One Body

We've all heard that everything is one...that everything is connected.  But do we truly believe it?

Consider your body.  How strange it would be if one part of it were celebrated above all others.  The elbow that is superior to the other one....the celebrity eyelash...the one toe that is especially worthy of praise.

We understand that every part of our bodies is important.  When we're wise, we see our physical health as an interconnected whole and we care for each part of ourselves with that in mind. 

But looking at the whole body of humankind and life itself, we sometimes raise certain parts up and keep other parts down.  One way we do this, in our culture, is through celebrity worship.  Many songwriters aspire to join the elite group of people who are famous.  In truth, that's as silly as one of your fingernails wanting to be special.  

The fact is, every human being is a worthy part of the larger Whole, as is every song each person may sing.

When we meditate on this great truth, we remain humble and grateful for the part we play. We do not seek to elevate ourselves, but rather to contribute to the health of the Whole.

That reminds me of...

Sometimes, about midway through writing a song, I notice that something about it reminds me of something I've heard before.  It could be a general mood or a similar riff or an approach or a chord pattern. If it's too close to the original, I change it.  But often I notice that I've built in a little nod, an unconscious tip-of-the-hat, to an artist I admire.

As human beings, we're continually reminded of people we know, places we've been, songs we've loved.  By noticing and appreciating them, we integrate all of our experiences into a uniquely meaningful life.  We do this all the time, simply by being aware of what we value: what we love. When we "create something", we just arrange some of that good stuff and put it in a frame. 

So, next time you pick up your instrument and think...hmm, that reminds me a little of [insert song here], play with it until you make something new...but celebrate the fact that your song is connected to every song you've ever loved.