The Artist in You

Whatever you do in life, creativity always adds beauty. Great minds of the past understood that a balanced being had to have knowledge about arts and sciences. Griots, Gurus and Philosophers demonstrated this well. A skillful doctor that truly understands the human body is an artist. A creative chef entices our taste buds with works of art. Before the dumb intellectuals took away arts in the schools or diminished the funding, students were learning how to be creative. Regardless of the professional paths they took in life, creativity remained a part of their psychological make up. When the dumb intellectuals removed the arts and other programs in schools, we began seeing a rise in ADD and ADHD. We give our kids drugs instead of giving them some drumsticks. The very nature of the arts is to teach discipline, focus and expression. Don’t get me wrong. Medicine has its place, but before you medicate, there are time tested practices that works better than medicine or assist in the process.

The artist in you is always present. Being an artist simply means taking your craft to the next level. You have healing artist, fine artist, martial artist and of course scam artist. LOL!!! Find the artist in you and strive for beauty and creativity in what you do everyday.

A mentor and friend once told me to experience the beauty in life then express that musically. You have the intellectual understanding about your job. Can you add the spices that will make what you do better? I challenge you to reacquaint yourself with artistic things. Be a part of art. Hmmm, what do I mean?

Do you know that you inspire artists? It is great to read a poem, listen to a song on the radio or observe a painting in a book, but being there as it takes place is exciting. Have you been to a poetry event where you felt that the poet was talking to you? Have you been to a concert where the music reached deep into your soul and told you to listen this song is for you? When you attend an artistic function, you become part of the art. Your energy is part of the collective consciousness of the event. As you are inspired, you inspire the artist.

Let the artist in you shine. Be creative in love and life. Not everyone will be a great artist but anyone can be. I wish you peace, love and creativity. A beautiful mind is a terrible thing to waste.

It all began with an email; a quick way to advertise gigs. My emails were boring so I had to include something of interest instead of just listing gigs. I found myself expressing personal thoughts then graduating to positive messages because I wanted to say what I needed to hear. I figure, people were experiencing the ups and downs of life like I was. Folks quickly responded and strangers shared intimate details of their life with me. I read their messages and responded appropriately. Each response was filled with variations of our collective reality. I started getting compliments on my thoughtful emails that seem to touch spirits. I became a better musician because my expression was a reflection of the people I was interacting with. I found myself more in tune with the dynamics of rooms I entered.
 
Recently, I received many messages of how people are suffering (health, finances, personal, etc). I try to respond to each message with respect, love and understanding. I am no spiritual leader nor do I get paid by the hour but I care about people. I guess my passion for world religions, various eastern philosophy and African traditions helped out. Mainly, I just listened. The messages were difficult to read. With the New Year approaching and folks realizing that last year's resolutions were not met, they were not in the best of spirits. Even with Obama winning the election, the reality of struggle has removed some of the euphoria. People are without electricity and some are homeless and they have full time jobs. I know some will say it is their fault, but we are all part of a collective consciousness. Even the flow of money takes a community. With people spending less, businesses are suffering. Private parties, that hire musicians and caterers, were cancelled due to the flow of money. Clubs lowered their usual ridiculous New Year's Eve prices due to the flow of money. Etc, Etc. Why are we not pulling together to help each other out?
 
Here is what I hope for in the New Year: With the massive chain reactions that are taking place everyone will have to work together. We will stop thinking as individuals and start thinking as a community. I am my brothers keeper will read I am another human beings keeper. The reality of why there is crime, mental issues and a drugged up society will hit home and we will start making real change.

Despite my own personal struggles, I refuse to give up on human kind. We are at our best when we come together. What small things will you do to help the world be a better place?
 
Here is a story I have seen in many forms: A great warrior searched the world for the book of infinite knowledge. They fought long and hard. Finally, they reached the tallest mountain in the most remote part of the world. This is where the final battle was going to take place. The final opponent seemed to be the greatest challenge. As the warrior moved forward to fight, the opponent motioned for the warrior to stop. The intimidating opponent pointed down a path and told the warrior the book of all knowledge is that way. The warrior realized that there was not going to be a battle. The warrior looked beyond the opponent and saw a beautiful gazebo. As the warrior walked towards the gazebo they noticed each side of the path displayed calm waters filled with beautiful flowers and exotic birds flying over head. Beyond the gazebo, there was cliff and the most spectacular horizon that one can expect being on top of a mountain. In the gazebo the book was suspended in mid air. The warrior entered the gazebo and felt a warm feeling surround their body as they open the book. Finally, the answers will be revealed. The warrior looked into the book of all knowledge. It was a mirror, a mirror reflecting the warrior…
 
A great chief asked the student, would you like to know what the secret ingredient to my special sauce is? The student replied, yes! The great chief said, the secret ingredient is nothing! There is no secret ingredient.
 
I wish you a Happy New Year!

With love,

Reginald Cyntje

Healing

Ah, what is healing? Is it a massage at a spa once a week to soothe those aching muscles? Maybe it is those magic pills (vices) that make you feel good about life for the moment? Is it having that special someone that makes you feel great? Or maybe, it is having wealth to do whatever you want? Whatever you do to escape, or whatever your idea of happiness is I am sure it is temporary with the exception of a few people that truly took the time to heal their mind and/or heart on past things. As humans, we all seek happiness, but our idea of what it is sometimes prevents us from receiving.

Our issues stem from wounds that never healed. We carry them around and mask them as our personality quirks. Granted some things require a lot to work out, but it is possible to achieve calm after a terrible storm you never thought you would recover from. Do you watch shows on TV to make you feel better about your own existence? Do you use things or people for the moment? Well, however you coupe with life and it's humor I wish you peace.

Here is a thought. You are powerful. You have the power to live and be happy. How? Well it doesn't require any thing(s). You just need the courage and time to say I will not let my past haunt me any more. We all have bad or traumatic experiences. The trick is to let your past (good and bad) make you stronger and not harder, closed off, frightened, non-trusting, cynical and anything else that will take you away from true joy. You can't buy happiness. Let me repeat. You can't buy happiness, but you can try. Your issues will still be your issues. Healing is permanent. Once you truly heal yourself you are free of that problem. Free to be the best you! What else is more important than you?

You are the key. In a session with a professional they help you help yourself. Start with one issue at a time. Don't hide your issues for them to resurface when you are sad. Just take the time to resolve. You are the key. It is not easy working through issues but the reward is priceless. It is better than the most extravagant spa session and more valued than all the riches in the world. Stop making excuses and do what you need to do to be you. For physical things we desire we go above and beyond because of the instant gratification, but our issues which haunts us, we avoid them.

Heal yourself please. You deserve it! If you need help seek it but start now. Your life depends on it. You have invested in other things that will fade with time, but you have to spend the rest of your life with you. Invest, heal and love yourself.

Reginald

P.S. Tell your friends about the blogs. Thank you for reading. I wish you peace, love and good living!

Sensitivity…

Sensitivity is a great strength to possess. Sensitivity builds relationships, saves lives and allows artists to create beautiful works. Sensitivity allows you to be responsive to a baby's needs or understand what your mate might feel/want. Don't be afraid to be sensitive. Here are some things you can do:

1. Listen to a stream and pay attention to how the water runs over each little stone

2. Watch the sunset on a quiet beach and see if you can hear the ocean sizzle as the sun descends then disappears. See how the sky changes into different colors as the sun sets. Savor the moment.

3. Observe how the same perfume or cologne smells on different people

4. Notice the subtleties in an individual as their mood begins to change

5. Pay attention to the slight change of tempo/melody in a song and how that affects you

6. Set out different fabrics. Close your eyes and touch each one slowly. See what thoughts come to mind when you touch cotton, silk, polyester, rayon, etc.

7. Understand what your simple pleasures are and learn the simple pleasures of love ones and friends. Make it your goal to provide simple pleasures daily. Sincerely complimenting someone else does not cost you a dime and might be someone else's simple pleasure.

8. Before you pass judgment on another person or culture try to truly understand why, what or how.

Sensitivity gives you great awareness which can be helpful in all aspects of your life. As a musician it helps me to be in sync with the musicians I'm performing with, the needs of the audience before me and the mood/vibrations of any given moment. Be strong, be true, and be sensitive. Live life, love, and give…

Peace

Why do we waste so much time in life? We wait until someone's sickness, misfortune or death to express true feelings. We let a whole life time pass and then express ourselves in the brief moments that are left. Why don't we treat people the way we want to be treated? Why don't we love the way we want to be loved? Brothers and sisters that were close in childhood become distant in adulthood. Parents and children become strangers. Why are we so bad at maintaining relationships?  I know we all have our separate lives to live but they are not as disconnected as we think. People don't trust each other to the point that they sabotage relationships before they have a chance to blossom. The honesty and openness is held back to prevent themselves from getting hurt or for a variety of other reasons. Here is a concept: be the person you want to see in the person before you. Be true to them and expect nothing less in return. If it does not work out at least you know that you tried and you did not play the games. This works for parents, couples, siblings or friends.

It would be refreshing to see healthy relationships on a regular basis. From good beginnings between two people where honesty and openness are prevalent and there is no deception, to time tested relationships where people are adjusting with time and doing what it takes to keep the relationship loving and fresh.

Don't ever become complacent and take someone for granted. You won't do it with material things, right? Why do it to a human being?  

Any relationship has its challenges, from a parent and child who are adjusting as that child becomes an adult, to fresh love where the way you treat each other in the beginning creates a foundation for the relationship. Sometimes human beings treat their business contacts better than their love ones. Of course in any relationship it takes two, but make sure you are doing your part to make it a success. Communicate, love and respect always. Be true in whatever relationship you are pursuing, maintaining or relearning.
I wish you happy and productive relationships without the energy draining games!

Peace, light, love and health

Reginald

The Concept…

Since I began playing music, I have always been fascinated with the connection between listener and performer. The way a great musician can almost read the mind of the listener and play the right note, phrase, idea or song that gives the listener exactly what they need at that moment. This is what my concept as a performer has been based on. The connection, healing and love in music and life.

Listeners have so many options when it comes to music. However you want to receive the message there is a group that performs that style or combination of styles to meet your taste. I personally love different styles of music. The style of music that I perform frequently is jazz. The thing that I love about jazz is that since its creation it has been the parent to other forms of music, influenced other styles, and opened its doors to influences from different genres.

When I perform, separate from picking the appropriate tune to play for that moment, I can tailor my spontaneous composition to fit the vibe of the room. What is spontaneous composition? Well it is the ability to use all compositional tools in the spur of the moment. It is known to some as improvisation and in hip hop it is called free styling. But do not confuse this with making something up. When someone is knowledgeable about a particular topic, they can speak on it at great lengths. Spontaneous composers are very talented composers that don't have the luxury of an eraser. They have to be in tune with their surroundings to come up with significant variations on a particular song.

The art of free styling allows me to be in the moment and respond accordingly. I've spend years studying music, but the true understanding comes when I can move someone with the melodies that come out my horn. I love vocal music, the poetry along with the melody makes for a perfect combination. You can get the full message without guessing most of the time. With instrumental music you have to paint the picture without the words. You are producing a tone poem that evokes a desired emotion.

This is my concept to heal and love thru music. I asked a mentor how I get to the next level. I was expecting a technical musical response, but they told me to take a walk in the park, go to the movies, spend time with friends and family, then come back after experiencing life and articulate that musically. I've been living life and playing music ever since.

Here is an exercise to increase your connection to music. Pick a song you like or love. Listen to that song. After the song is over, listen to it again but only focus your attention on one instrument. Do this until you have covered all the vocals/instruments in that song. Listen to the song in its entirety again and you will have a whole new experience and appreciation for that song.

Humbly,

Reginald

The Do-it-Yourself Crew

Since I was a kid I've known many people that were part of the do-it-yourself crew. My father is probably the most influential of them all in my life. My father is an electrician. He showed me how to take apart and put together radios, television sets, and VCRs. I began my own explorations shortly after.

Though my father was a trained electrician, I would see him fixing other things. He would change the oil, brakes, and other parts on the family cars. He would always say that mechanics charge too much to fix simple things. He replaced the doors, windows, and tiles on the family home. Then he began assisting with different radio stations on the island until he became a radio personality himself.

Later on, when our home was badly damaged by a hurricane, I saw him on the roof assisting with building a new roof for the house. My father was my first example of someone doing it themselves. Even when he did not know how to do something he would read about it and learn. Sometimes when he hired a professional he would watch them, assist them then start doing it himself.

At first I thought my father was being cheap. LOL…Granted we were not rich, but why did he spend all that time learning how to do these things. He would tell me that even when you pay someone to do something they might not take the time and care that you would.

At first, I wanted to be someone that paid people to fulfill services (oil changes, car repair, computer repair, web design, promotion, career management, etc). As I began paying people for their time I started seeing my father's point more and more. Granted there are people out there that take great pride in what they do, but there seems to be even more that are interested in turning a buck.

I began dabbling in the art of doing-it-yourself when I was a kid. My parents gave me a BMX bike for Christmas. It was great but I quickly started to grow out the BMX stage. So instead of asking for a new bike, I began building a cruising bike by changing some of the parts of the BMX bike. Before you knew it, I changed a white BMX bike into a black frame, white wall tire, chrome fender cruising bike. :)

As an adult, I began looking for managers/agents that would assist me in booking gigs for my group. I met some people that expressed their interest, but the actual work was less than I expected. I decided to go full fledge into the do-it-yourself mode.

Before I began designing my own website I met with web designers and asked how much they would charge to do a basic website. The price vs. the work was crazy. When I saw these web designer's samples I was amazed how much they were charging for the little they were going to do. The first step was designing a website which was a long learning process. My first attempt was horrible but I kept reading and trying different things until I got it right for what I needed. It was a labor of love. This was the same for booking gigs, building a mailing list, acting as my own publicist, creating buzz, etc, etc.

Why did I do all these things myself? Well, at times when I sought the help of someone that I was paying for their service the financial investment seemed greater than the assistance received. At times in my career I've had to be the promoter, web designer, recorder, photographer, arranger, manager, booking agent, bandleader, financier, etc, etc. I don't want to be all these things, but I now have a greater understanding of what it takes to fulfill these tasks. I believe that you need a strong team to achieve success.

There are too many people ripping other people off. If someone doesn't present quality for a fare price, I will Do-It-Myself. LOL

Hope.

I sit here reflecting on the concept of hope. Having faith that what is not here yet will be with proper preparation. Years ago I sat eating rice for all my meals hoping that things will get better. I would find different ways to season the rice so it would feel like a different meal each time. I was doing gigs that paid enough for the bus or train ride back home (sometime we would make enough to catch a cab). I hoped for a change.

I remember walking long distances because my ride was too tired to drop me home so they would drop me at a central location and it would take me hours to walk from that spot to the apartment. (I guess walking the hills of St. Thomas prepared me for my many late night hikes after gigs). The gigs ended too late to catch public transportation and cabs refused to pick me up even when I was wearing a tuxedo. When I got transportation, I thought to my self that I will not let anyone have to deal with that. I would go out of my way to drive musicians home. When I was without a vehicle, I began walking again. LOL! On those long walks, I hoped for a change.

I remember going to jam sessions where the musicians were not inviting. I was serious about growing and learning, but I was not accepted into the circle of gifted cats. LOL! I was beginning my journey into the art of Jazz and looking to learn from the best. The lessons were some times harsh (beneficial) and I second guess myself. I wondered how am I going to make a living playing music if I can't cut it with the cats I respected. As I practiced I hoped for a change.

I remember being in a relationship where I thought my future was going to be with that individual only to find out that I was terribly wrong. I was hurt and embarrassed. I got up, dust myself off and hoped for a change.

I can go on with examples of disappointments or questions in life. My hope and hard work is what kept me from giving up. Family and friends sometimes lost hope for me. LOL!

You can't give up! You have to believe that you can accomplish your goals. Everyone has there own path to take. Whether it is matters of the heart or career you have to believe. Reassess the situation and keep going.

If you have pinpointed your ultimate goal as a dot on a piece of paper you will notice there are infinite ways to reach that dot. Some people take the straight and narrow, some people take the scenic, and some make a few wrong turns along the way, but have faith (and stop to ask for directions if you are lost) and you will accomplish all your goals. 

Peace, love and light…

Reginald

When I think of beauty, I think of a woman. Well let me give you a little background. I'm the only boy and eldest out of four kids. I grew up in a household of primarily women. My father and I were the minority amongst my mother and my three sisters. My mother was a very liberal woman. She walked around the house naked. This created a comfort within me of the female body from a young age. Being a big brother of three younger sisters, my job was to look out for them as well as keep them entertained (this meant learning dozens of hand games). From changing diapers to platting my sisters hair to listening to their concerns was part of my daily routine. As they grew, I was being educated on the making of women. Each one around the age 11, 12, or 13 started experiencing their monthly. They all handled it differently. I directly or indirectly observed when the boyfriend stage began. From innocence to complexity their approach into matters of the heart and life in general varied. I was sometimes asked for the male perspective or older sibling advice. They grew and I learned.

My mother told me stories of her childhood and my sisters shared info about the experiences they were having. It all amazed me. My mother believed in the philosophy that a man should know how to cook, clean, and wash his ass. He should be independent, this way when he has a woman in his life it is because he wants her there not because he needs her to cook his food or clean house.

My three sisters and my mom are responsible for my great love and respect for women. As I grew from a little boy into a man, I observed women closely (no…not in magazines). I was amazed by their strengths, passion, and beauty. Women seemed to me to be the foundation of civilization. Women nurture life inside them before giving birth. Upon birth they can continue to nurture that child through breast milk, cuddling, etc. Women are also leaders, teachers, healers, and more.

The female body is a work of art, but the female mind is astonishing. Women possess the smile that can calm a new born and save a nation. Our mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, girlfriends, and wives are in my opinion God's greatest creation. I love and respect women and I always will.