Leela Music Newsletter, February 2009Michael Stribling Here's an overview of what you'll find in this issue:
MUSICAL MEMOSThe first thing you might notice is that this newsletter is in a different font. More than that, this newsletter is now published in full, glorious HTML, which allows for more formatting options and features. The days of plain old Courier 12-point are over! As an update, I'm pleased to announce that last year's CD, Love, Light, and Water, is a nominee in the "Best Relaxation / Meditation Album" category of New Age Reporter's 2008 Lifestyle Music Awards. The process is in the final couple of weeks now, with the winners scheduled to be announced on March 15th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! While the next album is gestating, on its own time schedule I might add, I'm very excited to finally announce that the new website is operational. Please note: that means the paint is still drying and the furniture hasn't been delivered yet. But the lights are on (see how fun metaphors can be?), and the first few radio programs are available for your listening pleasure (with more scheduled for release in the next couple of weeks). The official website address is www.free-new-age-music-and-more.com; you may also get there via www.leela-radio.com. Please drop by, have a listen while you explore what rooms are open so far, and let me know what you think, what you'd like to see added, etc. (Now, I've got to get back to working on those music videos...) SPIRITUALLY SPEAKINGBring a little light into the world and help dispel the darkness. Have you ever been on a cave tour? There's usually a section where they turn off all the lights and plunge everyone into total darkness. Remember how, in total darkness, you couldn't see anything? literally? After a few moments in the darkness, someone might have lit a match. Ever notice how a single match can dispel total darkness in a cave? A little light can go a long way. Here's something else to add to the cave metaphor. When people come out of the darkness of the cave, they tend to shield their eyes from the bright light of the sun while their eyes become re-accustomed to the light. Just as it takes a while to get used to the darkness, it takes a while to get used to the light again. Sidebar: Darkness is not a thing in itself; it is merely the absence of light. Some people seem to think that darkness is an active presence or force. For that matter (here's the punch line), the darkness of evil is nothing more than the absence of love; there may be such a thing as the "forces of evil" but they don't hold a candle (there's that light metaphor again!) to the "power of love". More Sidebar: Just as bright lights can overwhelm someone's dilated eyes, too much "truth" can overwhelm a person's ability to receive it. People who have invested a lot of their life energy in "dark" ideas don't suddenly start beaming with bright new ideas; it usually takes some adjustment time to make the transition. So, be patient with others (and yourself) about how long it might take to "come to the light" (and "the light" is usually nothing more than our pet idea of the moment, which we're trying to cram down someone's throat). Bottom line: Avoid shocking the system; be gentle with the process. Here's a nice quote that inspired this month's "Spiritually Speaking" entry; it also sums things up pretty well: "The sun dispels the night, a single candle will banish darkness from a room; for light, whether small or great, has unlimited power over surrounding darkness whether it be large or small. Only a little illumination on the part of the individual can dispel any amount of negation, limitation, or false prophecy around him, for they are only vague shadows with no potency within them" (Baird Spalding, Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East, vol. 4, p. 52). One more thing: Have you ever noticed how a simple smile or a kind remark can brighten a person's day? Let's choose to be the light that dispels the darkness (final sidebar: as spiritual beings, we already are that light; let's live according to our true nature). Bring a little light into the world and help dispel the darkness. POINTS TO PONDER / IN OTHER NEWSHere's a famous quote that's been around a long time, especially in settings that work a lot with children. Children Learn What They Live If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with security, they learn to have faith. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world. AND THE WINNER IS ...Every issue, I give away a free CD (autographed, of course :-). If you're on the mailing list, you're automatically entered in every drawing. This month, the winner is John Stotts. Congratulations! That's it for this issue. Feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you liked, or didn't like, in this issue, and any recommendations or requests you have for future editions. Thank you for your support. Please invite your friends to visit my website and sign the guestbook. Oh yeah, it's okay to order some CDs, too! They make wonderful gifts :-). I also have a page on MySpace.com. Have a look and join the list of friends at www.myspace.com/leelamusic. And please visit the new website: http://www.leela-radio.com. I wish you peace, joy, and love. Namasté, Michael Stribling If you would like to be removed from my mailing list, please reply to this email and type the word "unsubscribe" in either the subject line or the body of your reply. One more thing: if you change your email address without telling me, I won't be able to send you any more newsletters. So, please keep me in mind if/when you change your email address. Leela Music Newsletters
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