Saturday, May 26, 2007

On Forgiveness: The Heart of the Matter

Thought about digging up this forgiveness blog from the archives for the Memorial Weekend Inspiration. I also re-posted India Arie's version of "Heart of the Matter",as the Heavier Octaves "Profile Song of the Week" on our My Space page. It's usually done every Monday. So, what? I'm a little early. It's for a good cause. I've been trying to figure out a solution ,or should I say, a series of solutions for a matter that has been perplexing me for a couple of weeks now.Here's the inside story:

I ran into someone at a social function on Manhattan's Upper West Side not too long ago. By the way, I am dedicating this blog entry to him.

In preparation for attending this social gathering I had geeked myself up pretty much, was psyched and looking forward to mingling with some old friends and colleagues. Some, I would be seeing for the first time in almost a year.

In the spirit of love and enthusiasm,being happy to see this person,I neared him for a friendly embrace. He was not as warm as usual towards me.He seemed very distant and preoccupied as I hugged him. The first thought that came to mind was that he was having a bad day. However, upon deeper observation and discovery, as the evening wore on, I learned that he was carrying a deep grudge against someone that happened to also be at the gathering. We talked briefly. During the course of our limited discussion,he was not in a talkative mood,I became disappointed and ultimately disturbed, as he revealed to me the reason he was carrying it.The grudge,that is.

It was not based on any solid knowledge of what was going on, because he apparently did not really know what the other person's past and current situation was due to a lack of ongoing communication. How many times have any of us been in that same boat because we have made assumptions about someone's actions or circumstances based upon superficial observations,without exploring deeper the real facts through further interaction and discussion with them? This was likely a misunderstanding that could have been moderately cleared up with a few phone calls or short notes. It's the kind of situation where the person who is being blamed or "demonized" would say if they knew about it,"I had no idea you were going through this or that you felt that way."

It is unhealthy, not only for the person towards whom the negative vibrations from the grudge are being directed,but also, and perhaps,even moreso, for the one who is directing or harboring the ill feelings towards them.Believe me ,and I have plenty of experience over the years on both receiving and giving ends to know, that the whole process is depleting and counter productive, regardless of the end you happen to be on. Directing negative energy towards someone whether in "grudge" or "other" form depletes on both ends. If you're sending it out,you end up eventually sick and drained.If you happen to be the recipient of the "nastiness", there is a similar result.

This counter productivity is only magnified when bad feelings are based upon petty misunderstandings often resulting from poor communication. These could be worked out between both parties,if bruised egos, senseless pride,and yes,sometimes,one upsmanship, were not the basic cause of the misunderstandings in the first place. Besides contributing to the build up of "no win"situations, "bad vibes" generate harmful and wasteful energy which cause damage to the psyche, dis-ease and discomfort in the emotional,mental and physical bodies, eventually leading to illness. ...Talk about environmental pollution.

Believing strongly in all aspects of environmental improvement, while desiring to serve as a catalyst in the healing process, I will spare any more of the gory details,the "preachy" sermon, just say this and leave it:

If you know of anyone who might benefit from forgivness,the kind sung about in the song and/or discussed herein, please forward this message on to them. By the way, the scripture reference is Matthew 18:21-35. I highly recommend reading it as a supplement to this message. It contains an enlightening parable. I count it extremely relevant to the situation and person I've discussed above.

Below is the My Space blog dated January 4,2007,made reference to above, along with a related podcast on forgiveness,which I'm topping today:


The Heart of the Matter (Thursday,January 4,2007)

It's time to get down to the "Heart of the Matter"...This is currently the "Profile Song" for Heavier Octaves Radio. India Arie covers this Don Henley tune beautifully. It is a wonderful song with a thoughtful and inspiring message. It is our inspirational "Profile Song of the Week. India has indeed made it her own. Here is a link to the lyrics,if you care to go deeper with your reflection on the song.Try forgiving someone today and see the difference it will make in your life.And,listen in to our podcast which usually provides a brief meditation/reflection on the song being played.

Below is the link to the podcast I recorded on forgiveness. Please listen in.


"Heart of the Matter Podcast"

Enjoy,


Cynthia (Revcoolc)

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

On the Jimi Hendrix Vodka Issue



Jimi Hendrix Electric Vodka










This is a post I contributed to the most repected online community for John Mayer fans, My Stupid Mouth(MSM), of which I have been a member for nearly five years. It is titled after one of his first very popular and defining songs.

John did a piece last year on one of his blogs about his take on Jimi Hendrix vodka and many of his fans followed suit by responding to his views on the subject. Quite frankly, myself an avid Hendrix fan, having had eyewitness account of his influence on a generation as a youth coming of age in the late 60's through mid 70's(I had every record Hendrix ever cut...unsuccessfully lobbied my Dad to go to Woodstock,underage at the time,etc) ,I was appalled that the Hendrix family would let something like this happen to such a tremendous rock music legend,arguably the greatest guitar player that has ever lived. But my further research revealed a family torn apart for years by a long standing court battle over control of Jimi Hendrix's estate.

I had been made aware of it by the bits and pieces of information gleaned from various news sources over the years. John's blog brought attention to not only the vodka issue,but that reality as well. It provided invaluable food for thought for musicians and other entertainers who don't make estate planning and money management a priority. It also provided an example of just how easily a pop image in our culture can be cheapened or lessened out of a real financial need or a serious lack of financial planning.His piece inspired a litany, as usual, of responses from his fan base across the internet and on my blog at Creativessel.com. as well.

I, and I'm sure its safe to say others, would much rather Hendrix be remembered by future generations for his guitar playing prowess and not his alleged fondness for vodka.His influence is still being felt some thirty-seven (37) years after his death.

Ironically and probably to the delight of many fans, Hendrix's family just recently filed a law suit against a Seattle businessman for the use of Jimi Hendrix's name on the vodka.

The following is my response to Mayer's entry on his blog at Honeyee.com last year,which was posted on MSM on 12/30/06:

Thanks to John for bringing this to the forefront and for topping that RS article on Hendrix...a quality piece.I agree,among his finer ones.

If there was to be a drink named after Jimi Hendrix,I would have much rather preferred an organic juice or purple colored lemonade.Something that sort of crackles and sizzles in your mouth simultaneously while inducing "healthy" audio-visual hallucinations or holographic experiences of a medley of memorable Hendrix Tunes with "Purple Haze" as the intro.But,of course,I'm biased because I am not now, nor do I ever forsee myself as an enthusiastic, or otherwise, vodka drinker.My experimental "screwdriver" phase is long past.


As for the "banking" issue, the "quality" of family and friends(that would include their judgment) ,and to a lesser extent, the wishes of Hendrix, would be the deciding factors here. Unfortunately,and I have learned this from hard experience,it is not always the "will" or "trust" instrument that ultimately governs when people disagree over money and property rights.This is even moreso when a person dies intestate i.e.,leaving no will,as in Hendrix's case.

"Greed" and "fair share" are archrivals,in which case,it is those who have the stamina and drive to fight it out in court, the market place or the ring of public opinion to the bitter end that either win, or lose.Now, if all players could get together and work out a consent agreement to their mutual benefit,they might save a few bucks in court costs and legal fees. And,perhaps avoid such "vodka debacles" to the Hendrix image and legacy,which,of course, is extreme wishful thinking on my part. The numbers are too high ($80 million--estimated estate value)and the divide apparently too wide(non-blood relative now ostensibly controls assets to the exclusion of blood relatives).


Jimi did not play a role in this. Albeit, his death was caused ironically by asphyxiation induced from a lethal combination of alcohol(wine) and sleeping pills.


Well, there is one brand of vodka I won't be buying or promoting...no,not even as a keepsake. I almost feel like creating a slogan worthy of the occasion a la "Denounce the 40 Ounce" when the homies got out of hand with the Malt Liquor.

Now,if they make a very limited release of it for a brief period certain,just to right the books or to benefit a private or public charity, never ever to appear again,I might just be persuaded. But even that is very iffy...I still cringe at the thought.

In the meantime,

Ugh...

Peace,

Cynthia

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Deep Degrees of Blue (My Space Blog 8.16.2006)

I felt like topping this today. Even though I'm not in a blue mood,I found it amusing in retrospect. Of course, when I initially wrote it I was some degree,but still not "Deep Degrees of Blue". Many may not know, but the Blues genre was a precursor and at the very root of gospel music. Several well known theologians have written about it in their books,articles and essays about the African-American religious experience.
Two that fall into that category are Dr.James H. Cone with his The Spirituals and the Blues and Dr.Michael Harris who captured the spirit of the Blues in his book The Rise of Gospel Blues. They both taught me during my journey at Union Theological Seminary . I highly recommend both books to the serious Blues conoisseur as well as those who want to learn more about the connection between blues and gospel.
My contribution to the subject in this blog entry below, though not as in depth and extensive as theirs, is a snapshot illustration of my respect and appreciation for the musical genre and how it can be a useful tool in negotiating the daily ups and downs of life.You can travel to my My Space page and browse through my friend base for an example of just how deeply attached I am to the music and the musicians who honor and preserve it. You might find some surprises.
This is the August 16,2006 entry from my blog at My Space. To read the original posting there click here.
Deep Degrees of Blue (revised 9.5.06)

www.art.com
I stumbled upon a very educational and entertaining blog page a few days ago--How to Sing the Blues-A Primer. On the page is an entire section on what and what does not qualify you to sing the blues. After all there are certain requirements for being able to bear guttural sighs, phrases and emotions from the belly of the soul for the whole world to see, hear and feel. There were some standards I met and some that I did not. For instance, if you live in New York, you can sing the blues. I met that one. Chicago, Kansas City and St. Louis are also good "sing the blues" certifiable locations. However, for cities like Minneapolis and Seattle , the opinion is that its more likely that you are experiencing clinical depression than blues. The article also mentions,if you own a computer you can't sing the blues. A lot of people probably disqualify by that standard. I know I do.
Okay, I didn't make the guidelines. I found them rather whimsical and amusing. No doubt a fun read. But I will take them with a grain of salt. 'cause I listen to some real down home and modern guitar,trumpet,sax , bass players and drummers who own computers that can "sho'nuff" sing and play some blues. Then there are those not having the benefit of computers in their day from whom we have definitely learned.
Well, I am having some degree of bluestoday. What is the requirement there?I am probably violating every tenet in the theoretical "social distance" guideline book, also known as Proxemics by sharing this with you. Besides, ministers don't get the blues. They are not supposed to anyway. Fortunately, Rev. Gary Davis and those preceding and following him have dispelled this myth.We indeed spend a good deal of our time trying to prevent or comfort those with the blues. Like many Americans, I am pretty "deep blue" about the War. I just had to get that off my chest. There are other subjects that also qualify for this entry.But I'll pass on extrapolating about them. I will say this. Sometimes we all get in a deep down bluesy mood. In hip musical terminology, it's been dubbed a blue funk. Whether Kind of Blue, Blue Monday, Blue Train, All Blues... I have found creative expression through art whether music,graphics,singing,listening to or playing music transformative and healing. The added bonus is that something stunning, captivating and spellbinding is created in the process.
The blues...some get it when their man or woman leaves them. Some when they run out of money. Some when a dream does not come true or takes an unexpected twist. Others upon the realization that war and disharmony seem to be among the predominant global constants. Some as they look back over their lives and are just plain dissatisfied with their accomplishments. Others out of loneliness and boredom just get the plain ol' down home blues. Some create or become masterpieces of artistic expression. Yes. There can be something uniquely redemptive and restorative about the blues.
Are you that one who feels you've just missed that last non-stop train to happiness out of the station? That you made a move and ended up in a place that you definitely did not plan on. I can certainly empathize with you, especially with what's happened over this past thirty days. Talk about the uncertainties of "musical chairs." I have the t-shirt,the CD and the book and could probably contribute another 9 chapters. In fact, I'd probably make a good prospect for Huffs' chair about now. I'll spare you all the gory details and just say, "when life gives you lemons,make lemonade." It could be just the beverage you needed to quench what may have been an undetected thirst.And,it might contain the best tasting lemons you've ever come across. By the same token,trust in time , faith, love and prayer (...and occassionally,for some, therapeutic "bluesal"analysis) to heal the disappointment. And remember,there's always another train coming...
During your lemonade break, join me in celebrating, singing and listening to the blues. Just tune in to the "Lobluja" (Love,blues and jazz) show every evening from 8:00 p.m to 12 midnite or just pull out some of your old blues songs from memory during that time. For those "intangible" kinds of requests, we'll surely be listening together in spirit. And, if you eventually email your request, if the song exists on this side of the universe,we will gladly add it to our playlist or upcoming live shows for future programming. For now,back to the realities of war and the privilege of singing , and now, having the blues...
Incidentally, the legendary Miles above...talk about jazz(y) blues. He arguably set the standard. One of my favorites, "All Blues", which is on the "Kind of Blue" masterpiece released in March 1959, has been covered by some of music's greats. I think I'll piece together a show in the future, a sort of spotlight on recent "All Blues" coverage. Just a thought,but...
Wouldn't that be grand?
Cynthia (Revcoolc)

Sometimes It Takes A While...

Sometimes it takes a while to get it.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

It's About Time (Chronos vs. Kairos)




















I have been out of seminary for one full year now and out of the traditional job market for a good while longer.I'm using more general terms because waxing descriptive in this instance might result in too much of a shock for my psyche to bear... the realization of time passed too much to digest in one sitting.

It took three years to complete the Master of Divinity program. In the meantime and during the process,I have been busy trying to make it happen building an organization in an attempt to bridge theology with popular culture. My priority has been to do all I could to make God's creative vision for my life, and others affected, unfold and manifest as soon and smoothly as possible.

If you have discovered anything about visions,then you know that not everyone gets the one that you "got". Even if they did, it may still not have contained the exact imagery that yours did. Consequently, you may be the only one that has caught it at the degree and level of intensity that you have,which often accounts for the various delays and lapses encountered along the way between point of initial inspiration and point of actual manifestation.

Presto! Presto! Presto! No. That trifold command did not quite do the trick in my case. Not that I've actually used it,since I rely heavily on prayer and positive affirmation. Oh,believe me I have come pretty close to using presto as well as Abracadabra, (which incidentally was used in ancient healing rites). My patience has worn more than thin many more times than I'd like to admit. This process has turned out to be quite a bit more involved than anything a quick magical incantation designed to yield instant results could ever get me through. Nothing about this journey has been instantaneous. I've wanted to pack up and go home to mom quite a few times, just chew the fat and take life easy.

I have met some really fabulous people-super stars, movers and shakers, in shorter periods of time than I had expected. Credit Kairos for that.But everything else has been a gradual process,real gradual...seeming almost deliberately so.
If I have not learned anything on life's journey so far, I have learned that God's concept of time is not the same as mine. Put more succinctly, and more commonly known as the adage:"God's time is not our time."

In addition to grappling with the chronos versus kairos challenge, in my pursuit of the unchartered,I may have in some circles "innovated" myself right out of the market. Not the pop culture market. I think there is still room for me there. And I sense that things are opening up. I'm referring to the religious market. There are still those that think my interests are a bit eccentric to say the least. Not all my colleagues,but some.Yes. There are still conservative thinkers in my field who believe that there is no place for pop culture in religious life. My belief that "love and music are healing forces of the world" and that the linear and the creative could be combined in this pursuit,well...they probably view it as anathema at most and weird at best.

But as an internet radio host,music lover,artist and minister,I firmly believe this.So,this blog is my attempt to balance things out for that population,while making myself contract worthy (euphemism for employable). If that is at all possible for me. Well,at least until such time as I get picked up by the record company,the recording artist,the magazine editor,the book publisher,pop-TV show,etc. I have been pioneering a new field for chaplaincy,my friends..."Pop Chaplaincy". Just kidding. Smile. Not really...kidding,that is... However,Reverend Run may have beaten me to the punch on that one.

I even revised my blogger profile after four (4) long years of being "out there" in pop land to reflect the more stodgy and "high brow" aspects of my background.In other words,the pendulum has swung towards the conformist section in me. I've been called "polished unconventional" during my law practicing days. So,that should be an indication of how difficult it might be for me to now, or anytime for that matter, swing towards conventional.


In addition,I've spent so much time trying to build a bridge,an organization, a network, a concept,a dream,a vision that I believe was divinely inspired,God given that I completely left myself and more mundane needs out of the equation. Sacrifice of self for the higher good is the minister's credo if not their frequent stock in trade. And, if it isn't, then well maybe it just ought to be for the reasons I trust will become clearer to you and me in the coming days.Let's just say that right now I am engaged in the process of getting myself "out of the way" by putting myself in fuller view. If that makes any sense.

Right now,it is a little murky. I may never know why it has taken so long to claim myself... I have my theories,but they are just that and will remain unwritten for now.

Yes.Today has been the day for one of my most "suitable for practical application" epiphanies. One which comes in quite handy and is very timely in this phase of "discernment" as I build my Spirituality and the Arts ministry through the Creativessel Program at the Jan Hus Church currently with the "Lifting the Spirit" workshops.

One such revelation which hit me like a ton of bricks today and which is certainly useful in this period of searching for gainful preaching,teaching and consulting gigs is this. I have learned that I am currently not a "google-able" name for search purposes. Well,that is if you put in my name. The one I was born with,Cynthia D. Wilson. You get some Cynthia Wilsons. But you don't get me. This has occured to me before,but it did not seem to matter as much during that time. But today,I finally took the time to actually think about this situation. Could this be the reason? Hmmm...What are the possible strategies for resolution? Maybe one of my secret internet friends will help out on this one.

One of the Cynthia's is ironically the same age as me. Unfortunately,she was killed in the 9/11 disaster.God rest her soul and I send out loving thoughts and prayers to her family.Then you get others who've been engaged in entirely different careers than I.Then some have different middle initials. And,so on and so forth.

The bottom line is that I am an accomplished woman by most standards and you can not locate me on the internet by my name.You can,however locate me by googling other entities, a non-profit corporation I founded three(3) years ago,Heavier Octaves(it has an associated radio broadcast) and my arts and design ministry, Creativessel. You can also google my nick name Revcoolc,which takes you on a virtual odyssey of broadcast links. Some are out dated.Yes. I'm all over cyberspace identified under different names. Every name but my own. By today's pop culture standards that may be a no-no. I could counter with "Well, as long as I am in the Lamb's Book of Life that's all that should matter anyway". But are you there? One can never be too sure. Hold that thought. There's a sermon there. I promise.

Most people, that is my professional and theological peers,know me as Cynthia D. Wilson. Even though they are fully aware of what they may percieve as my valiant, albeit "low key" efforts, to bridge the gap between pop culture and theology through the creation and use of the above-referenced entities. In my efforts to do so, over the past four(4) years (it all started in 2003), I've been underground and occasionally "deep cover" with no outward attempts made to be preachy or convert souls during my online blogging and inspirational postings on message boards around the internet.

I've mixed and mingled with the internet masses and some formidable geeks,especially music fans. Many becoming long time cyberspace friends I've not actually met in person but who I recognize on various boards they frequent by flashing avatars or buddy icons. I now relate to them regularly in various online communities in the pursuit and understanding of pop mania and its relationship to a caring,neighborly and ethical society. Some I've encouraged,inspired or even lifted up in prayer. I've done a good amount of trading in music and concert tickets,posted reviews,recorded concert videos,etc. I've made a fair amount of cyber peace as well.

The ride has been a whole lot of fun and just as enlightening. But one thing for sure,and its part of the internet culture,is that people know other people by their "sign in", "user names", or aliases, which can sometimes be numerous. Sometimes they augment true identities. Sometimes they shield them. Sometimes they can buy much needed time to sort things out.

I started to reflect deeply about this today and figured that it was about time that I clarified my online identity. After all...

It's about time the world was officially enlightened about the origins of the remarkable sources of inspiration from pop culture, that have propelled me on during this awesome leg of life's journey with my belief in Christ's teachings still in tow.

This is headquarters.Welcome to my world. Population one...two,three and hopefully growing.

Peace,

Cynthia

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