Feng Shui

For my birthday I received a gift certificate for a massage, a much needed one I might add. I woke up late the morning of my appointment, rushed to get there, struggled to find parking and on top of it I was sweating like a pig because it is so hot out here in Tucson, Arizona. Anyway I walked into the establishment which looked nice, but similar to many salon/spas I've seen in my life; over priced hair products and plenty of magazines. As I walked up to the counter the masseuse came over and asked me if I wanted a glass of water or tea, I replied sure. She then showed me the way to the room we would be in. She opened the door and there was a table in this small white brick room. Instantly I was soothed by the aroma, the music and of course the shrine of Buddha there in the far end of the room. Buddha was large and had a small fountain behind it that provided a creek like sound. I instantly turned off my phone and went into zen mode; all because of this environment that she had created. As I walked out I found myself relaxed and content. Then I went to work, its not the work that bugs me, its these stacks of lost papers, the giant metal file cabinets, and mismatched furniture. Good feelings gone, stress on, I just wish I could organize the world or at least the one I am exposed to so that I could feel that calmness all the time. My roommate who is a pack rat laughs at me because I believe in feng shui; laughs until she comes home and says, wow it feel so good in here, did you clean? Nope, just spent some time placing objects in places that make me feel good!

música para el mundo

Music is one of my most favorite forms of art. Through someone else's perspective we are able to experience their reality! What explains the chills I get when I hear a certain note? Or the flood of emotion that happens when I relate to the lyrics? Music is a universal form of communication; it is used within every culture, normally playing a very predominant role. Even when trying to sit here and explain my opinion of music I am lost because there is just so much to say. Religion, or any other type of cultural practice incorporates music almost every time. Different sectors within cultures use music as their means of expression; rap, country, punk rock. We listen to it in our cars, in our homes and now thanks to the good ol ipod...where ever we want. Major corporations have been built using music as it's product. Many lives have been improved or destroyed as a result. As a fan of many different types of music I almost always have an open mind. Yet these days I'm wondering where all the soul has gone; is it only about money now?