Interdependence

'Because someone has made up the word "wave", do I have to distinguish it from water?' Kabir

Like a beautiful spider's web on a dewy morning, there is a kind of order in the universe, in the movement of the stars and the turning of the earth and the changing of the seasons, and even in the cycle of human life. I like to think of it all as one big dance, and whatever moves I make I can expect to be reciprocated in one way or another. The relation of the individual to the totality of existence is more intimate than that of the part to the whole. The individual is the whole. In our recognition of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we are compelled to feel a sense of responsibility for our thoughts and actions.

We all seek happiness and an end to suffering so if we can begin to truly recognize the oneness of all humankind, our motivation to find lasting happiness and peace will grow stronger. The oneness of humanity, founded on compassion, understanding and respect, is a realistic and viable basis for our conduct. It may seem a long way off, but the tide is set to change and those of us already awakened to the wonderful truth of interdependence will find ourselves one step ahead on the path to reconciliation and leading the way towards finding out the truth about our existence.

Listening to: 'Fixin' to Die' - Bukka White

The Band

When a group of musicians find themselves living together in an old chocolate factory, it's perhaps inevitable that they would combine their talents to create sweet music. But in this instance, the gentlemen involved appear to have notes running through their veins; living and breathing music like I've never seen.

Despite all doing their own thing in different bands it seemed a fine idea to get together and rehearse for gigs that would make them some money, at a time when creatives are having a tough time. For their first rehearsal each person chose two of their songs for the band to improvise to, et voila! They had eight extraordinary songs. Between them the instruments they play include guitar, organ, trombone, double bass, fiddle, saxophone, piano, mandolin, accordian and percussion. They're planning to get two more players to complete the group: a wizard jazz percussionist and a trumpet player. There are also plans for a barber shop quartet... Watch this space!

Listening to: 'Almost cut my hair' - Crosby, Stills & Nash

Iain Woods for Volume

The magnificant Iain Woods has been interviewed for Volume about his various interests and talents, and they chose to use some photographs from our shoot in the Elizabeth Fry refuge in Hackney:

http://www.volumemag.blogspot.com/

Listening to: 'Rocombey' - Lord Cobra and Pana-Afro Sounds

Autumn

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells.

'To Autumn' - John Keats

I have found myself in total awe of Autumn this year, as I've wandered through woodland feeling the leaves beneath my feet, looking upwards at the rainbow of colours, watching as leaves dance gently to the ground, and soaking up that earthy scent of mushrooms abounding. It is a time for foraging and enjoying nature's treasures, as well as marking a change in pace from the busy summer to one of calm reflection.

Traditionally Autumn is seen to represent adulthood, as we ripen to maturity and then prepare ourselves for retirement in the winter months. It reflects a period of change more than any other season. Although Autumn tends to be associated with melancholy in poetry , I sense a time of fulfillment, wisdom and freedom that brings the harvest of a lifetime of learning.

There is something about this time of year that compels me to turn inward and take stock of the year gone by. It also encourages me to immerse myself in nature because there is so much to observe, from the migrating birds to the sprouting mushrooms to the ever-changing leaves.

The seasons provide a wonderful opportunity to harmonize with nature as we soak up our environment and get in tune with what is happening around us. By listening to that instinctual urge within us that calls for us to withdraw and hibernate in Autumn and through the Winter, we allow our mind to realign itself and become calm in preparation for new beginnings and the busyness that comes with Spring.

Listening to: 'Let me Try' - MC5

Fred

Listening to: 'Walking the Blues' - Willie Dixon & The All Stars

The Agitator

The Agitator was back to ruffling some feathers at Soapbox last week - encouraging us to stamp on our bills and speak out against the powers that be. I always enjoy Derek's performances, but the Evaristo Club provides the perfect setting for him to speak directly to his audience and mobilise them into thinking about what he sings so passionately about. With the perfect percussion accompaniment from Rob, ensuring a marching and heart-pumping beat, I was left feeling ready for action!

Listening to: 'Cowgirl in the Sand' - Neil Young