November Reflections

Most of us, especially those of us here in Memphis, are not surprised to hear that one of the most powerful ways people come together in harmonious connection is through music. There are numerous, wonderful examples of local and regional music festivals like Memphis in May and the New Orleans Jazz Fest that bring people, who may not be in close relationship in everyday life, together into more unified community. Then there are also the historic, larger venues of music from to Woodstock to Farm Aid where people have come together to make and listen to music for some greater good.

In each of these gatherings large numbers of people of various backgrounds and cultures come together in ways that celebrate our common connections while transcending our differences. Each time we witness and experience these vibrations, most of us have been able to go way beyond the cultural boundaries and definitions of groups, communities and even nations. Music is a powerful tool for creating harmonious and healthy relationships and community.

The other night on Bill Moyer’s Journal there was a great story of a young man named Mark Johnson who has helped tap the transformative ability of music to create harmony among different people all around the globe. Mark, a long time music and film producer, traveled around the world capturing unique sounds from a rainbow of musicians and groups. He then seamlessly and brilliantly edited them together to create ‘world music’ the unites us changing our world for good!

Check out his Playing for Change: Peace through Music segment on Bill Moyers and follow the links to his website and work. Hope this puts a smile on your face as big as the one on mine.

Take care, have a blessed month.

Seeking Harmony,
Stephan