Life is a walking meditation.
And life is infinitely more interesting when I realize I am not here to fit in.
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To Wit
Tag: consciousness
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Fill My Eyes
Cat Stevens rose to prominence as a folk and pop artist in the 1970’s. I’ve always enjoyed the thread of childlike innocence and spontaneity that runs through his music. After a near-death experience, Stevens began a serious search for a deeper meaning in life. In 1977, he left his rock and roll lifestyle and converted to Islam adopting the name Yusuf Islam.
Stevens released “In My Eyes” in April of 1970, years before his conversion. Like many of his songs, it is simple yet extremely poignant. It speaks of the impermanence of human love and of life itself. Paradoxically, “Fill My Eyes” flows like a sweet river and the meter is upbeat.
Here’s my cover of the song played in Yusuf/Stevens’ unique guitar style.
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I AM
I am
Peace
Joy
Love
Bliss
Harmony
Radiance
Beyond Thought
Beyond Concepts
Within the Heart
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Affirmation
Let me be the greatness that I am
Let me revel in my human divinity
Let me be the being that you created in all aspects of myself
Nothing more
Nothing less
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Uncharted Waters
Life is uncertain
We carve our destinies with free will
And nothing is guaranteed
However, if we press on with hope and self-belief
Doors will open
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The Place To Be
I want to be there. It’s better over there.
Doing that.
Wait.
Take a breath.
If I’m not here now, it won’t be better over there.
I am here. Now. Doing what I’m doing.
If it’s not good enough, I will make it better.
Right here.
Right now.
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Phil Ochs: Changes
I always thought Phil Ochs was your basic regular-guy-folk-music-icon until reading a few articles about the man. I’ve learned that Phil Ochs was anything but regular.
As a boy, Ochs enjoyed going to the movies. His favorite heroes were James Dean and John Wayne. Always a dreamer, Ochs fantasized about becoming a stoic cowboy like John Wayne, a teenage rebel like James Dean, or a rockabilly sex symbol like Elvis Presley. He took his early love of Hollywood to New York where he became one of the most celebrated folk singers in the world. He surfaced in Greenwich Village where he wrote songs so profusely that friendly rival Bob Dylan complained that he couldn’t keep up with him. At the same time, Ochs became a social activist leading protests against the Vietnam War with songs like “I Ain’t Marchin’ Anymore.”
Recognition came too late for Phil Ochs. He suffered from undiagnosed and untreated bipolar disorder. Ochs committed suicide in 1976 thinking himself a failure.
His song “Changes” is a soft philosophical ballad exploring the transient nature of human life. Everything changes, including our relationships, the seasons, our ages, and our circumstances. Through it all, Ochs believed we have an obligation to make a meaningful contribution to life. Ochs left behind his beautiful music and deeply held beliefs.
Here is my cover of “Changes.”
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A Prayer
Let Me Be a Conductor of Light and Energy rather than a Resistor
Everything will come to you in its due time. Do you want peace? It will come to you. Do you want love? It will come to you. Do you want joy? It will come to you. All you have to do is keep intending and act on your intentions. Then, reap the rewards of what you have sown. And then, keep intending and acting.
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Effortless Effort
Whatever you are doing, relax. With an effortless effort and a well-directed intention, it will all work out.
Heart Banter by David Gittlin 