murakami.ch/main_2.html

or his official UK website: http://www.murakamibooks.co.uk/

Gotye’s Official Website…http://gotye.com/

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Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Reflection for today…Memories -Haruki Murakami (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Respect Your Love -Jimi Hendrix

“Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts.

Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.” 
―Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix: A Sensitive Soul…

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This valentines day don’t get seduced by fabricated love and consumerist “romantic” marketing- in other words…fake love.

Remember…

You deserve all of someone’s heart- not just a tattered and bruised corner.

You deserve the universe- not mere crumbs.

You deserve the highest respect, reverence and compassion.

You don’t need to fight to get someone’s attention or love.

If they love you and care about you, they will give it willingly.

There will be no need for convincing.

They will see you and know who you are.

They will accept who you are without question.

They will look for you.

They will find you.

They will call you or write you and not wait for you to chase them.

They will take the initiative and make the effort if they really care.

They will swim shark infested waters- or at least the ocean.

They will climb mountains, slay dragons, go to hell and get out of hell to find you.

They will visit you in the hospital or jail- if they are brave enough they might even help you break out.

They will give you their kidney if necessary.

Remember that love is shown in actions and not hollow words.

Remember that love is loyalty and loyalty is love.

*

There is a huge difference between a heart of gold and a gold-plated one.

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Please enjoy …

Chris Cornell- Arms Around Your Love…

Chris Cornell- Arms Around Your Love Official Video…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu01eOXABBg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMGtZnuE1Vc

“With his arms around your love
Oh no, here comes the pain that you can’t ignore

With his arms around your girl
He’ll do all of the things you didn’t do before
You had every chance, but you closed the door

[Chorus]
Now you’re just gonna have to take it
(‘Cause if you didn’t  know)
She’s gonna make you pay for it
(Price you can’t afford)
You’re  just gonna have to take it
With his arms around your love [Repeat: x3]

Oh, yeah

Pretend that you don’t mind
But you know everything that you left behind

And it would have been alright
If you’d gave half of  the praise that you held inside
You thought she’d hang around for the ride

[Chorus]

Coming clean feels so dangerous
Just a little bit would have been enough
But you never said all the words caught in your head

As if your heart was dead
Well now its surely bled and broken up

And it would have been alright
If you’d gave half of the praise that you held inside
You thought she’d hang around for the ride

[Chorus]

(Take it) With his arms around your love
(Pay for it) With his arms around your love
With his arms around your love
With his arms around your love.”

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For more information…

Jimi Hendrix…http://www.jimihendrix.com/us/home

Chris Cornell…http://chriscornell.com/home/

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Sending you seeds of self-love, self-respect and dignity…

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• Happy Valentine’s Day? (jasbaku.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Promises -Cormac McCarthy (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…Heartless People -Charles Bukowski

“People are not good to each other.

Perhaps if they were our deaths would not be so sad.” 

―Charles Bukowski

Love is a Dog from Hell

Something happened this past Friday that inspired this post.

That day I lost my faith in people.

{I hope to get it back}.

For now, I am left thinking that most people mistake kindness for weakness.

People can be so heartless, cold and cruel.

Bukowski said it is such a sadness that we are not that good to each other while we are alive.

I totally agree with him that we should treat each other better while we are still alive- while we still have time.

There won’t be any wasted regrets this way.

Well, you can only try your best.

At least your conscience will be crystal clear.

What matters most is if you can look in the mirror and look yourself in the eyes and be proud of who are.

If you can be true to yourself and your ethics, then you have been authentic.

You have been real.

You have been truly honest.

You have integrity, dignity/honour and character.

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Please enjoy “A House” by Doves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaMARfHUik

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For more information…

Charles Bukowski…http://bukowski.net/ 

Doves…http://www.dovesmusicblog.com/

*

Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…Love’s Alchemy -Rumi

“O lovers
Love will lay a carpet
of treasures under your feet.

Musicians
Love will fill
your drums with gold.

Thirsty ones
Love will turn your scorched desert
into a meadow of paradise.

Forsaken ones
Love will open
the doors to the King’s palace.

Alchemists
Love’s alchemy
will reshape gallows into altars.

Sinners
Love will change
your apathy to faith.

Kings of the world
in love’s hands
you will melt like a candle.

To the parched lips of those
who are willing to surrender

Love will bring the wine
that changes darkness into vision,
cruelty into compassion
and dust into precious incense.

Those who think
the heart is only in the chest
take two or three steps
and are content.

The rosary,
the prayer rug and repentance
are paths
that they mistake for the destination.”

-Rumi
  — Translation by Azima Melita Kolin and Maryam Mafi
Rumi: Hidden Music
   HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, 2001

Jonathan Rhys Meyers & Natalie Dormer as King Henry the Eighth & Anne Boleyn in The Tudors

Passionate Love

Soul Mates…

Real Love…

The Dance of Seduction…

Honoured To Walk With You in Grace…

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Please enjoy “Flames” by Vast {Visual Audio Sensory Theater}.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ichCCegTbnA

I really feel that it complements Rumi’s poem “Love’s Alchemy.”

Isn’t the cello along with Jon Crosby’s soulful singing so hauntingly beautiful?

“Close your eyes
let me touch you now
let me give you something
that is real
close the door
leave your fears behind
let me give you
what you’re giving me
you are the only thing
that makes me want to live at all
when i am with you
there’s no reason to pretend that
when i am with you
i feel flames again
just put me inside you
i would never ever leave
just put me inside you
i would never ever leave you.”

-VAST

*

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For more information…

 Paulo Coelho…http://paulocoelho.com/

VAST…http://vast.me/

The Tudors… http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758790/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

“A dramatic series about the reign and marriages of King Henry VIII.”

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Peace & Namaste Friends…

Reflection for today…A True Genius -Albert Einstein

“A true genius admits that he/she knows nothing.” 
―Albert Einstein

*

Jimi Hendrix was so great yet so humble.

 

Jimi Hendrix: A Beautiful Soul

Soulful Jimi…

Jimi in Musical Nirvana…

Jimi reminds us of the power and beauty of humility.

He reminds us of its place in our lives.

I strive to be humble and I always admire humility in others.

Jimi’s shyness and humility in this video speak so much about his honourable character.

I just love the shy way Jimi looks downwards when Dick Cavett says he is one of the greatest guitar players…beautiful!

You Are Always Loved Jimi…

For more information about Jimi Hendrix, please visit his official website: http://www.jimihendrix.com/us/home

Peace & Namaste…

Reflection for today…A Haunting Love -Jeff Buckley

“I love anything that haunts me…and never leaves.”

–Jeff Buckley

Who is the love that haunts you?

What do you love so much that it haunts you?

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Jeff Buckley died on May 29th, 1997 but his spirit is still alive in his music.

Just listen and you will hear it…

Jeff Buckley: Full of Love…

Please enjoy…

Jeff Buckley Dido’s Lament: 

“This is a piece, for a mezzo-soprano voice, from Dido and Aeneas, an opera  composed by Henry Purcell in 1681.

Jeff performed it live in his exhibition at  Meltdown Festival, London, on July 1 1995:

Thy hand, belinda,  darkness shades me.
On thy bosom let me rest.
More I would, but death  invades me.
Death is now a welcome guest.

When I am laid in earth, may  my wrongs create
No trouble in thy breast.
Remember me, but ah! forget my  fate.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOAD6cvQc7Y

“Lover, you should’ve come over“…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXe1jpHPnUs

*

For more information on Jeff Buckley, please visit his official website:

http://www.jeffbuckley.com/pages/

*

Peace & Namaste…

{More Jeff Buckley wisdom to come in the near future}…

Reflection for today…Strength in Solitude -Paulo Coelho

On solitude

by Paulo Coelho

 

“For those who are not frightened by the solitude that reveals all mysteries, everything will have a different taste.

In solitude, they will discover the love that might otherwise arrive unnoticed. In solitude, they will understand and respect the love that left them.

In solitude, they will be able to decide whether it is worth asking that lost love to come back or if they should simply let it go and set off along a new path.

In solitude, they will learn that saying ‘No’ does not always show a lack of generosity and that saying ‘Yes’ is not always a virtue.

And those who are alone at this moment, need never be frightened by the words of the devil: ‘You’re wasting your time.’ Or by the chief demon’s even more potent words: ‘No one cares about you.’

The Divine Energy is listening to us when we speak to other people, but also when we are still and silent and able to accept solitude as a blessing.

And in that moment, Its light illumines everything around us and helps us to see that we are necessary, and that our presence on Earth makes a huge difference to Its work.”

taken from MANUSCRIPT FOUND IN ACCRA

*

For more infinite wisdom, please visit Paulo Coelho’s blog: http://paulocoelhoblog.com/

*

In solitude we can look within and acquire infinite wisdom.

In solitude we can listen to our intuition.

In solitude we can be truly honest with ourselves.

In solitude we can reconnect with ourselves and our spirituality- our center/core.

In solitude we can reflect, grow and heal.

In solitude we can discover who we are.

*

Please enjoy Hope Leaves by Opeth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KjOhoH0dY4

Opeth Hope Leaves Lyrics

Songwriters: Mikael Lars Akerfeldt

 

“In the corner beside my window there hangs a lonely photograph

There is no reason I’d never notice a memory that could hold me back

There is a wound that’s always bleeding

There is a road I’m always walking

And I know you’ll never return to this place

Gone through days without talking

There is a comfort in silence

So used to losing all ambition

Struggling to maintain what’s left

Once undone, there is only smoke burning in my eyes to blind

To cover up what really happened

Force the darkness unto me.”

Hope Leaves lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

*

For more information on Opeth, please visit their official website: http://www.opeth.com/home/

*

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• On solitude (paulocoelhoblog.com)
• Reflection for today…Tears Speak For Themselves -Paulo Coelho (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Reflection for today…The Manifesto of Encouragement -Danielle LaPorte

The Manifesto of Encouragement

“Right now:

There are Tibetan Buddhist monks in a temple in the Himalayas endlessly reciting mantras for the cessation of your suffering and for the flourishing of your happiness.

Someone you haven’t met yet is already dreaming of adoring you.

Someone is writing a book that you will read in the next two years that will change how you look at life.

Nuns in the Alps are in endless vigil, praying for the Holy Spirit to alight the hearts of all of God’s children.

A farmer is looking at his organic crops and whispering, “nourish them.”

Someone wants to kiss you, to hold you, to make tea for you.

Someone is willing to lend you money, wants to know what your favourite food is, and treat you to a movie.

Someone in your orbit has something immensely valuable to give you — for free.

Something is being invented this year that will change how your generation lives, communicates, heals and passes on.

The next great song is being rehearsed.

Thousands of people are in yoga classes right now intentionally sending light out from their heart chakras and wrapping it around the earth.

Millions of children are assuming that everything is amazing and will always be that way.

Someone is in profound pain, and a few months from now, they’ll be thriving like never before. They just can’t see it from where they’re at.

Someone who is craving to be partnered, to be acknowledged, to ARRIVE, will get precisely what they want — and even more. And because that gift will be so fantastical in it’s reach and sweetness, it will quite magically alter their memory of angsty longing and render it all “So worth the wait.“

Someone has recently cracked open their joyous, genuine nature because they did the hard work of hauling years of oppression off of their psyche — this luminous juju is floating in the ether, and is accessible to you.

Someone just this second wished for world peace, in earnest.

Someone is fighting the fight so that you don’t have to.

Some civil servant is making sure that you get your mail, and your garbage is picked up, that the trains are running on time, and that you are generally safe. Someone is dedicating their days to protecting your civil liberties and clean drinking water.

Someone is regaining their sanity. Someone is coming back from the dead. Someone is genuinely forgiving the seemingly unforgivable. Someone is curing the incurable.

You. Me. Some. One. Now.”

–Danielle LaPorte

Copied & Pasted from: http://www.daniellelaporte.com/inspiration-spirituality-articles/the-manifesto-of-encouragement/

“Danielle LaPorte is the creator of WhiteHotTruth.com, which has been called the best place on-line for kick-ass spirituality.”

Please visit her website for some inspiration and wisdom…She is so brilliant. I just “discovered” her and will most likely be doing more blog posts about her and her writing.

If you want more inspiration and wisdom from Danielle, please go to her website: http://www.daniellelaporte.com/ to sign up for her newsletters.
You can choose to receive via email a “daily truthbomb”, a “somewhat weekly” newsletter and a “monthly digest” newsletter.
I am signed up for all of them and highly recommend them.

Her book The Fire Starter Sessions is at the top of my reading list.

Danielle has generously provided the first chapter of her book for free on her website. You can read it on Scribd or download it in pdf format. Please click on this link: The Fire Starter Sessions Chapter One.

Peace & Namaste Friends…

Photo Courtesy of Anastasia Photography
From their blog at: http://anastasiachomlack.typepad.com/laughter/2009/11/inspired.html

Related articles

• Danielle LaPorte: Modern Spiritualist On A Mission (ryandutch.wordpress.com)
• In company of visionary friends: Danielle LaPorte (creatingblueoceans.com)
• Fear and creativity. (tingkelly.wordpress.com)
• A Buddhist paradise — now also popular with tourists (photoblog.nbcnews.com)

Reflection for today…Life Hurts More Than Death -Jim Morrison

“People fear death even more than pain.

It’s strange that they fear death.

Life hurts a lot more than death.

At the point of death, the pain is over.

Yeah, I guess it is a friend.”

–Jim Morrison

Jim…you were too enlightened for us. 

Your wild and free spirit lives on…so does your poetry and music.

*

I just had to include one of my favourite songs by The Doors as it is relevant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lofF2p0_cJs

“This is the end
My only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I’ll never look into your eyes…again…”

-The Doors, The End

*

Do you agree with Jim?

Why or why not?

*

For more information on Jim Morrison and his band The Doors,

please visit:

http://www.thedoors.com/index.php

Peace & Namaste…

Related articles

• In memoriam: Jim Morrison (bizzam.wordpress.com)
• Jim Morrison and the Doors in 1968 (life.time.com)
• Reflection for today…Unforgettable- Jim Morrison (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Pain is Meant To Wake Us Up- Jim Morrison (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…No Eternal Reward (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…Media Control- Jim Morrison (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)
• Reflection for today…The Storm Is Inside Of You- Haruki Murakami (mysoulsonice.wordpress.com)

Cee Lo Green speaks about resilience, love and the price of success…

 

I was first introduced to Cee Lo Green on Goodiemob’s Soulfood album.

It is a classic hip-hop album which I still listen to.

Cee-Lo’s soulful singing and rapping are unforgettable.

Here is a song that I listen to when I need some strength. I include it to give you an idea of Goodiemob’s and Cee-Lo’s soul. 

It is Goodiemob’s “Free.”

Goodie Mob has since broken up although there might be a reunion in the works. Cee-Lo has moved on to Gnarles Barkley and a solo music career.

He was interviewed on The Hour. 

I love what Cee-Lo says at 1:20:

“…People would maybe envy the success that you have or the fame, the celebrity…you know but I’m not sure if we talked about it you know specifically if you want to pay the same price that I did…”

He paid quite the price. 

Cee-Lo felt he was “thrust into manhood” because his mother had become a quadriplegic as a result of a car accident. He had to watch his mother suffer for three hellish years from complications due to her paralysis until her death.

He felt there was “a transferral of energy” and that he took on her spirit and her wish for him to be a success as a person. 

*

His fierce love and reverence for his mother are so inspiring.

He speaks about it in the chilling song “Guess Who” on Goodiemob’s Soulfood album.

Here it is:

 

Cee-Lo’s fierce love and heartfelt devotion to his mother makes my heart melt every time I listen {along with the rest of Goodiemob’s’}.

He is a phoenix that rises from the ashes; his resilience is the essence of who he is.

 

Related articles

• CeeLo Green Launches “GreenHouse Foundation” (theindustrycosign.wordpress.com)

 

Break Me Gently…Honesty Breaks Down Walls in High Fidelity

News | How Erykah Badu Broke it Off With Rapper Common! | Singersroom

The reason that I decided to share this is because I wanted to briefly discuss break-ups.

I really respect how Erykah Badu was so honest with Common.

Although it hurt him to tell him the truth about her change of heart, in the end it was better for Common. 

He grew and learned from the experience.

It was his first love and first heart-break. Now he says that he and Erykah are “cool” again.

Why couldn’t everyone be so honest in regards to break-ups?

Imagine if someone told you the truth instead of a cheap, prostituted line…

“It’s not you, it’s me.” 

*Who really believes that anyway? Come on, please. Don’t even…

If people were more honest about why they really want to leave their significant other, then perhaps the other person would learn so much more and have better closure.

Perhaps this communication could break down some walls and infuse some new life in the old friendship and romance.

Who knows, perhaps this new-found honesty might create some new-found intimacy and the break-up might even be avoided.

Perhaps things fall apart to come together…

Perhaps I am dreaming of a utopian vision of reality because I know that most of the time things just fall apart.

{I know that relationships and break-ups especially are more complicated than this post describes}.

Regardless, if a couple has to part ways, it would be ideal if they each respected each other enough to really be honest with each other.

By not telling someone the truth, you are potentially taking away opportunities for growth. 

You are also really damaging their self-esteem, self-worth and confidence because they are left to wonder what is wrong with them.

They can only think that something is inherently wrong with themselves..

How else can they know what they did wrong if you don’t tell them? How else can they improve, learn, grow and change?

Thankfully one can still do some self-reflection in order to find healing, growth and closure on your own. 

You can learn from your mistakes.

*Of course your learning, growth and healing is not the other person’s responsibility.

{That is not at all what I am saying. Your learning, growth and healing is always your responsibility.

It would be so helpful to get that honesty, respect and communication from the person that once claimed to love and care about you}.

If both are ready and willing to battle their egos, then perhaps they can truly listen, share and learn.

At least both can learn what they did wrong from the mutual constructive criticism and feedback.

They will know why the other is jumping ship instead of just being left out in the cold  {or the rain} all alone.

Leaving someone guessing is just too cruel to do to someone’s heart, mind, life and soul- especially to someone who you used to like, love or at least be attracted to. This only further hurts someone that loved and adored you.

Don’t they deserve better from you?

{Leaving crumbs of false hope is an even more heartless thing to do to someone. Giving someone false hope so selfishly makes it painful for them to move on and to heal}. 

No one deserves to over-analyze and be haunted by what they possibly could have done wrong.They deserve better and if you are the dumped person, then so do you.

{Of course there always are exceptions and sadly not every break-up is amicable}.

*

P.s. I highly recommend watching the movie High Fidelity (where most of the pictures from this post are from).

It is an excellent movie and my favourite break-up movie of all time next to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind}. 

Plus I adore John Cusack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seSLhjX4uA0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxDMzbxPQx8&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmmq2ozbIFY&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puOQuQI83lw&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2oP8YO7F5A&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dRiD-giCTc&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeL32rVtvic&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmk12K5dFno&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ1vNa-fzX0&feature=fvwrel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b9rbDeE9ZE&feature=fvwrel

*

I also recommend a song that I love called “Break Me Gently” by Doves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHtNGaaXSqs

It was part of the inspiration for this post