One voice, many voices
Lately I have been so moved by all of the suffering going on in the world. Natural disasters and warfare in many countries are leaving many people sick, homeless, and grieving. On this blog I document all the latest news about my music, and while I am thrilled to tell you more about my new album that is about to be released, I can’t do that in a vacuum. The reality is that we can feel happy and devastated all in the same day as we navigate our own lives and are simultaneously connected to all other humans on this planet.
So, as I prepare to release this album, I am also doing a lot of praying and volunteer work. I believe that each of us can make a huge difference—-through praying for those who are suffering and the souls of those that have left this world, through giving directly to those in need (the Red Cross is a great place to learn more about this), and volunteering to do what we can in our own communities to help those in need.
Recently, I’ve been involved with some community building activities (through the Baha’i Faith) that give me so much hope in the midst of a challenging world. The other day, I was teaching a children’s class and I was talking with them about generosity, singing with them, and hearing how they wanted to be more generous in their own lives. Meanwhile, their parents were nearby and we all felt so inspired. We also said some prayers all together, all of us of different faiths and cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, and then talked about the world and our families. This experience reminded me that wonderful things are possible when we work together and cherish the nobility in each human being.
On one level, my new album is the culmination of one person’s vision and voice. But on another level, it is a demonstration of what every one of us is striving to do: to live a meaningful and courageous life. The reason I make music is to help people find greater strength and live their lives more consciously. I believe art can really change the world because it helps each of us be more observant and compassionate and that really does lead to change.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this and what helps you to deal with everything that is going on in the world today. Thanks for being here!
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I was just watching a news story about a little boy (around my sons age) who had climbed out of the rubble of his school when the Earthquake hit. He described how he saw his best friends head crushed by concrete but he had to get out. He had to survive. It is an ordeal I can’t even imagine going through.
Then, another story of how this female police officer started nursing other orphaned infants (she has a 6 month old herself), and if she hadn’t, those little babies would be dead. It’s hard to hear this kind of news. I have to say a prayer, take a deep breath and go on helping the people yelling at me on the phone because their software is not working correctly.
What helps me get through all of this? Music. My faith. My friends. And most importantly, my family.
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Wow, those are such beautiful stories. Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing them and for sharing what helps get you through. I hope those people calling you about their software are nicer today!! Hang in there :).