Leela Music Newsletter, April 2010Michael Stribling Here's an overview of what you'll find in this issue:
In the last newsletter, I mentioned, "Something tells me it's time to get back into the studio." Well, that's happened, and in a delightful way. Inspiration for the compositions for a new project is flowing easily and quickly, and several new tunes are in development. I often tell myself that when the Muse calls, I'd better drop what I'm doing and make space for her. She comes when she chooses, when the time is right, so I need to be ready to go. When the Muse comes a calling, we get to work together; and then I really get to have some fun. The time I spend in the studio working on new compositions is a joyful time for me, especially when things seem to come together easily, like they are now. It's a productive time, and I want to take advantage of that and make the most of the opportunity (even if it means that some people won't see or hear from me for a while). Just the process of "getting to know" the tunes as they introduce themselves, as if they were new acquaintances, is really fun for me. I know the music will speak to me; I just need to take the time to listen. It's rather like watching a flower blossom over time. I just attend to what's happening, and it reveals itself to me. I love that creative process! I don't have any idea yet when this project will be ready for completion and release, but I have a strong sense it will happen before this year ends. IKYP (I'll keep you posted).
When the ego/self dissolves, compassion emerges. I recently watched a PBS program called The Buddha. I've always been interested in the different schools of spirituality, and because Buddhism is not commonly understood or practiced in Western culture, I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about this important historical and spiritual figure who lived some 2500 years ago. Among the many ideas presented, this one stood out: When the ego/self dissolves, compassion emerges. Compassion comes from understanding the impermanence of all things, the transient nature of our physical existence, the flow of the universe, and how everything and everyone is connected (i.e., the concept of The Holographic Universe, Michael Talbot. The ego/self is burning. Everything is burning. Our sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, body, and mind are all on fire. The fire is fueled by desire. We need to put that fire out. There are three poisons that make the fire: greed, anger, and ignorance. The way out of the poisons is their opposites: generosity, compassion, and wisdom. One might say the path to enlightenment involves the development of those three virtues. The more the ego/self is involved, the bigger the fire. The more generosity, compassion, and wisdom are involved, the smaller the fire. The choice is ours, each of us individually. A tree lives on its roots; if you change the roots, you change the tree. If you change the human heart, the culture will follow. When the ego/self dissolves, compassion emerges.
I am thankful ... For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, and not out with someone else. For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars. For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because it means she is at home, not on the streets. For the taxes I pay, because it means I am employed. For the mess to clean after a party, because it means I have been surrounded by friends. For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat. For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine. For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home. For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech. For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation. For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm. For the lady behind me in church who sings off key, because it means I can hear. For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear. For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard. For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means I am alive. And finally, for too many emails, because it means I have friend who are thinking of me. Live well, Laugh often, and Love with all of your heart! (gratefully borrowed from Dana Turner)
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 Connie Burgess. 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. If you're new to the mailing list and/or you want to read some of the back issues of this newsletter, just visit the Leela Newsletters page. Thank you for your support. Please invite your friends to visit Leela Music 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. 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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