I thought I would switch things up a bit. I am recently learning a new song on the piano, and reading a very interesting book, so I felt why not make my next few blog posts about that? Now I may still keep a few things random, but I think blogging about my progress with the song and the book, will keep me motivated to keep going at both :)
Many of you that know me know my musical tastes have been primarily rooted within country music. Recently, I have been branching out and exploring other music, and have with the help of a dear friend been listening to a lot more folk/bluegrass/alternative/soul/blues and jazz oriented music. I have become increasingly intrigued by the music of Adele, Norah Jones, Elenowen, Elizabeth and the Catapult, Joshua James, Julie Peel, Laura Jansen and many more. (On a side very random note, I hope Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart from this past season of American Idol, who should have won, stay true to their raspy souly feels and make records).
There is one artist who I cannot stop listening to and that is Regina Spektor.Her music, her voice, her lyricism is "spektakular". I feel that she pushes the boundaries with her words, sings notes that I never knew existed, yet still remains to keep that calm ominous, yet very swank presence within her music. A key highlight in most of her pieces is the piano. So I felt why not see if there is any piano sheet music I can get my hands on and try to play. I found "Samson". The piece is rooted in the Biblical story of Samson, but is focused on a love affair. It pushes the story line, to the point where it could be deemed a tad scandalous by Christian groups. But I love it, and feel that it is quite beautifully erotic and I deem it to be quite modernizing. Furthermore, the song could be interpreted from so many different angles. At the least I think we can all relate to having our "sweet downfall" whether it be a lover, a weakness, or a quiet desire...
So I am looking at these notes, I see the five sharps in the key and automatically I exit from my browser in search for other notes, simpler songs. But then I come back. Why cannot I at least try to learn it? Sure the piece is not easy, but have I lost faith in what I could learn? So without thinking anymore I print out the sheets, and sit at my piano, take a sip of coffee, write down the sharps to look for and I try to play the first page, primarily with my right hand... I wish I could say "it was beautiful, easier than I thought" but it was not. Far from it, however I went back, added my left hand, and continued to chop away. I still chop away, and it still sounds horrible but I am attacking it, this piece will not be my "sweetest downfall". So I made a commitment to this song, to these notes, five sharps and all and I will not move on to the second page until I feel secure and comfortable with the first page of notes. I think I can do it! I think I can! I think I can! And guess what? I will share my progress! (and you WILL love it).
The other thing I want to blog about is about a book my former professor wrote: "Spiritual But not Religious? An Oar Stroke Closer to the Farther Shore" I was drawn to this book primarily because I wanted to learn some of my professor's earlier thinking on religion since he has been instrumental in how I shaped my belief system. Also the title intrigued me, as I describe myself as being spiritual but not religious. I was quite sure that he would argue against this statement, and I wanted to be challenged. I am not considering this to be a formal book review but rather a step by step personal reflection on the words that make footsteps on my soul. Now Reid (the prof) is marvellous when it comes to comparative theology, particularly between Hinduism and Christianity. Therefore, I was not surprised that he began with ideas of Hindu incarnation as ideas that the Christian mind grapples as very familiar. Very quickly my thoughts were confirmed, my dear professor does deem the statement spiritual but not religious to be an oxymoron. And very early on in his introductory chapter he lists reasons of why people would not consider themselves religious because they do not want to become tied with an institutionalized notion of God. Many forms of institutions come with a very slippery fellowship, we see this in government. Take Canada for example, especially in light of the new elections. A majority of us love the idea of democracy, but it is hard to pick someone to vote for because at least for myself, I cannot agree one hundred percent to the political platform of any one party. Even those, who are quite committed to one party, I challenge cannot be behind their parties completely. It comes down to what is the issue that I am primarily passionate about, and how do the parties relate, or which political platform can I support the most, or how much confidence can I place in the leadership role of the party head? Anyways, here Reid is mentioning the reasons why various individuals are drawn away from institutions based on personal experiences that are challenged by the religion in question. And I am struck at the familiarity. Why do I still consider myself Catholic, is it my naivety in the possibility of the church truly being one day catholic with a small "c"; universal, and for all. I mean in so many ways the teachings of the Church drastically differ from my own, then why do I still love to worship within it? I am not sure I can answer that question fully and honestly. But I want to. I agree with Reid, "the question of institutional commitment is - like religious institutions themselves- tangled, complicated and often messy". Thanks Reid. My commitment is messy to a messy Church? Yes it is. (Side note: when I write Church with capitol "C" I am referring to the Roman Catholic Church, church on the other hand I refer to as any other worshiping body of people). So I think the beginning of my answer comes from this messiness. At the beginning, we are seekers and I am a seeker, maybe I always will be in search of this "authentic desire for a truth that will set [me] free".
So there it is! I invite you to take a personal journey with me in this reflection. Why? Because I need the support. Especially since I know those of you reading this, are close friends of mine. So please support me, and challenge me :) That is why I love you because you accept this quirkiness. So bear with me! And hey I may just throw in some more random blogs just for fun and comic relief!
