Uncategorized – Page 12 – Music. Life. Joy.

August 4, 2024

NOT getting things done

In all fairness, the week leading up to today was filled with lots of “doing.” In addition to the usual rehearsals and emails and meetings, we had a music team retreat, plus another day of recording. So I was understandably tired today.

In fact, once I got home from Sunday service, I was DONE. As in kaput, fried, and just plain exhausted. With no desire to do anything, even though I had created a longish list of tasks that I (rather foolishly) thought I would tackle this afternoon — HA!

So, now you can see why this meme spoke to me today.

August 3, 2024

Another day in the studio

Ramesha, Satyana, and Mike laughing uncontrollably

We had hoped to finish up the Christmas album today, but — as is often the case when recording — it all took longer than anticipated.

So, we’ve got one more session scheduled for later this week, and that really should do it.

Of course, we always manage to have quite a bit of fun in the process. Prashad might look innocent, but he’s the one who had everyone cracking up!

August 2, 2024

Out of the abyss

I described yesterday as feeling like I was on strike.

But after thinking it over, I’ve decided it was more like I had stumbled into a deep pit from which I couldn’t seem to extricate myself.

It wasn’t like I was sad or depressed or anything. I simply couldn’t summon the oomph to get myself out again.

So, I’m glad to report that today I was able to climb right out of the abyss…and actually get things done.

Phew! Very glad to be back.

August 2, 2024

Who called the general strike?

Sigh.

I don’t know what happened today, but from start to finish I couldn’t get myself to accomplish hardly anything on my long and detailed to-do list.

In fact, the whole day was pretty much a wash.

Oh well, tomorrow is a new day (she said optimistically).

July 31, 2024

Major gratitude

We accomplished a lot in this afternoon’s music retreat, but a particularly powerful moment for me was answering the following question:

“In your heart of hearts, what do you want most to accomplish in the music or the Arts before you leave the planet?”

This was my answer:

” To help establish a really deep, really strong, absolutely clear and attuned core music leadership that will protect and carry forward Swami’s musical legacy far into the future, which will assure the future of Ananda as well.”

Beyond that, I’m just so grateful… to be part of such a dynamic team; for the blessing of our music; and for the meaning and purpose it gives to my life.

July 30, 2024

Feeling pushed and pulled

Today I felt like Swamiji was sort of pushing and pulling me to understand that he’s serious about moving the music in some big new directions.

And that means NOW, not at some vague time in the future!

The timing is perfect, as we have a music team retreat scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

I’m eager to see what’s trying to happen.

July 29, 2024

Village housing meeting

I do believe this is my all-time favorite kind of meeting — bar none!

Ananda Village housing meetings happen maybe once a year, when there’s either a lot of people moving and houses opening up, or when there’s a lot of need and no apparent openings.

Of course, housing can be a sensitive issue, but I’m always inspired by the way it’s handled at the Village — an intentional (and cooperative) spiritual community.

Tonight’s meeting was as uplifting to me as the very first one I attended way back in 2008. There were probably 40 people in attendance, but many of us were there simply to enjoy the process and offer support.

We started, as usual, with some chanting and a prayer. The current available housing was listed, then we all shared why we were there, with those who are actively looking to move explaining what they need and the kind of situation they’re looking for.

Nothing got decided in the moment, but you could feel everyone opening their mind and heart in order to tune into “what’s trying to happen” for the highest good of all concerned.

I love it. 💖