The quote in the margin (attributed to me) stikes me as a clear explanation of why we have such a thing as spiritual inquiry, philosophy and existentialism. These would not be needed if nothing was in our control, or if everything was in our control. But it appears that only some things are in our control, and we do get to chose which of those things at what times.

It makes one feel a bit like a rabbit at a shooting range. When will fate zap me next? Yet, when one is in sych with any creative process, with any of the physical, emotional or intellectual arts, there is this clear sense of effortless control. It is often expressed not so much as guiding the process, but as of being in tune with the process itself, as if one's controlling effort was all used to get to the position of acceptance of what is. Thus, and so far only thus, in my experience, are the two dynamics to the left resolved.

The problem, as a head monk in a Burmese monastery pointed out, is one of stability. Once you gain this insight, how to avoid loosing it in periods of stress? A monk in his retreat once famously meditated for fifteen years, and upon discovering his elevated state of mind, prepared to leave the monastery. On the way to the door in the evening light, a shadow across his path suddenly appeared as a snake and he felt a twinge of fear. Understanding what it meant, he turned back and remained another five years.

Few people are called on to focus on the issue at this level, but for us in the normal world, the same dynamic remains a part of our daily life. It would seem the best approach is the same as getting to Carnagie Hall;

Practice, practice, practice :-)

I am preparing for my next solo CD recording, and have a demo of one of the pieces - Mind Bandits - to offer. Please feel free to send this link to friends or to copy and circulate the mp3.

This composition is the final in the wave of composing called acoustic Psychedelic Chill. I am currently composing in relation to the second of two songs received after twenty years of practice "G for Goddess".

There are only two movies I ever viewed seven times in the theatre during their first release, both in the 1970s.

One (understandably) was Blazing Saddles. The other was Ingmar Bergman's Magic Flute, his film of the opera played by a Swedich Troupe in 1975. The collaboration of Mozart's genius of sound, treated by Bergman's genius of light, and their twin power of story make this one of the greatest films ever made.

Here are two YouTube snippets: the incredible aria of the Queen of the Night and the joyful salvation of Papageno - just try not to smile as it ends...

Rent this movie!

Spirit Space Guitar Cello - incredibly beautiful acoustic journeys into the heart of sound!

March 20 Saltspring Island
March 26 Bamfield
March 27 Port Alberni
May 1 Vancouver
May 2 Bowen Island
May 8 Comox
May 9 Errington

APRIL 3 at the Solstice
Victoria
Try to make this if you are in Victoria. It's a jam with the VILA house band- the sixties are back!