|
Taken from SpearheadVibrations.com
Giving thanks
Thanksgiving was taught to me as an idealized commemoration of the coming together of pilgrims and Indians, for a feast of turkey and pumpkin pie. Shortly after which the pilgrims killed the Indians and took all of their land.
For many years I found it impossible to put aside the irony of this holiday and enjoy being grateful for the abundance of Mother Earth, but this year I have found it much easier to move into this gratitude attitude. I think the main reason is that this year we have all witnessed so much pain in the world - hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, war, torture famine and political turmoil. All this you might think would lead to negative feelings, but this year I discovered that there is so much to be done in the world that I don't have time for negativity.
I have had an uplifting week. I was invited to perform at the opening gala of the Muhammed Ali Center where I met some of my heroes, Muhammad Ali, Herbie Hancock, Richie Havens, and even got to shake the hand of President Clinton. I performed a show with 30 teenage dancers from D'Heisha refugee camp in Palestine. I have also had the honor of playing to the men of Folsom Prison. I found inspiration in all three places.
The difficult situations we face each day never stop, and at times they seem insurmountable. The opportunity to witness the courage of others rising above it all, is the blessing for which I am most grateful today.
This year's Harvest Ball we are putting on our first ever family matinee (Sunday November 27th at 3:30 The Fillmore San Francisco). It has been the request of Spearits for many years to do a show which they could bring their children, parents or grandparents to. So this is it, an opportunity for us to not only celebrate music and family together, but in addition all the proceeds of this event will be going to hurricane relief. At all of the Harvest ball shows conscious alliance will be collecting non perishable food as part of their year round food drive. I encourage you to come out on Sunday for this very special event.
Lastly I want to thank you, all of the people who have come to our shows, festivals and film screenings this year and have made them so memorable. You give me inspiration, energy and courage to continue the work I do (believe me there are days when I really need it!!!). So I hope this Thanksgiving weekend you are able to find gratitude for the people and things in your life that have helped you make it to where you are today.
And remember to smile!!!
Peace,
Michael Franti
|
