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Posted by Michael Franti on Nov 18, 2002:
Lift Up your heart by Michael Franti
Greetings and gratitude to all of you who have given me so much support over the past several months. It's been a difficult time for us all, and I could not have made it without the love and encouragement of those close to me and those who I have met through music.
I believe that music is one of the healing arts and it is for this reason that I continue to pour my heart into the work that I do. Throughout my travels and musical experiences, my own spirituality has deepened. And I have been affected by all who have touched me along the way. So here's a big hug and a huge thank you!
Although you may only see us once or twice a year at a gig, rest assured that the little elves in Spearhead and Guerrilla Management, are tirelessly at work on a new album, tour and festival plans for the next eighteen months. One of our goals is to plan our tour schedule out a year in advance so that those wanting to make trips to shows can schedule their lives accordingly, and so that as a band we have plenty of time to prepare special events.
If you have an idea for a special event or would like to get involved in organizing or volunteering with other Spearits, please let us know (gina@guerrillamgmt.com). We are developing a festival for the summer of 2003 which will include music, healing arts and social justice. We will keep you posted in the months to come about where when and what it will look like.
Autumn is a time for reflextion and as we approach the end of this year of world crisis, I hope all of you have a moment to stop and breathe. It has been easy to get bogged down with worry, anger, sadness and the despair of feeling like we are powerless in our efforts to end war and bring about justice in the world. Although at times it may seem like a curse, we are very fortunate to be alive during this time. For out of great upheaval, comes great opportunity for change and out of great personal struggle, comes great opportunity for growth.
Lately I have began a personal journey through my practice of yoga. It has become the one thing in my day that no matter was else is happening I can depend on to bring me back to my core. It is an emotional, spiritual, physical and social practice. Whether I am in a class or on my own it is always a humbling experience which has helped me to become more patient under duress, to be compassionate towards myself and to others, to face challenges and fears with courage, to be strong and flexible like a tree, to be soft in my heart, clear in my mind, and most importantly, that through breath all is possible.
I am feeling really positive about the work we have done on the new album. Every time I make an album I ask myself, if I only made one album my whole life, what would I want to say, and what would I want those who hear it to have a chance to feel. Right now there is so much to say, because there is so much we are all feeling. I have been on a journey to find the most powerful ways to say that the human, natural and spiritual interests of the world should not always have to take a second seat to the military, corporate, and material interests of the world. Despite all the painful things we see and hear about our friendship with the planet is one we should not abandon.
I hope that this message rings through your soul as we move once again towards midnight and morning brings us another year. Lift up your heart and shine...
With fondness, gratitude and a big smile stay human and power to the peaceful,
Michael Franti
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