if you can wait and not be tired by waiting…. (If by Rudyard Kipling)
The painting is called "Patientia" by Pieter Bruegel. Look closely, Patience is sitting quietly, chained to a block, praying in a world gone mad.
The caption, by the early Catholic theologian Lactantius, reads: Patience is the bearing with equanimity of the evils which are either inflicted or happen to fall on us.
Therefore the just and wise man, because he exercises virtue, has patience in himself; but he will be altogether free from this if he shall suffer no adversity. On the other hand, the man who lives in prosperity is impatient because he suffers nothing.
Getting what we want makes it difficult to wait for what we don't have. To survive, as Bruegel shows, you have to tune out the noise and look away from the madness because we can’t always get what we want when we want. Yet we can still be at peace in the interim. Some count to ten or go for a walk to gain a new perspective I prefer gong baths to elicit a state of neutrality and clarity of mind. Remember all good things come to those who wait.
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.