Global Day of Action Against Poverty (Revised 11.3.07)

" Purple Dream Come True" Drawing by Cynthia D. Wilson

Today is the Global Day of Action Against Poverty.In recognition of this sentiment and in an effort to heighten perspective about the ravages of poverty around the globe,which has both spiritual and material consequences,I dedicate a poem which I wrote several years ago. Entitled "Love is the Currency", here is a link to the audio podcast and written introduction which is posted on "Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks-To Go", an abbreviated or take out version of this "Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks and Writes" blog.

As you read it, reflect on money and how this wonderful concept and tool has been and continues to be misused by some. As beautiful a resource money is and can be, it is frequently misused in our world as a tool of oppression and malevolent control.How people will sometimes do any and everything for the "almighty dollar", as the classic O'Jays song "For the Love of Money" goes "... People will lie,they will cheat...People don't care who they hurt or beat" sums up nicely this negative aspect of financial exchange, or stagnation,if you will. (Incidentally, the song was performed beautifully by Alicia Keys at the "Live Earth" concert in July at Giant Stadium.See a related article here. See a video of her coverage of that song which begins a medley of soulful social observation songs on Live Earth MSN video. Alicia also honors Bono,superstar rock musician who led the charge in this mammoth effort for debt relief, as well as the effort to fight AIDS in Africa.See that article here.)

What if the paradigm was shifted and it became "For the Money of Love"... instead. Maybe that tremendous debt that weighs down the progress of several underdeveloped countries across the continent of Africa would not have accumulated in the manner in which it did. There's also a strong possibility that it would now be more readily forgiven.

While my poem is somewhat introspective,I believe it is relevant in that it speaks to the truth of personal as well as global financial woes. Changing the world and offering meaningful solutions to its problems begins at home with each individual. Perhaps acknowledgment of a greater and higher system of currency in relation to resolving the scourge of poverty is the beginning of the path to reconciliation and a step in the right direction.There might actually be some benefit derived from shifting thinking patterns on money matters to the extent that the flow of love starts counting and adding up like never before.

Yes. It is of course a lot more complicated than this. But a shift in how we think about money could very well lead us on the path of progress out of a debt and poverty hole which has trapped many.Let's just say there is a lot of overlap here. As in "Let there be debt relief on earth,in Africa,etc. and let it begin with you."

I can think of so many occasions and so many times that I have witnessed a person or community suffer not because there was a lack of money,but because there was a lack of compassion on the part of persons or institutions having it in abundance. However, access to it was denied due to either bureaucratic or other forms of red tape.

Enjoy your day of Global Action Against Poverty! And,let it begin with you.Take some positive and constructive actions which demonstrate your care and concern for the "Debt Relief" in Africa campaign being led by One.org. In addition, be mindful about other issues of financial abuses and misuses which you observe on a daily basis in your own communities.

And remember, "Love is the currency. Let it flow!"

When and ever love flows as vibrantly as the colors spiraling up the stem of the flower drawing above, my "Purple Dream"(purple in the sense of high in aspirations, lofty,ornate and regal) will have indeed come true.

Peace,

Cynthia

Related Blogs:

www.heavieroctaves.org:Global Day of Action Against Poverty

Bruce and Company

In the wee hours of yesterday morning,I headed out into the streets of Manhattan to meet up with two minister friends to share a morning of rock legend, Bruce Springsteen's, music. He was the special concert guest for the Today show.Below is a photo diary of the morning and a link to a video interview of Annie Rawlings,Social Justice Presbyter for New York City and Pastor Vickie of Ridgewood Presbyterian Church.

Move Over Trashy Marketing Ploys, "Wholesome" is "Now" the Winning Way...

(More...)

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Ask any 8-year-old what they did last weekend, and their response most likely consisted of three words: "High School Musical." The sequel to the Disney Channel's surprise made-for-TV hit smashed basic-cable.

It would appear that "wholesome" may be gaining as a trend to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry...

read more digg story

Music Medicine Cometh Installment II-A Dose of John Mayer

Having served as a volunteer for Musicians On Call as a hospital chaplain, Sotheby's benefit hostess and hospital tour guide, as well as for years preceding that as a minister and spiritual director very much aware of the uplifting and therapeutic aspects of music,I am pleased to share this take on John's music with you.Virginia Tech is in for a big treat.

That John Mayer has a rare talent as a musician,no one can deny.The five time Grammy Award winner is tremendously gifted guitar player,recently selected for a Rolling Stone magazine cover as one of three modern day "guitar gods".Mayer was dubbed,Slow-Hand Jr.,in deference to one of his guitar idols and mentors,Eric Clapton,as well as his collaborations with blues greats B.B. King, Buddy Guy,also idols and for his skilled Jomi Hendrix covers, Rolling Stone's selection for the greatest guitar player of all times. He has in addition to working with Blues greats collaborated with r&b,hip-hop,rock,country and jazz icons such as Herbie Hancock, John Scofield,Alicia Keys,Kanye West,Common,Just Blaze,etc.

There is another aspect of John's musical appeal that has gone unexpressed and unheralded. Maybe that fact is just as well.However,I'd like to shed a little light on it from the standpoint of a fan who has benefited and derived a lot of pleasure from his music for number of years.And,in light of the upcoming concert September 6,2007 at Virginia Tech to celebrate life,the resiliency of a community and "lift the spirits" of the university's students,staff and faculty so they can get the 2007-2008 school year off to a good start,there couldn't be a more appropriate time.

There is something uplifting and enormously inspiring about many of John's songs and his music in general. I and other fans have throughout the years communicated this by providing feedback to him at concerts,as well as on some of his message boards around the internet and on several other blogs.

John Mayer has had a connection with the healing aspects of music in his early days starting out as a volunteer musician for the non-profit organization,Musician's On Call,as well as the manner in which he has touched and cultivated the love and hearts of fans since the late 90's.

The following are some past internet postings which shed light on this aspect of his music,including an excerpt of a post I wrote on the MSM message board over three years ago in response to a mini concert/visit he paid some children at a hospital in St. Louis when he played there on his "Heavier Things" concert tour that year. In addition, I also include below an excerpt from a recent posting on my Creativessel Inspirations blog followed by a play list of hand picked songs that make up a soothing "Dose of John Mayer."

There is definitely healing in the music. When you have such an awesome gift like John to touch others hearts and souls with love through the medium of music, its a powerful thing. Many of the children's lives will never be the same, as a result. I venture to say that many of our lives are forever altered by music and other intangibles on a daily basis. I am happy to see an artist with John's tremendous range of talent spend time- quality time- spreading his compassion and genuine concern for others in such a way. Simply put, it is just beautiful.

But this quality about John has always been evident. If you really listen intently to his music, and notice the concern he, on general principle(we call that "on GP"), demonstrates for others, the John that showed up at the hospital today always comes through loud and clear. He just exudes that certain quality.

I was previously aware of John's participation in Musician's on Call, which I think is an invaluable health outreach program, and I communicated that to the organization's founder a while ago.

Thanks for the link and mention though. It was helpful. As one who strongly believes in the healing power of music and the value of giving back to the community...you have the goods John and you deliver. It was even more endearing that you went over without a lot of fanfare, just as regular people...".

Here is an excerpt from a blog written on my Creativessel blog a few months back,entitled "Painting the John Mayer Canvas..." ,which provides a little insight into how his music has impacted me:

"When I first listened to the Room for Squares CD at Borders,I stood there for a while with "Why Georgia" on repeat, frozen in a space and time with which I was very familiar,but one that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I was gradually coming to grips in stages with why tears of joy filled my eyes and rolled slowly and effortlessly down my cheeks. I had experienced the healing and clearing properties of music before in the church as someone sang a gospel hymn or got happy singing a solo in the choir. Often that person was me.

I've also been touched so deeply by a song that every emotion that I may have repressed in the past has been given vent by the sound of a flute,a guitar chord, a voice's vibratto or tone,etc. As I listened to him singing the refrain "I wonder sometimes about the outcome of a still verdictless life. Am I livin' it right? Am I livin' it right? Am I livin it right? Why? Why? Georgia Why? In my case Georgia happened to be Detroit. I asked myself, Why? Why? Detroit Why?

Listening to him singing that song, a certainty came over me and I knew in my heart without a doubt that I had to shift my creative focus. I needed to get back on track artistically. I also knew with certainty that I would someday meet the "voice" that was resonating so with my spirit and the artist with the "fire in his eyes". When? I was not sure. But, I felt for whatever reason, it might be sooner than I expected. Two things for sure,I would be making a bee line for information on the internet about upcoming concerts he would be performing in the area and I would continue to ask myself if I needed to change the direction my life was headed,make a bold move,follow my heart and "leave the sh_t behind."

Music Medicine Cometh to Lift the Spirits and Ease Life's Pains

"Messages and Notes from a Bottle" (more)


John Mayer,Dave Matthews Band, Phil Vassar
and Nas Join in a Concert to Lift the Spirits of Virginia Tech

Directions for use:

Unlike bronze,wood,stone. clay,or canvas, "music sculptors" use music, songs and lyrics as their artistic medium of expression, designing musical mixes using themes that soothe the heart,mind and soul. Their designs are multi-dimensional and can bring other textures and mediums to bear on the ultimate concept as well.I've discovered throughout the years that music is a pretty potent multi-level healer and that a song can in combination quite often with other things,perform laser sharp heart(figuratively speaking),psychic and emotional surgery. Vibrating into knooks ,crannies and crevices of the heart that would otherwise go untouched, I don't think any other medium surpasses its non-invasive,yet tremendously subtle fluid delivery. Yes. For raw or subtle emotional impact, a song is definitely the way to go.--Cynthia D. Wilson. excerpted from the Airlift II-Love Soother Mix blog.

That "love and music are healing forces of the world"... Anyone who knows me is well aware that I put together what I have dubbed "music sculptures",not only to set certain moods and tones,but to emit healing ,comforting and soothing sounds to the soul and "lift the spirits"with music of course.

During this blog and related podcast series,where I interject various play lists, you'll not only get my take on some of the artists,but you'll also learn how I've applied their songs in the sound healing process. Sound interesting?

So,in anticipation and celebration of the upcoming concert at Virginia Tech on September 6,2007,which is a "celebration of life" and an event to "lift the spirits with music", I am lifting several blogs and comments which I made on music message boards and blogs around the internet,including a play list put together especially and dedicated to what is sure to be a tremendously uplifting concert experience.

The next prescription: "A Dose of John Mayer" will focus on the healing sounds of his music and a recommended play list as part of the weekend inspiration (music sculpture).

Peace,

Cynthia

Related Blogs:

Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks and Writes...: Airlift II-Love Soother Mix

Deep Degrees of Blue