Swimming downward: Part II

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a childhood experience in which I almost drowned trying to lift a capsized rowboat off of me. I ended the story with the following thought: "Instead of struggling to swim upward, I had to swim downward to reach the surface."

As promised, I am now revisiting that thought.

We struggle so hard to rise to the top. Sometimes, the very act of struggling is what keeps us from getting there. We can literally kill ourselves and each other as we fight and claw our way toward a pinnacle we may never reach. It takes a lot of courage and wisdom to know when to abandon the struggle so that we  might truly live.

-Danny

The Milwaukee Sikh shooting and art as a teacher

The Sikh shooting in Milwaukee was disgusting,  and terrifying, and  serves as yet another powerful reminder that love and acceptance are increasingly important to our human experience.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

The shooter - Wade Michael Page - was the vocalist and guitarist of several white power bands.  While I will not suggest that music led Page to this hate crime, I do firmly believe and assert that some music teaches people how to hate; it helps people become better at hating and better at being angry.  Music and art can plant seeds of anger, self-pity, insecurity, revenge, and pride. Great art plants virtuous seeds that inspires us to think and feel in ways that enrich our experience and foster appreciation for others.

I think it is critical that we own our thoughts and emotions - that we recognize that anger is inherently deceitful and destructive. Art has powerful influence over our thoughts and emotions.  We should seek art and entertainment that supports our best self.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/07/us-usa-wisconsin-shooting-idUSBRE8740FP20120807

Local artist spotlight: Matteo

I recently heard an interview on KUER's Radiowest with a Salt Lake City band, Matteo. They play thoughtfully written American folk, infused with traditional Chinese instruments. I found both their music and their story really inspiring. Take a listen:

http://radiowest.kuer.org/post/matteo