Greetings from the Land of Enchantment: January 2009

Friday, January 02, 2009

Happy New Year!

Well, a day late, but still...blessings to you all for a prosperous and peaceful new year. I don't have any profound words of wisdom to share other than the few insights I've gained for myself as I approach this new season, new year, new cycle.

I turned 40 last summer, so this new year has somehow garnered more attention from me than past years. Although it's futile to try to ascribe more meaning to it than years past, I've found myself going down that dead-end road despite myself in addition to my usual end-of-year malaise. So, it's been an interesting period of time. Moaning and bemoaning the political atmosphere worldwide; questioning religion and my faith in general; grieving the weight of my father's illness and not knowing how to support my mother through her tears... all these things were weighing on my mind as I approached the new year. And in the wake of all this confusion, guru has blessed me with some rather simple, but clear insights.

Politics: don't flail in naivety nor give-up in cynicism. Stay awake and aware and neutral.

Religion: there's no great mystery; there's no one great answer; there's simply the discipline of happiness. "live for each other" doesn't apply to married people alone--I, too, can live for others and with that simple guideline unlock the door to my own equanimity and peace of mind.

Family: just continue to pray because that's all you can do.

And finally, just sing....it's my job to sing. It was given to me and I must give it back....and maybe even produce another album this year.