This is for all of the believers and non-believers. As a Christian, flawed, convicted and living in "Grace", I understand that we all are mere vessels. Some may think that they are the next or current "greatest thing since sliced bread" (yeah, I'm using this over used phrase) and that we under our own strength and power made us the successes we are today. Are you kidding?!!

To get to the place you are today, it has been a journey of collecting. You started out as an infant, a simple, but awesomely equipped vessel. You only understood your primal and basic needs. You gradually aquired knowledge, gifts, abilities, talents etc., that gradually filled your vessel in a way that molded you and developed you.

Many things have been deposited in your vessel by choice and some by merely existing. What we allow to come in or reject, comes with discernment, wisdom and common sense. The deepest gift, is what was given to you at birth...your potential through God's plan.

He can choose the most unassuming, the physically weakest, the least noticed, the least attractive, the least intelligent to do great things...phenomenal things!

We as humans, choose the obvious winners to be on "our team". The visibly strongest, brightest and beautiful to stand out in front and represent society. It's a "human thing". But when the least likely to succeed, the the rejected, the last ones to be picked for any team, rise to the top, God is glorified! God is Glorified because we realize that there had to be a supernatural reason, a higher plan "this so-called loser" would rise above the rest.

The reason is, some people allowed themselves to be an open vessel, to be used in a divine fashion. Their humility allowed them to put enough of their ego (self) on the shelf and let the "Ultimate Designer", the ultimate planner, the ultimate "mover and shaker" to use them as shining examples, rather than the obvious "winners".

How much of your vessel is open, how much of yourself (ego) are you willing to put out of the way, to be used in His divine plan for you? What part of you understands that no matter how much you may have failed in the past, how you may have always been the last chosen for a team, no matter how many mistakes you've made in the past (yesterday, this morning, even one hour ago), there is still a huge contribution you can make, if willing to get out of the way of "yourself".

...are you open?

Think back, you've just met "The One"! Your soulmate, your fantasy lover, life partner, future spouse, whatever.  For those who have had that floating sensation, the blissful sense of weightlessness, the childlike giddiness that a relationship like this brings...well you get the picture. You feel as though there is nothing too personal that you can't share with this person. Your desire for "true intimacy" frees you to talk about anything that comes to mind, any embarrassing or vulnerable aspect of your life. You want total truth, honesty and transparency. Do you really?

If that person were able to actually plug a electrode into your head while you lay sleeping and without your knowledge, view your complete life, your best experiences and traits, your deepest, darkest thoughts, fantasies, fears etc., on a video screen, would that be ok?

I think most, if not all would say no! If you have kept a private journal or a diary for much of your life, how many people would you let read it? The point is, being truthful, being honest is the right thing to do, the moral thing, the liberating way to be. Yet, there are some doors in our heads that lead to places that are difficult to digest, even to ourselves. We have thoughts that we'd never carry out, we entertain scenarios when given a second thought, would never be allowed to come to fruition.

We have to reserve those areas for ourselves, private thoughts, the natural frailties of human emotion. You say of course! Maybe and maybe not. How would you feel if someone went into your purse, pockets, email, cell phone records, trash, old love letters, myspace account (wink) or diaries...you get the picture. Even though you may be one who doesn't mind having your life as an open book, BE CAREFUL!  Truth, intimacy and perception are in the "eye of the beholder". When you wrote in that journal one frustated evening, I wish I could run away from these kids, this man or woman, I hate my job, "I wished I'd married "THE OTHER ONE" and so on, would you really want those who'd be hurt by that fleeting thought to hear that,  read that, or your boss to know that?

Of course not! So remember the next time you probe into some else's private space. You might see or find something you really wish you hadn't! You might completely misunderstand, misinterpret or just tread into a moment of weakness in someone's head...a place you where not invited. A passing thought, a millisecond of human emotion,  which as quickly felt, is as quickly aborted never to be felt again. Yet, this knowledge may have a lasting effect on the uninvited peeper.

How much intimacy is too much? How much honesty is healthy? How much privacy should remain private?

Is "Big brother" or sista watching you?

There are a new breed of physicians that have aquired great wealth and celebrity-like status. These specialists are getting enormous publicity for performing the miracles or catastrophies of cosmetic surgery.

Thank God for those dedicated doctors, routinely restoring and correcting damaged faces and bodies due to birth abnormalities or disfiguring accidents.

But this is not about the doctors or the patients who truly need their expertise. This is about the social illusion of perceived perfection. What would you change about yourself if you had the power, money or ability? Would this change be physical or internal?

In a world that worships physical beauty, many feel the need to reinvent, enhance or change their appearance. While relaxing and observing people at the park the other day, I reflected on the endless variety of sizes, shapes, colors and features. They were all perfect! Meaning, including the obvious imperfections and perceived imperfections, we all make up a perfect balance of the world as we know it. We are what we are, we have what we have. Accepting what and who we are is a journey to find perfection in "Creation." Understanding that the imperfections of our internal and external being, lies the perfection our existance. Nothing enters this world that does not require growth, development and evolving.

...understanding that merely being human, flawed ,imperfect illustrates God's intention, that we can never be perfect!

It is said that, we only use a small percentage of our brain power. Is it because we are unaware of our potential? Is it because most of us live and perform only within our comfort zones? Is it because society as a whole, demands conformity, creates neat little "boxes" in which everyone should be defined? Categories and stereotypes imposed on others to make the world at large easily digested? As a result, we limit ourselves, our potential, discourage a climate that is conducive to individualism and deeper thinkers. That is why creatively gifted people have and always be viewed as "different", unusual or even odd. They dare to walk to a different beat, view life through different lenses, exercize and develop their senses.

We are all potentially able to bring a unique contribution to our existence. We all have a huge reservoir of untapped power, and ability, waiting to be set free once we step outside of our comfort zones and "boxes". Search inwardly and unlock the doors to your potential. Imagine what this world would be if more of us reached beyond our levels of mediocrity, low expectations and stop hiding in the shadows of your unique gifts.

Maybe the things that continue to confound us, would become instantly clear!

...just navigating my way the shadows of my own mind...looking for doors to open.

First let me say, I'm no self appointed moral voice that can judge anyone regarding their artistic contribution to humanity. We are all growing and evolving as we live. That said, let us deal with some truths. Regardless of what your gift or gifts are...singer, songwriter, musician, poet, producer or all of the above, what we put out here carries a certain amount of energy, influence or power. The fact is, music is the most powerful creative experience on earth! Music transends culture, religion, nationalities and indoctrination in it's effect on humankind.

Whichever side you come down on this concept be it spiritually or scientifically, we can't escape the fact that music is the driving force in worldly culture. What would a party, a movie, a TV show, spiritual worship, a radio or television advertisement be without the background sound of music? Every aspect of our lives is penetrated in some way by any given genre of music.

You say so what? If you are a spiritual believer then you might understand that music touches our inner minds and ushers in subliminal feeling and thoughts that can motivate all sorts of possible responses such as joy, sorrow, reflection, love, lust, anger, aggression and so on. If you are of the scientific sensibility, you may understand that every action causes an equal and opposite reaction. Music is a sonic and mathematical action. Every note sung or played can be broken down into mathematic form. Energy from a storm, the power of an earthquake the force of a moving object to name a few, illustrate power that humans can feel and measure...but can you truly measure the effect your voice or musical influences on those who hear your "gift"? Of course not. That is why the words we choose, the mindset behind the energy expressed in the music should be a true conscious responsibility.

No one should ever have the right to say what should be played, sung or heard. It is that freedom we have that should give us social responsibility in this awsome art form. Should we express pain and anger or should we motivate pain and anger? Should we feed negative thoughts through music to impressionable young minds or do we educate young minds through music? Are we buffers to the madness of an out of control world or do we contribute to the madness of the masses that lack understanding?

You have a gift...you polish and practice and hopefully mature in the ability to deliver you musical gift. Hopefully as we gain wisdom and knowledge we become better givers of those gifts.

Music drives world culture as well as cultural experiences and life drives our musical expression. That's why you are called artists!

Thank you for indulging me...

One Love,

Joe

This" myspace thing" has been a incredible way for artist and music lovers to connect and explore the possibilities. Ok, now the other side to this is human nature. In the desire to increase the numbers of friends on one's list, the real purpose of this huge network can get lost. A bunch of faces on your list does to translate into success. Anyone can "successfully" request and add  huge numbers of  "friends" to your list but, are we really broadening the communication that is needed to engage others to want to hear or care about what you have to say as an artist? Our human nature reaches out for acceptance. We want others  to hear us, see us, comment and tell others about us. The question is, are we being the virtual or real "friends" to others that generates interest, enthusiasm, energy,  the desire to help increase our fan base or network potential! It's truly an unselfish act to take time to check other artist out and encourage them to press forward in their careers...the thing that most of us feel we were born to do. The opportunities many of us would "die for"! Seeing your dream become your reality!  I'm just saying it's a two way street. Reach out and encourage someone and someone will reach out to you. On and on the cycle grows and eventually that energy make come back to take you were you want to be!

It's about the art, the music the people!

Peace,

Joe