I'm sitting here thinking of the things that scare me. Of all the things in the world I can think of it's not having a "well spent life." I saw a documentary back before people were making films about every possible thing under the sun. In it a film maker,Les Blank was was visiting Kansas University at a showing of his film, A Well Spent Life. The film was about Mance Lipscomb,A Texas Delta blues guitar man. I remember the feeling I came away with after watching the film. Mance Lipscomb the elderly guitarist had spent his life playing the blues. He lived a humble life, not rich, by any standard, probably poor by most. His life was his music, and just being alive. Living and being thankful for it.
I wonder about all the things we put ourselves through and the worth of those things. Striving for so much we think we need, or maybe not. What's important, what's the point.
In the film you met the Mrs. A charming elderly African American woman, like her husband, humble. They seemed so comfortable together. Could I ever be that content, that comfortable with my life. It seems like a good question. I often wonder if my life is that complicated of if my choices have just been choices, not of the heart, or perhaps just not true enough to self. I still don't know.
My scary monster. Waking up some day to realize I've over complicated things and missed all the simple joys that can make life the kind of a journey that when your done, you can say it was a, Well spent life."
Pidgie's pages Headline Animator
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Missing out on "Being There."
I must admit, I was emailed this. It meant perhaps more to me because I recently bought my first house. The other night a friend asked me if they could play their viola in the downstairs because of the great acoustics. I stopped while they were there and listened for a few moments. It was beautiful. I was moved. I took the time to listen and was happy for it.
I try not to miss much, it's all so amazing and beautiful... Sunlight after a rainstorm, low hanging clouds speeding on their way in a hot electric blue sky, a child's direct stare followed by a hearty giggle. All of it beautiful beyond belief, It's like standing on the brink of creation and becoming drunk on it. So this was interesting.
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule
4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?
You have to be present to win!
I try not to miss much, it's all so amazing and beautiful... Sunlight after a rainstorm, low hanging clouds speeding on their way in a hot electric blue sky, a child's direct stare followed by a hearty giggle. All of it beautiful beyond belief, It's like standing on the brink of creation and becoming drunk on it. So this was interesting.
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule
4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?
You have to be present to win!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Beatles and the New Power Generation!
(Apologies to Prince!)
New music release: The Spirit of the Times!
I'm really happy that the entire collection of Beatles music has been released. My hopes for this have to do with the spirit of the times in which the music came about. Much of the hope and the spirit of brotherhood that pervaded the times was bound up in the music.
We are living in times full of fear and mistrust. It's confusing to me. I meet so many people in a daily basis in my work and I experience them as friendly, ready and willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. A smile works wonders when meeting, that's all you really need. Last week a man stopped his car, ran up to the car in front and replaced a gas cap about to fall off. Another older lady stopped me as I was putting groceries in the side case of my Beemer and asked if she could take my cart and put it away for me. I'm constantly amazed at the kindness of so many.
Conversely I hear all around me the vitriol of many who are angry and fearful about the things that are happening in their lives and the economy and such. I don't really seem to run into much of that, but it's more that I hear it every where I turn All the media is full of it. I've heard it said that the media spreads fear and anxiety. I'm afraid that must be true. What I can't understand how we can be so taken in by all this. If we take a moment to look around we can see all these people who have all the same kinds of hopes and dreams we have. Were not all that different. I guess some of us are more prone to give in to our failings and the fear and tension around us. The unfortunate part is that there is so much acceptance and beauty around us. How can we be so caught up in all this.
So... I am hoping that more of the spirit, the fun and playfulness that we can approach life with will be a bit more apparent to people. We need it now more then ever.
New music release: The Spirit of the Times!
I'm really happy that the entire collection of Beatles music has been released. My hopes for this have to do with the spirit of the times in which the music came about. Much of the hope and the spirit of brotherhood that pervaded the times was bound up in the music.
We are living in times full of fear and mistrust. It's confusing to me. I meet so many people in a daily basis in my work and I experience them as friendly, ready and willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. A smile works wonders when meeting, that's all you really need. Last week a man stopped his car, ran up to the car in front and replaced a gas cap about to fall off. Another older lady stopped me as I was putting groceries in the side case of my Beemer and asked if she could take my cart and put it away for me. I'm constantly amazed at the kindness of so many.
Conversely I hear all around me the vitriol of many who are angry and fearful about the things that are happening in their lives and the economy and such. I don't really seem to run into much of that, but it's more that I hear it every where I turn All the media is full of it. I've heard it said that the media spreads fear and anxiety. I'm afraid that must be true. What I can't understand how we can be so taken in by all this. If we take a moment to look around we can see all these people who have all the same kinds of hopes and dreams we have. Were not all that different. I guess some of us are more prone to give in to our failings and the fear and tension around us. The unfortunate part is that there is so much acceptance and beauty around us. How can we be so caught up in all this.
So... I am hoping that more of the spirit, the fun and playfulness that we can approach life with will be a bit more apparent to people. We need it now more then ever.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The game is afoot!
Reading about scientific advances on the arxiv blog and the MIT home page. wow, I'm amazed and excited about advances in quantum computing, bio-genetic medicine and a growing understanding of the strangeness of the universe. If ever anyone were to say that anything is possible, I'd be hard pressed to argue about it.
Religion is another interesting area. More and more were beginning to understand that religion is a structure that has evolved over the age to serve the needs of an evolving human population, complete with it's strengths, weakness's and foibles. Perhaps a vestige of times past when survival was paramount and even then it adapted to changing needs, war times, peace times.
That brings me to our current state of affairs. We have perhaps taken the wrong path and tack in this country by playing follow the leader. Primarily as those in power have used abject fear to control the minds and hearts of people who now have trouble thinking their way out of what used to be considered common sense issues and problems. In times past many used the mixture of emotions, compassion, empathy and intellect to find a blend of ideas and solutions to the problems that plagued them. In particular many indigenous societies. (Incidentally, ask someone who knows where the constitution of this country comes from.) Most indigenous people had worked out long ago how to live in relative peace and harmony.
but I digress. Technology and research may help us to pull our heads out of our collective asses. as, and if we learn more about the truth of our shared, (and it is shared) reality we may begin to understand that we are not only linked to one another, but to the universe and the forces that permeate it.
Religion is another interesting area. More and more were beginning to understand that religion is a structure that has evolved over the age to serve the needs of an evolving human population, complete with it's strengths, weakness's and foibles. Perhaps a vestige of times past when survival was paramount and even then it adapted to changing needs, war times, peace times.
That brings me to our current state of affairs. We have perhaps taken the wrong path and tack in this country by playing follow the leader. Primarily as those in power have used abject fear to control the minds and hearts of people who now have trouble thinking their way out of what used to be considered common sense issues and problems. In times past many used the mixture of emotions, compassion, empathy and intellect to find a blend of ideas and solutions to the problems that plagued them. In particular many indigenous societies. (Incidentally, ask someone who knows where the constitution of this country comes from.) Most indigenous people had worked out long ago how to live in relative peace and harmony.
but I digress. Technology and research may help us to pull our heads out of our collective asses. as, and if we learn more about the truth of our shared, (and it is shared) reality we may begin to understand that we are not only linked to one another, but to the universe and the forces that permeate it.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Politics andParties
Spent time at a rally nice party last night and had some great discussions. Health care came up as usual. Its interesting when you meet people who are not full of fear and willing to take a look at alternatives to the status quo. as far as i can tell, 9and most behavioral researchers will verify) fear makes one unable to think or do any kind of critical analysis. So what is the result of millions of people who are unable to think, something akin to mass hysteria, I'm not certain, but looking at behavior in a crowd when fear sets in... well there seems to be some interesting parallels there.
Is this fear a normal thing given the circumstances or is it manufactured? how does one overcome it? An even more important observation is that we as a nation, (and i suppose most nations) use fear, propaganda to demonize people, ideas and concepts that threaten the status quo. Take for example the Roman Empire's use of the Christan religion as a tool to control the masses. Constantine, (Emperor Constantine the Great, was born on Feb. 27, c. 280) A pretty bald faced ploy, Even the concept of hell, as I understand it was a by product of the need to have a carrot for the stick of everlasting life.
Are we all the product of societies that that use our natural fear of the unknown and the different to control us. look around and see what type of controls we have in place, often religion, belief systems regarding the inherent goodness of the wealthy Vs the poor, Caste systems, Class systems and so on.
What baffles me is the in ability of most of us to look, just for a second at the possibility that other ideas might be as valid as our own. I remember discussions of Jung's regarding ego death. Only when one is able to shed the trapping of personality can one see clearly the nature of reality. It would seem that perhaps large scale initiation of psychedelics would be in order.
Fear, what good is it exactly. Don't know, but it seems that we ought to look at ways to grasp the damaging effects of fear and face up to it. Of course I guess that's an intensely personal journey and one that I'll probably never convince any one to take. Some paths you have to decide to go down on your own.
Vern
Is this fear a normal thing given the circumstances or is it manufactured? how does one overcome it? An even more important observation is that we as a nation, (and i suppose most nations) use fear, propaganda to demonize people, ideas and concepts that threaten the status quo. Take for example the Roman Empire's use of the Christan religion as a tool to control the masses. Constantine, (Emperor Constantine the Great, was born on Feb. 27, c. 280) A pretty bald faced ploy, Even the concept of hell, as I understand it was a by product of the need to have a carrot for the stick of everlasting life.
Are we all the product of societies that that use our natural fear of the unknown and the different to control us. look around and see what type of controls we have in place, often religion, belief systems regarding the inherent goodness of the wealthy Vs the poor, Caste systems, Class systems and so on.
What baffles me is the in ability of most of us to look, just for a second at the possibility that other ideas might be as valid as our own. I remember discussions of Jung's regarding ego death. Only when one is able to shed the trapping of personality can one see clearly the nature of reality. It would seem that perhaps large scale initiation of psychedelics would be in order.
Fear, what good is it exactly. Don't know, but it seems that we ought to look at ways to grasp the damaging effects of fear and face up to it. Of course I guess that's an intensely personal journey and one that I'll probably never convince any one to take. Some paths you have to decide to go down on your own.
Vern
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Health care Madness
"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." [New Test.]
And so begins my quest to find the spirit of giving in America. Do we remember these words still? Each day I meet people in my comings and goings, I smile at them they smile back. So often we stop and have a pleasant conversation. Occasionally we stumble across the topic of health care. Things can get interesting then. Many people seem to against it and when I question them a bit more the argument's I'm hearing are the agreements that are used so often in the media. The surprising thing is these same arguments, higher taxes, euthanasia for the elderly, recently are the arguments that are are blasted 24-7 by not only the conservative media, but the mainstream, oft considered "left of center" media. I feel as though the media is so enthralled by the spectacle that is unfolding before them they can't help them selves. The feeding frenzy that people talk about seems to be unfolding.
Is this the Stockholm Syndrome? A psychological response often seen in hostages, the hostage exhibits signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger or risk in which they have been placed. What appear to me to be honest and decent people, professed Christians who seem to have forgotten the basic principles of good will and compassion towards our fellow humans.
I called to mind of the fact that in 1855 the Canadian government at the urging of Jesuits banned the Potlatch. We in America did the same shortly after wards. This redistribution of wealth, (food, clothing, live stock and so on) ensured the continued existence and prosperity of all tribal members. This was to an extent the way of early settlers also, or so legend would have us believe. were those early pioneers, merchants and such caring and compassionate in our not too distant past? Perhaps it was just a nice story spread around to make us all feel better about ourselves as we suffered under the effects of settlement and a government already grown rich, fat and uncaring. It may depend on who you read, as past historians seem to differ on the largesse and concern shown to our fellow humans in our nations past.
Have we existed under first the hard ships of nation and the fears that were endured for so long that the compassion we give lip service to is truly only a myth? I still continue to believe that we are a people who care. I am at this moment feeling that we have completely lost our way though. We care, we send monies to charities, while many in said organizations profit from the wealth we bestow on them. At the same time we have difficulty sharing our spaces in our churches with our brothers and sister who are a little different in appearance. Why do we need the separation from others, what fear do the different incite in our psyches?
I like so many others am confused by the displays of charity and decency that take place every day, only to be canceled out by the mean spiritedness of people who are parroting back what was said on Fox news about the latest wild notion regarding the need to make sure we all are treated equally to decent health care. Sacrifice for others is the greatest gift we can give. I don't know where it went or when it became so unfashionable. Perhaps it's just we have all been scared by the bogeyman of privation. I believe that there are those in power, wealthy, immature and fearful who would make us believe the act of giving is synonymous with being made the fool, being dispossessed of what is rightfully ours. I remember my dad saying to me one day, "you know, were not even guaranteed our next breath!" So I wonder where did it all go, this spirit of giving and caring that once seemed to so define us as a nation. Do I still see it in the eyes of those I meet, or am I seeing the confidence of a child who believes that the Great Fathers in Washington will take care of them if only they obey the commands.
We need to be responsible citizens, husbands, wives, lovers and friends or what ever. We must stop listening to others and search our hearts for what is right and find the courage to do it. Remember it is easier to hate then to love, easier to push others away than to pull them in close.
Yes we need health care,we need to care for others, we need to grow up. we mustreject the Father in Washinton and begin to think for ourselves as we may all find that some day the results of not caring will to too great a burden to bear. Incidentally I believe that a wise leader is a good one. So, yes for the record I agree with Obama. We need to take care of one another, health care for all is a step in the right direction.
And so begins my quest to find the spirit of giving in America. Do we remember these words still? Each day I meet people in my comings and goings, I smile at them they smile back. So often we stop and have a pleasant conversation. Occasionally we stumble across the topic of health care. Things can get interesting then. Many people seem to against it and when I question them a bit more the argument's I'm hearing are the agreements that are used so often in the media. The surprising thing is these same arguments, higher taxes, euthanasia for the elderly, recently are the arguments that are are blasted 24-7 by not only the conservative media, but the mainstream, oft considered "left of center" media. I feel as though the media is so enthralled by the spectacle that is unfolding before them they can't help them selves. The feeding frenzy that people talk about seems to be unfolding.
Is this the Stockholm Syndrome? A psychological response often seen in hostages, the hostage exhibits signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger or risk in which they have been placed. What appear to me to be honest and decent people, professed Christians who seem to have forgotten the basic principles of good will and compassion towards our fellow humans.
I called to mind of the fact that in 1855 the Canadian government at the urging of Jesuits banned the Potlatch. We in America did the same shortly after wards. This redistribution of wealth, (food, clothing, live stock and so on) ensured the continued existence and prosperity of all tribal members. This was to an extent the way of early settlers also, or so legend would have us believe. were those early pioneers, merchants and such caring and compassionate in our not too distant past? Perhaps it was just a nice story spread around to make us all feel better about ourselves as we suffered under the effects of settlement and a government already grown rich, fat and uncaring. It may depend on who you read, as past historians seem to differ on the largesse and concern shown to our fellow humans in our nations past.
Have we existed under first the hard ships of nation and the fears that were endured for so long that the compassion we give lip service to is truly only a myth? I still continue to believe that we are a people who care. I am at this moment feeling that we have completely lost our way though. We care, we send monies to charities, while many in said organizations profit from the wealth we bestow on them. At the same time we have difficulty sharing our spaces in our churches with our brothers and sister who are a little different in appearance. Why do we need the separation from others, what fear do the different incite in our psyches?
I like so many others am confused by the displays of charity and decency that take place every day, only to be canceled out by the mean spiritedness of people who are parroting back what was said on Fox news about the latest wild notion regarding the need to make sure we all are treated equally to decent health care. Sacrifice for others is the greatest gift we can give. I don't know where it went or when it became so unfashionable. Perhaps it's just we have all been scared by the bogeyman of privation. I believe that there are those in power, wealthy, immature and fearful who would make us believe the act of giving is synonymous with being made the fool, being dispossessed of what is rightfully ours. I remember my dad saying to me one day, "you know, were not even guaranteed our next breath!" So I wonder where did it all go, this spirit of giving and caring that once seemed to so define us as a nation. Do I still see it in the eyes of those I meet, or am I seeing the confidence of a child who believes that the Great Fathers in Washington will take care of them if only they obey the commands.
We need to be responsible citizens, husbands, wives, lovers and friends or what ever. We must stop listening to others and search our hearts for what is right and find the courage to do it. Remember it is easier to hate then to love, easier to push others away than to pull them in close.
Yes we need health care,we need to care for others, we need to grow up. we mustreject the Father in Washinton and begin to think for ourselves as we may all find that some day the results of not caring will to too great a burden to bear. Incidentally I believe that a wise leader is a good one. So, yes for the record I agree with Obama. We need to take care of one another, health care for all is a step in the right direction.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Upcoming stories in Topeka Magazine!
I have two new stories in the next issue of Topeka Magazine. One is a profile of Dr. Joanne Altman of Washburn university. She makes trips to Africa to study primates and cultures there. The other is Farm Fresh eggs in the Topeka area. Healthy, round and yummy. pick up an issue. Ought to be hitting the news stands around the first week of September.
It's a nice magazine and worth while for the city of Topeka. I think it's one of the better promotional vehicles we have that works.
It's a nice magazine and worth while for the city of Topeka. I think it's one of the better promotional vehicles we have that works.
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