Other things happenin’ right now? I’m writing fantastic songs! Note my enthusiasm? I didn’t write much during The Big Pan. I had lots of creative expression but it wasn’t coming out as song. Perhaps in the first year, I was unsure of what price humanity was going to pay for a little flu bug. In my case, I have been extremely fortunate that the Covid years brought me into revelations and meaning and purpose and compassion. Actually, I lived my life very different before and after Covid. But the world was quieter that first year and wow, you could not help but feel more when the cars and planes and parties and public gatherings disappeared. 

 

Just last night I was playing a song I’d considered finished and had played for the folks in my Thursday Zoom Breathing/Meditation group. It had really come along well and I thought I would just play it a lot ‘til it felt more fluid. Then last night I accidentally changed one chord by a single note. What??? What was that brilliant chord??? I played it again. I sang and could not help but sing the entire song in a new way, sultry, rich in wonder and jazzy attitude, but soft and deep. I sang through it several times then turned on my recorder and did an impromptu version of it. I was in love with this new version! So much so that I put my tiny headphones on in bed last night and every time I woke up I was still listening to that song. 

 

I tell you this because I want YOU to have creativity in your life too. Of course, many of you do. But if that aspect of your life has declined over time, I want you to know that you are not through with your creativity! No way. Your life lived, including all that goes with it, is seeking to burst forth through you and become something out of your imagination. Doesn’t have to be art or that kind of creativity, but it may well be. If I could offer up anything at all it would be this; Start to take a few deep breaths a few times a day. Just that. No wrong way. Breathe and notice that you are doing so, then move on. Then do it again later. 

 

There will absolutely come a time when you will say, ask or think this; “Hmmm, is this happening because of the breathing?” The answer is ALWAYS “Yes.” You will be surprised how much of your child mind comes back to you, enjoying the moment without worry. Even existing as NO AGE. I’m serious. When you become more creative, you do not experience yourself at your current age so much as the eternal you which has no age. 

 

Well, I had no idea I was going to write that, but that’s how it is with me. I just follow what I’m inclined to do and almost every time I look at it in wonder. 

 

The last thing I’ll mention for now is my new online ongoing publication called, The Morning, Brilliant Blue. Twenty-four times a year I send out to subscribers a combination of stories, essays, music, video, meditations, whatever comes to me. I have so, so many stories I’ve written over the years. Many of those will get a fresh run-through and be included. Many will be things I am moved to write the day before I send to you. 

 

This ongoing story collection I’m sending to everyone on my list goes through Substack.com. They are a magnificently successful website which allows writers to create their own ongoing newsletters, publications, etc. Some have built up a paid subscriber base of thousands, some have a few hundred, some have a couple dozen. In my case, I’m starting it as a free publication. I send it to everyone for free. At the same time, people who really like it can begin to be paid subscribers and a couple of dozen have as of this writing. Thank you! After a while I will likely go to two versions, the fuller version for paid subscribers, more stories, songs, online perks like Zoom gatherings and mini-workshops, etc. If you’re on my email list, you’re probably receiving yours already. It’s an evolving thing and I know it will become probably something different than I’m imagining. I want it to make readers’ lives better, funnier, feeling more connected, inspired and entertained. That is my goal. I want each issue to feel warm and welcomed, like a good friend has come to visit. 

 

If you haven’t been getting one, CLICK HERE and you may join for free or become a paid subscriber. Either way, for the next couple of months everyone will get the same issue. 

 

Thank you for reading my little rambling here. I appreciate you and hope that some of the things I do in some way inspire or bring a feeling of good will to you. Please remember to take some deep breaths and be kind to yourself. It’s the greatest thing you can give the world. 

 

Your friend in the wind, Michael