Keep It High
“We can’t cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy”
A wise mentor once told me, you only have to get it right 51% of the time to come out on top. Ah - the tipping point. Just enough to win the vote, the right, or difference. I have my own low moments, but I always want to keep it high. I try not to avoid the slogging through hell for a heavenly cause. It is always worth it. Work my own challenges. Persevere. And deal with the world’s stuff hurled at me - of which there is a lot just now.
As a jazz musician, I am trained and steeped in improvisation; metamorphosis, shapeshifting, alchemy. If our jazz ancestors and history taught us anything, it is this. Energy must keep moving, the soul must keep expressing, and that means through the body and for musicians, includes sound. It is survival, philosophy, nee a religion of sorts.
With the world changing drastically and so rapidly, your head could spin, if you’re not careful. Breathe. Stay centered, if you can. Chanting is a fine way to embody ancient practices in both traditional and non-traditional ways. A fine way way to start the day. The Blues can take you down and through to release your sorrows, emerging to another and better side, if you let them, if you work it. Try a little improvisation, perhaps.
Aside from my personal practices, I thrill and thrive off the Art of others. Visiting art galleries, watching performances of dance, other musicians, anything that sparks my interest. Following each kernel of inspiration, I am often fascinated by where it leads me or I am comforted to know others are feeling and thinking the same. I need these things to keep myself moving and growing forward.
In this “time of new suns,” as adrienne marie brown names it, galaxies being discovered by the amazing WEBB Telescope, there are aspects of our universe in which to be wowed. But when you need it, remember the Arts of all kinds reflect, restore, and revive the soul here on planet earth. Keep looking, listening, leaning in. What is it you need? How do you like to express? What helps you keep things just 51% - or higher?
Look to the Heavens, and look to the Arts.
Embrace being fully human.
Dig deep, then Keep it High