Finding Your Melody

My son is leaving. He is on his way out of Utah and taking up residence in Boston while attending Berklee College of Music. To say I am both a mixture of happy and sad is an understatement. One of the things we have in common is our love of music. We both hear it passionately and at least one of us will most likely make a life of music. About 5 years ago, Stuart and I attended a Pat Metheny concert at Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City. Pat and his ensemble were debuting his new work "The Way Up" which is a 68 minutes piece in 4 movements. It is jazz, but classical, fusion, but latin, driving, but effortless (here is an excerpt of the introduction of the piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecz3ykm_TRU

I did not know it at the time I attended the concert but Stuart and I were watching his future. Pat Metheny was the youngest professor to teach at Berklee and has a doctorate from there. The drummer, Antonio Sanchez, is a graduate of Berklee. Lyle Mays, Pat's longtime piano player/composer extraordinaire went to Boston to play with Metheny in the 70's and has been an artist in residence at Berklee ever since. The bassist Steve Rudby has also been an artist in residence at Berklee.

The essence of "The Way Up" is really quite a simple. It is the essence of life. After about 4-5 minutes of of driving rhythm played in multiple time signatures 3,4, 5,6,7, etc., Metheny introduces and plays what will be the main theme basically solo in a two against three feel. He finds the melody of the piece that will be played in various ways throughout the remainder of the next three movements. There is frenetic playing, moments of loudness and softness, chaos, pulsing beats in various syncopated times, variations of themes, counter-variations, thesis, antithesis, synthesis, confusion, sadness, melancholy, tranquility, explosions of emotion, technical mastery of complex equations without emotion (5 against 4 for example), noise and quiet, tension from playing over the bar and floating without gravity.

The true essence of musicianship is the essence of a mountain climb, a journey, a practice, a life's work. It is yes. It is no/know. It is spirit and it transcends you and the physical. At the level of a Metheny or a Sanchez, or a Mays or a Rudby, you are a Master. I suspect they would be the first to tell you, besides the endless amount of practice/climbing they have done, that they really cannot explain where the music resides because that place is sacred and they will not speak of it. At this level, space and time become meaningless. You may see them play it in the physical sense and you can certainly hear it, but as the Master you are inside it, you are it. You become a conduit. God or the Universe takes over. When you ask a Master what the essence of it is they can only point to it and say it is up there. They can only direct you toward the top of the mountain. The way up.

After a total literal climax in the third movement which leaves you tired and unable to think, the fourth and final movement built from previous themes eventually surrenders to a clear and uncluttered flowing stream of that simple melody that was found in the beginning--that melodic journey that had a theme and that found wings and began to soar--at times in double time or warp speed and at other times falling like honey, dripping slow. But somehow all the contrasts are the same. Two notes, three notes, endless notes, played endlessly. They become one. In the end, the melody is just played simply. From it's first introduction it has been through up and downs, has been torn apart and put back together again and again. It gets stuck, gets confused, gets lonely (only few journey to the top and this takes getting used to) and then it simply flows as it finds its way up. Find your melody Stuart and become.

Thanksgiving Wish

Be careful what you wish for. I read a great deal. I do not say this to boast but to make a point. I read primarily American history from the 1600's to the late 1700's. I read about our country's founding and the personalities of the people that played a part in that founding. What I realize from my readings is what little I really know. In fact, the more I read the more I realize I know nothing compared to a Franklin, Adams (both John and Abigail), Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, Warren, Bradford or a Massasoit. I marvel at the brilliance that these founders possessed. They did not all hold the same notions as to what direction our country should progress but they had one thing in common--a belief that a knowledge of history was essential when proceeding to a hopeful future. They struggled with the concepts of egalitarianism, elitism, and pluralism. They studied philosophy, nature, science, the rights of man, god or the universe, and communicated their ideas thoughtfully, provocatively and with intelligence. They were smart. I suspect on average, smarter than most alive today. I would wish nothing less for our future. What do you wish for?

I am aghast at what I currently see today as politicians, producers of information, and many of those with contrived followings claim as their knowledge in such things and concepts as the constitution, democracy, republicanism, and economics, perhaps after being at a weekend seminar put on by a group with an agenda, after reading a paper drafted by a think tank, or even worse just speaking without having thought. I even feel less secure when a great number in our country seem to put trust in someone that clearly doesn't read literature, have a sense of history and would do reality TV.

We have been blessed and perhaps lucky up until now for the most part. Although there has been many times we have been at the brink of disaster, smart thoughtful people were there to lead and a smart educated public followed. We owe much of this to the people that came before us. It will not always be so however if we do not continue to carry on the work they began and realize that a great republic with a democratic foundation is not worth anything without an informed public lest we become an illiterate mob.

Read a book. Read literature. Read history. Read the Constitution. Study philosophy. Pray. Dance. Chant. Meditate. Do something significant that changes and informs people, especially if it is your family or neighbor. Take time to stop, listen and think--hopefully before you speak. Do you really want an episode of Reality TV or do you wish for something better? If not for you, your children. You can only play a part for so long. The character will inevitably change or be written off the show. Turn the cameras around and show the utter unreality of what is taking place. The last time I spent time with my family I did it without having a director, 3 producers, 10 cameras and trailer that catered food. The truth will ultimately prevail if thoughtful people calmly step forward and conduct themselves from within and not from without.

My Opinion on Climate Change

I am sorry if this sounds a bit like a diatribe. This is only my opinion of what I witnessed. I've been in hibernation since Denmark and the Climate Change Conference. My first sensation upon arrival at the conference was that of dizziness due to the shear drama and the volume of the event. The Belle Center, the facility where the conference was held, was a mammoth structure that easily held 15,000 people from every corner of the world. The large halls within held the leaders of our planet. It was as large a scale of planetary "leadership" as I have ever witnessed. I put leadership in quotes because I really am struggling as to what that is and what is needed for our planet. What I saw was more about process than substance--sometimes a rigged, overly formal petty process at that. I initially thought this may be due to the shear size and possibly the lack of clarity of the climate change subject matter. Arguments between countries would deteriorate into such things as what should be the logo of the next conference or whose delegates were stopped at security and weren't allowed inside Belle due to improper credentialing. This would go on for several minutes of valuable time. This is not to say that there were no caring leaders present. Some, in fact, are the most humble, careful and thoughtful leaders with whom I've ever had the privilege of meeting and listening to. There just seemed to me to be a general lack of leadership and vision as a whole. The fire did not seem to be lit in most of the delegations. There were clear exceptions--the Small island nations, etc., but overall the conference felt like a cork bobbing in an angry sea.

The apartment that I stayed in during the conference was in Christianhavn, a small island oasis away from the masses. My apartment building was over 300 years old and honestly felt ghostly-but in a good warm way. It was simple, quiet and only lit by candles at night. I could see the reflection of my small apartment in the canal below. It was a place to reflect. On my way home, the second Saturday of my work at the Belle Center, I walked home though a march of 100,000 protesters that demanded a climate treaty. It was loud and frightening in some ways outside but my refuge gave me respite. I knew then that the hoped for treaty wouldn't happen, and not due to the protesters lack of trying, but due to lack of clarity of vision inside the Belle Center.

My MBB group held a conference mid-week at the Glyptotek Museum where we invited world delegates to learn about mediation--a practical approach to facilitate positive change--a few actually appeared. This art museum is one of the best I have ever seen. It is built around the personal collection of the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries, Carl Jacobsen. During this outside conference, I had the opportunity one night to slip out from the group and walk quietly around seeing amazing ancient sculptures from Egypt, Rome, Greece, not to mention more modern works by Rodin and Degas. The collection of paintings within its walls, most of which were French impressionists, included Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Degas and Cézanne. I stood motionless as I looked at Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Bonnard. It showcased what the potential of humanity could be and sometimes is. The art was alive and speaking.

For some reason I have been thinking about the American Revolution and in particular Thomas Paine and Paul Revere. As you recall, Paine wrote an anonymous pamphlet in the early part of 1776 that spread among the colonies such that within 3 months over a 100,000 copies were sold. What Paine was saying was far from original. Scots and other philosophers had been saying such similar ideas for centuries. What he did though was to speak in plain language with a vision of the future that was descriptive enough for the masses to understand and be energized about.

Here are some of his words:

“ These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated”

I have also read extensively about Paul Revere. Although the story we hear of in grade school is not too historically accurate (the real story is much better), I am always amazed at the fact that one man can have such an impact at spreading the word. It is equally apparent that luck or invisible forces come into play as well. When Revere left his home on the North-end of Boston that windy and damp Spring night, a large British warship, the Somerset was anchored in the Charles River between his hidden row boat and the riverbank by Cambridge to where he would row to his awaiting horse. To make matters worse, it was a full moon and the whole river was visible to the men watching as outlooks from the Somerset. They knew their comrades would soon march and they were told to stop all river traffic at any cost. Thank God Boston has hills. As the moon rose Beacon Hill caused a perfect moon shadow on the watery path that Revere rowed through as he heard the moorings creak and the men talking from the Somerset.

The Chairperson of Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change or the IPCC, Dr. Rayendra Pachauri, delivered the opening speech at COP15 in Copenhagen on December 7 2009. Here are the highlights:1)Warming of the climate is unequivocal 2)Since the mid 20th century most of the new warming is anthropogenic or man-made 3) Possible disappearance of sea ice by the latter part of the 20th century 4)Increase frequency of hot extremes 5)Increase in cyclones 6)Decrease in water resources in certain ares including the Great Basin where I live 7)Possible elimination of the Greenland Ice sheet which will cause sea level rise of 7 meters 8) Increased risk for 20-30% species extinctions if we warm 1.5 to 2.5 degrees C. 9) Greater flood risk due (although overall less precipitation)but more violent and unpredictable storms. As I said, these are only highlights--it's in some ways much worse. Many in the small islands of the world, including Tuvalu, are already feeling the effects of a rising sea.

Much lately has been said about the accuracy and efficacy of some of the science of the IPCC. It has over 2500 scientists looking at climate change. Sometimes they get it wrong. Recently, they indicated they made a 300 year calculation error regarding glacier melt in the Himalayas. Most of the critics rushed to the conclusion that this error and a few others point the the fact that it is all a bunch of quack science behind climate change. Two thoughts: When that part of the world adds another 1 billion people in the next few decades and the ice is only half melted should that make us feel any better? Should we not care about our great, great grandchildren because they are not here yet?

Heraclitus, the famous Greek Philosopher said something to the effect, "You can not step twice into the same river, for it is not quite the same river nor is it quite the same man." The IPCC will not get their predictions 100% right. Maybe not even 50%. But is that really the point? What if the sea rises only 3 feet? What if the air is only moderately polluted? What if only 10 percent of the species become extinct? On the other hand, what if they underestimated the climate change fall-out and the planet becomes uninhabitable in a few centuries? The point here is one of change but also chance. If it isn't now right in front of us why would you worry and why should you change? There are lots of opinions but somehow truth will still find its way. When will you see it, if ever? We are in a society that confuses opinion with truth and how to deal with the differences.

I have opined previously that effective revolutions take time--a slow burn if you will. The real ones never end, they continue towards a calculus of the vision they sought to create. Slow is the genius. It gives time for people to awaken and be touched by the truth of reality. It gives time to lighten the darkness of the expanding boundaries. It has to be malleable to avoid breakage. Different people will interpret ideas differently. But what the hope is is that the overall community of mankind has a place in mind where we all can reside.

People are born with the potential to make a difference if they have a desire to involve themselves in the flow of the climate revolution. We need to progress in process and substance. Ultimately, the truth of what is occurring exists. Are we willing, as an "only present now population" to take a chance that the future is someone elses problem? Are your thoughts opinions or more truth? Do you know the difference? Are you sure? Are you willing to risk the planet on your opinion or truth? Or would it be better to yearn for a vision of the future that makes our journey together more fluid? Where is our Revere that rides into the night to call out? Where is our Paine who makes it simple to understand and lights the vision?

Step Forward.