Value your voice.
I think it's fair to generalize that revolutions always start from "the ground" up. Often the change isn't completely ratified until "the top" takes action, but then this often doesn't occur until the undeniable majority support the change vocally.
"We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history. ~ Sonia Johnson
This has been proved true many times in history. Not surprisingly, these are the words of a vocal supporter of equal rights across sex, race and social standing.
Someone who is in a position of power doesn't need to be reminded of their power, but someone who sees themselves as having no power does.
I believe this is where the "one determined person" comes in. That person is the flame that lights the darkness that people think they have no power to change.
Better to light a candle than curse the darkness. ~ Chinese Proverb
This saying can be interpreted a lot of ways, but I think an important perspective on it is this; better to focus on what small solutions you can instigate than waste energy complaining about what you say you can't change.
Don't get me wrong, there are things in this world that can't be changed, and I believe accepting this is a powerful thing in itself, freeing you mind to focus on what can be changed, but consider very careful what you believe can or can't be changed. I believe for most people more can be changed in their world, by way of their own efforts, than they think they can change - and maybe this is easier as it saves from feeling guilty for not acting.
The problem is that unless the people not in positions of power really value their voice and express to the "powers that be" what they want to see change then nothing will change. Unfortunately, the average person is so busy trying to get through life that there is no time left to actively express their "voice".
This is mirrored in what we are seeing in the "Occupy" movement. I heard today that 6.6 million jobs will need to be created in the USA to get employment back to where it was before the financial crisis. So now people are not only valuing their voice but they have time to actually express their views in a very visible, tangible manner. I find it ironic really, because if the dominant corporate culture of the world was more focused on keeping their "little" people employed than making money they may have been able to not only avoid the crisis, and the prevailing unemployment, but also all these cries to reign in corporate greed.
But to get back to my specific point here, I believe every person, on a small (family/office) and large (government) scale, should value their voice and take the time not only to speak their mind but to really think about what they want to say and why. The worst sort of revolution is one where people follow without thinking. To speak metaphorically, a flock of frantic sheep can trample a man but I don't know that this will fuel change that is in the benefit of the people.
I would rather we thought of ourselves as flies or bees. (We are the "little insects" of the world after all - and it should be noted that some of the deadliest creatures in the world are insects.) One buzzing insect is going to annoy a person, but I guarantee that a whole swarm of insects will make them move.
And this leads me to one other observation with the "Occupy" movement. I'm not sure that the swarm is focused enough on one "person", and lots of buzzing in the community will get attention but may not cause an important individual to "move". So I believe a more focused approach is required.
All the supporters for this "Occupy" movement (and I include myself in this) need to find more specific common ground and target their buzz on something and someone very specific. That target was wall street but I believe the movement, although growing in support, isn't yet growing in power as it could because the message is unclear. This can't be treated complacently either in my opinion. This continuous annoying buzz needs to be focused enough to inspire someone of power to make a move or the annoyance will get much and moves will start to be taken to wipe the movement out, as wrong as that is.
Maybe as the movement continues the buzzing will find a very specific target that can be encouraged to "move" and instigate real and lasting revolution in our society.
Going back to my point though, don't think that you have no power to create change. Not only is there more power the bigger the "sum of the some" but also the "some" need people to stand up and lead; people who value their voice and their community and, to speak globally, the rights of their whole planet and it's inhabitants. The fact is that the power of some always comes down to the power of one - the leadership of one (or some) individual(s) that inspires everyone to embrace there that each one of us have.
Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile. ~ Vince Lombardi
Being a leader, valuing our voice, is not easy. If only we could ask people like Martin Luther King how hard it was - although certainly the price he paid in the end was as "hard" as they come. Anything good is worth fighting for, and it's unfortunate but too often in this world we really must fight for it.
No matter what challenges have to be overcome I hope we all look to the leader, the voice, inside us at this crucial time in the world's history.
It is the best of times. It is the worst of times...
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
New York Is Here To Walk You Through
I was in New York from this time last week through til Saturday night playing gigs with some friend's from Sydney who's band are called "The Trip".
Although I've been to New York 4 times before I've never actually stayed there for more than 2 nights so this was my longest stay on record, plus the first time I've actually gigged there, which made it an extra-memorable trip.
I was staying in the lower east side, right next door to the Hell's Angels' New York headquarters actually. I saw New Yorkers "Occupy Wall Street", occupy cabs constantly, occupy basements or little flats, or occupy no place in particular at all.
I was staying in the lower east side, right next door to the Hell's Angels' New York headquarters actually. I saw New Yorkers "Occupy Wall Street", occupy cabs constantly, occupy basements or little flats, or occupy no place in particular at all.
Needless to say it was nice to be there feeling like I was following a real occupation that "dreams are made of", as is the spirit of New York it seems. In that way you'd say it was like LA, but that (along with the celebrities and paparazzi) would be the only way they are substantially similar. It felt very much like London to me, particularly as it was drizzling lightly and continuously when I arrived.
The highlight though came courtesy of the band's friend (and now mine), Cori. She has an old 2-player tabletop arcade machine with Galaga, 1942, Pacman, Arkinoid, Millipede. Along with a signed, framed poster of "The Hoff" (David Hasselhoff. To clarify, it had a very personal note on it - she's actually friends with him). But then that's hard to beat. ;)
I met a lot of great people and learned a lot of great stuff about how the music industry is changing, to my advantage, which is the opposite of what many musicians think these days. I feel I'm lucky to be living in a time when I can have control over my music career's direction and my music itself. I don't have to rely on a record company to "give me my break" anymore. (Phew!)
Now for a poem about New York. I was going to record myself reciting it, as I often do, but this time I wanted to leave it to the individual to experience and interpret the way the rhyme lopes and flows, much as I've taken a different feeling away from New York every time I've been there.
It's wonderful town...
From stars goodbyes til far past dark
Stark yellow parked cars bark and bite
All fighting to move, and in short bursts they do
But then there are some you see thumping and crashing
Unlike attractive fashion fans, but not so unlike the clash of
Cameras dancing for the chance to cash in on Kardashians
Endlessly flashing, splashing white with gasping passion
It’s a sight – there’s no question
Like the signs that line and strobely-light Time Square
Be it day or night, like the leaves of the concrete jungle
Don’t ever let those wet dreams stumble
Keep out of trouble, don’t walk down there
Those with looks don’t stare, no matter what strange style of hair
Or boot or hat, or thin or fat, more than a brush but don’t look back
They may be high on life, or wine, or ice,
Or lines, crack pipes or Scooby Snacks
Or lines, crack pipes or Scooby Snacks
It’s all right – best not question
Soon I have to leave but many here won’t be feeling warmer breeze
For years, maybe more because they’re sure, or maybe just stuck is all
but either way they’re here, and the mere desire to join this fray
Must be enough to stay and soon adjust or you’ll return to dust
like death, a mess with nothing left – like this guy I guess
Fighting what he says was the hand dealt down
And down - And down
Reciting vows and saying how it wasn't always as it is now
He's gonna get back off the ground, with your help, absolutely any
He's only asking for a penny, but would take a pound - why would he turn it down?
For years, maybe more because they’re sure, or maybe just stuck is all
but either way they’re here, and the mere desire to join this fray
Must be enough to stay and soon adjust or you’ll return to dust
like death, a mess with nothing left – like this guy I guess
Fighting what he says was the hand dealt down
And down - And down
Reciting vows and saying how it wasn't always as it is now
He's gonna get back off the ground, with your help, absolutely any
He's only asking for a penny, but would take a pound - why would he turn it down?
A chance looks more deranged than spangled as you change the angle
That the glance you stole could show you in the moment squeezed
After these tricky streets made you feel brand new
Thanks to the beats from the buds that hug your ears
After these tricky streets made you feel brand new
Thanks to the beats from the buds that hug your ears
And move your feet – it’s true – there’s nothing you can’t do
Come join the jungle turned into a giant zoo
Monday, October 24, 2011
Be a momentary fool, not a permanent one...
Growth and individuality.
These two ideas go right to the heart of my motivation to blog.
He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever.
~ Chinese Proverb
The willingness to ask questions stems directly from a willingness to admit you have something to learn. Without this growth is impossible. If you’re not willing to look stupid for a moment, to be humbled, you cannot gain the knowledge and wisdom that garnishes true respect, not to mention the respect that's issued to someone who shows a willingness to be humble and admit they don’t have all the answers.
It’s my belief that respect forms the backbone of every single relationship in our lives. From work friends to close friends to girl/boyfriends to dolphin friends. If respect is compromised you will always find the relationship dissolving.
The simple act of asking someone a question shows respect by demonstrating that they know something you don’t. This respect is then returned - well, if the person shows they have at least listened to the answer the person has given - this being an integral part of respect also.
There is another crucial point here though. Asking questions and giving active, intelligent thought to the answers and the merit you believe they hold is what helps us form our individual identities. Furthermore, our willingness to express our individual thoughts and challenge those around us, and in turn be challenged, maintaining respect for each persons individuality at all times, is what feeds all growth and change. From each individual relationship this approach of respectful questioning, openness and honesty is what fuels real social revolution.
If we are not willing to ask questions and then question the answers we get (although in a respectful manner) we are merely sheep; cookie-cutter clones and mindless followers. Growth is lost. Individuality is lost.
One of my favourite people to quote is Ralph Waldo Emerson. This is taking a very small part of a larger, more in depth statement, but he says in Self-Reliance - Imitation is suicide. Be accepting of self but determined to grow and discover further the individuality that defines you. This will in turn make you the most beneficial to those around you and society as a whole.
I'll leave you with one statement that rounds this subject out, in the words of a recently-passed revolutionary of our modern culture.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
~ Steve Jobs
These two ideas go right to the heart of my motivation to blog.
He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever.
~ Chinese Proverb
The willingness to ask questions stems directly from a willingness to admit you have something to learn. Without this growth is impossible. If you’re not willing to look stupid for a moment, to be humbled, you cannot gain the knowledge and wisdom that garnishes true respect, not to mention the respect that's issued to someone who shows a willingness to be humble and admit they don’t have all the answers.
It’s my belief that respect forms the backbone of every single relationship in our lives. From work friends to close friends to girl/boyfriends to dolphin friends. If respect is compromised you will always find the relationship dissolving.
The simple act of asking someone a question shows respect by demonstrating that they know something you don’t. This respect is then returned - well, if the person shows they have at least listened to the answer the person has given - this being an integral part of respect also.
There is another crucial point here though. Asking questions and giving active, intelligent thought to the answers and the merit you believe they hold is what helps us form our individual identities. Furthermore, our willingness to express our individual thoughts and challenge those around us, and in turn be challenged, maintaining respect for each persons individuality at all times, is what feeds all growth and change. From each individual relationship this approach of respectful questioning, openness and honesty is what fuels real social revolution.
If we are not willing to ask questions and then question the answers we get (although in a respectful manner) we are merely sheep; cookie-cutter clones and mindless followers. Growth is lost. Individuality is lost.
One of my favourite people to quote is Ralph Waldo Emerson. This is taking a very small part of a larger, more in depth statement, but he says in Self-Reliance - Imitation is suicide. Be accepting of self but determined to grow and discover further the individuality that defines you. This will in turn make you the most beneficial to those around you and society as a whole.
I'll leave you with one statement that rounds this subject out, in the words of a recently-passed revolutionary of our modern culture.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
~ Steve Jobs
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A New Creative Year Begins
So firstly - I'd like to bring attention to my comment on my last post about my Blogaversary. Janice McLeod, a.k.a. "Blog Mama", left a comment and I replied in kind, expressing my thanks for her influence. I'd like you all to have a read and then go to her incredible blog of nomadic brilliance and give her more of the much-deserved love her followers reward her with.
Now onto today. I'm currently in NYC at CMJ Marathon 2011, playing with a very happening pop-rock-funk-reggae band called, The Trip. Check 'em out. During the day there are talks, presentations, performances and panel discussion for emerging artists and I've found them very interesting, informative and inspiring. I've met some great people an if any of them are reading this I thank-you so much for your help and advise these past few days.
This leads me to why I've not posted on my blog since my Blogaversary. I've been thinking about what goal, plan and focus I want to set for my blog over the current year. My previous plan of posting a record of my daily creativity was very effective. So much so that by mid-way through the year I was progressively running out of time to blog due to putting time into working out how I was going to "package" all this new creativity of mine. The first "package" will be my first solo EP, Calienteza, to be released in the coming month or so.
This year though I'm going to be a little more regimented.
I want to explore the key points to being an artist - inspiration, motivation and originality.
And here's what you can expect.
Everyone knows you need a little extra motivation on a Monday. So every Monday I will be doing a bit of writing discussing a quote which has inspired and motivated me. My hope is to pass on and multiply this inspiration and motivation, without multiplying the amount of words too much.
By the middle of the week you'll hopefully feel ready for some of my creative work and I'll post something entirely new and original I've created. This could be anything of the breadth that my blog has covered so far - poems, songs, photos, photo editing, short stories, general comment & discussion, etc...
Everyone knows the end of the week is really busy so I'll likely leave you alone, except if I have something new that I've created that I'm busting to show you. Then on the weekend I'll post something that is original but directly influenced or inspired by something or someone specific.
This is my current idea anyway. I make a point of not over-thinking these blog posts too much so this idea could change as it's only come to mind today.
So please keep your eye out for Facebook and Twitter posts about my latest blog entry or for other developments in my artistis career.
For now, here's something I did on Wednesday. It's a collage I did of photos I've taken (except the one in the middle, taken of me), using only the Photoshop selection tool called "magic wand", colour adjustment using "curves" editing, and the use of layers. I wanted to see what would come of it. I think it's pretty interesting and I may use it on the new webpage that I'm currently designing for my original music.
I look forward to another interesting creative journey over the year ahead.
After posting this blog I remembered one more photo I wanted add. Let's treat it as a "spot the difference" exercise. You tell me what you see has been added. I think it's a very stereo-typically Hawaiian addition.
Now onto today. I'm currently in NYC at CMJ Marathon 2011, playing with a very happening pop-rock-funk-reggae band called, The Trip. Check 'em out. During the day there are talks, presentations, performances and panel discussion for emerging artists and I've found them very interesting, informative and inspiring. I've met some great people an if any of them are reading this I thank-you so much for your help and advise these past few days.
This leads me to why I've not posted on my blog since my Blogaversary. I've been thinking about what goal, plan and focus I want to set for my blog over the current year. My previous plan of posting a record of my daily creativity was very effective. So much so that by mid-way through the year I was progressively running out of time to blog due to putting time into working out how I was going to "package" all this new creativity of mine. The first "package" will be my first solo EP, Calienteza, to be released in the coming month or so.
This year though I'm going to be a little more regimented.
I want to explore the key points to being an artist - inspiration, motivation and originality.
And here's what you can expect.
Everyone knows you need a little extra motivation on a Monday. So every Monday I will be doing a bit of writing discussing a quote which has inspired and motivated me. My hope is to pass on and multiply this inspiration and motivation, without multiplying the amount of words too much.
By the middle of the week you'll hopefully feel ready for some of my creative work and I'll post something entirely new and original I've created. This could be anything of the breadth that my blog has covered so far - poems, songs, photos, photo editing, short stories, general comment & discussion, etc...
Everyone knows the end of the week is really busy so I'll likely leave you alone, except if I have something new that I've created that I'm busting to show you. Then on the weekend I'll post something that is original but directly influenced or inspired by something or someone specific.
This is my current idea anyway. I make a point of not over-thinking these blog posts too much so this idea could change as it's only come to mind today.
So please keep your eye out for Facebook and Twitter posts about my latest blog entry or for other developments in my artistis career.
For now, here's something I did on Wednesday. It's a collage I did of photos I've taken (except the one in the middle, taken of me), using only the Photoshop selection tool called "magic wand", colour adjustment using "curves" editing, and the use of layers. I wanted to see what would come of it. I think it's pretty interesting and I may use it on the new webpage that I'm currently designing for my original music.
I look forward to another interesting creative journey over the year ahead.
After posting this blog I remembered one more photo I wanted add. Let's treat it as a "spot the difference" exercise. You tell me what you see has been added. I think it's a very stereo-typically Hawaiian addition.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I know Steve Jobs has died and people are "Occupying Wall Street" but in other big news - it's my Blogaversary!
Yes - this blog has been going a year. 140 posts to be exact. I won't dwell on the fact that I posted more in the first 3 months than I did in the last 9. What's important is I achieved my goal - being creative. This blog has fueled a huge amount of creativity and seen more of the real me get "out there" than I ever thought I could handle.
I also got engaged to Sam. (I'll soon tick "Marry your soulmate" off my bucket list! Nice one.)
In the past 12 months my commitment to this blog has resulted in me writing 14 songs, 80+ poems, a dozen or so motivational articles and posting 100+ photos (some soon to be sold on Etsy), many of which with my own flavour of photo editing. I'm also only about a month out from releasing my solo EP, Calienteza.
When I look at all of this I'm quite amazed. I didn't write as much as that in the 3 or 4 years previous, if not more.
That said my usual thought process still leads me to think "how much more could you have done then? You could've been even more committed. What could you have achieved then?"
But those sort of thoughts are not what this blog is about. This blog is about today. I've realised that writing, being creative, is a big part of what gives me daily happiness, and to me that is the secret of life. I've not been striving for perfection, I've spent enough of my life doing that and, although an important part of my personality, it's not always the most effective approach. What I've been striving for is to act, to do, to BE an artist.
My blog title still proves to be very apt for me - it's been a struggle all year and continues to be. Every day that I don't mentally commit anew to a creative career is a day that I don't take at least one more small step forward in that direction. Life will naturally drag you away from such a goal. But I'm still at it. Fighting to do my writing, as usual.
I believe the coming year will see me take some more big steps forward. Many of which will relate to the work I've posted on this blog in the past year.
I hope you will continue to follow my journey. But I hope more that it inspires you to commit to living every day a happy, love-filled, productive person. In turn inspiring those you know to also live happier, more "present" lives.
I may never revolutionize the technological world like Steve Jobs, and I may never be someone with the absolute power to make decisions that will change people's lives. But I can change my life. I can revolutionize the way I think. I can live a long and happy life.
But no matter how many days I get on this earth, today will always be the day that matters most.
Thanks for reading my blog!
I also got engaged to Sam. (I'll soon tick "Marry your soulmate" off my bucket list! Nice one.)
In the past 12 months my commitment to this blog has resulted in me writing 14 songs, 80+ poems, a dozen or so motivational articles and posting 100+ photos (some soon to be sold on Etsy), many of which with my own flavour of photo editing. I'm also only about a month out from releasing my solo EP, Calienteza.
When I look at all of this I'm quite amazed. I didn't write as much as that in the 3 or 4 years previous, if not more.
That said my usual thought process still leads me to think "how much more could you have done then? You could've been even more committed. What could you have achieved then?"
But those sort of thoughts are not what this blog is about. This blog is about today. I've realised that writing, being creative, is a big part of what gives me daily happiness, and to me that is the secret of life. I've not been striving for perfection, I've spent enough of my life doing that and, although an important part of my personality, it's not always the most effective approach. What I've been striving for is to act, to do, to BE an artist.
My blog title still proves to be very apt for me - it's been a struggle all year and continues to be. Every day that I don't mentally commit anew to a creative career is a day that I don't take at least one more small step forward in that direction. Life will naturally drag you away from such a goal. But I'm still at it. Fighting to do my writing, as usual.
I believe the coming year will see me take some more big steps forward. Many of which will relate to the work I've posted on this blog in the past year.
I hope you will continue to follow my journey. But I hope more that it inspires you to commit to living every day a happy, love-filled, productive person. In turn inspiring those you know to also live happier, more "present" lives.
I may never revolutionize the technological world like Steve Jobs, and I may never be someone with the absolute power to make decisions that will change people's lives. But I can change my life. I can revolutionize the way I think. I can live a long and happy life.
But no matter how many days I get on this earth, today will always be the day that matters most.
Thanks for reading my blog!