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Catie's Blog: Kindred Spirits

Driving back from school drop-off this morning, I saw a woman trip and fall down on the sidewalk. She was badly shaken. I feel like that woman. It’s like trip wire was set to topple all of us who care about human rights and the survival of our planet. We are reeling, crying, injured, mournful, fearful and depressed. We can only imagine what the future holds, and we are entering a period of unknown, where what we DO know brings only trepidation. I find myself vacillating between the primal urges of resilience (searching for ways to understand and manage this outcome) and despair (we are f*cked). For now, I think I just need to grieve. I have a feeling this grief will lead to action, but I’m not there yet. As always, I seek kindred spirits. We are not alone. Group hug. On dealing with today: This morning, I was listening to NPR, a piece about the ukulele-playing singer from Hawaii (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) who recorded the now ubiquitous (and gorgeous) version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” One of his old friends from childhood talked about the quality of his voice having “mana.” He said mana is the supernatural or magical energy in a person. Israel had the ability to deliver mana outwardly through his voice, and that’s why his song connects with everyone. Another closely related word is “anima,” the soul or inner self of a person. To me, music is all about mana and anima. I believe our souls (or magical energy) are without ego, so when we express that part of ourselves through music or art, or by making eye contact and smiling at someone, we experience a feeling of wholeness. Today, while we anxiously await the outcome of the election, I want to set an intention. Mine is to visualize the possibility of wholeness and connection, apart from the politics of the world. What is yours?


On dealing with today: This morning, I was listening to NPR, a piece about the ukulele-playing singer from Hawaii (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) who recorded the now ubiquitous (and gorgeous) version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” One of his old friends from childhood talked about the quality of his voice having “mana.” He said mana is the supernatural or magical energy in a person. Israel had the ability to deliver mana outwardly through his voice, and that’s why his song connects with everyone. Another closely related word is “anima,” the soul or inner self of a person. To me, music is all about mana and anima. I believe our souls (or magical energy) are without ego, so when we express that part of ourselves through music or art, or by making eye contact and smiling at someone, we experience a feeling of wholeness. Today, while we anxiously await the outcome of the election, I want to set an intention. Mine is to visualize the possibility of wholeness and connection, apart from the politics of the world. What is yours?
Tomorrow is election day. It’s hard to focus on anything else. What will life be like after Tuesday? Here’s one thing for sure: I am releasing my new recorded works “While We’re Here” (formerly called a “record,” an “album” or a “CD”) at the beginning of 2017! And later this week I hope to have the artwork for the cover to share with you. That’s all for now but stay tuned for more. We’ll be okay. Somehow.