Mysterium memories

A full house attended our interpretation of Scirabin's ‘mysterium’ on Sunday.  Over 200 souls made the trek to Tai Tam which added to the illusion of journeying to the back of beyond.  Descending from the sunny afternoon into the magical ambience of the black box theatre the audience was met with fully masked performers who captivated with sound, voice and instruments interspersed with shruti songs of revelation led by Maestro Don Conreaux.  

It takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to host a tremendum. Sincere thanks to HKIS and Hillary Sandeen who as my alumni coordinator and visionary supporter was able to secure our stunning venue.  Thanks to the team at HKIS for their behind the scenes support - Oscar, Ricky and Matthew; our sound and lighting team Jack, Harry, Joseph, Terrance and Dylan; photographer Tiffany; One Love band members Nazar and Kaze and Marty; interpretative dancer Rye and all of the recent advanced gong training students. Heartfelt thanks to Don for his inspired teachings and leadership and to Yaelle for her sharing, caring and presence.

The students have returned home, Don and Yaelle are safely in LA.  The studio is unpacked. Last Sunday seems but a wisp of a memory.  We don't remember days, we remember moments. Cesare Pervase and the best thing about memories is making them. anon

Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever. Malik Faisal. Until we meet again keep the memories intact, for they will re-create in your heart each cherished moment. Hans W. Thomasz

Sat nam.

Everyday People

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” - Einstein

The song Everyday People’s universal themes of compassion and respect is as topical today as it was over half a century ago. Why have we not moved forward? There is only one race, the human race. Rosa Parks

Here is a modern version by a charity called Playing for Change. Musicians collaborating around the world to instil harmony and love. Listen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g4UWvcZn5U

The simple lessons from the song can extend your life. According to psychologist Susan Pinker in a 2017 TED talk, the secret to longevity is your connectivity to the community through simple social interactions - talking to the cashier at the grocery store, or the night guard or the FEDEX delivery man. We are all human, so let’s start treating each other like one.  Remember your humanity and forget the rest. Bertrand Russell

Listen to Susan here https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_pinker_the_secret_to_living_longer_may_be_your_social_life?language=en

To care is to be human

Science has long known the importance of touch to a developing child yet social distancing and isolation has distanced us from what matters most. To care is to protect and support another person or thing. Facebook's new emojii reflects a societal need  - we all need a hug. 

Mother Teresa said Never be so busy as not to think of others. For Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness. – Harold Kushner 

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo Buscaglia. I invite you Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again. - Og Mandino
 

A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside. - Denis Waitley