This week was full, both in terms of my personal life, as well as with global news that keep alerting me to be more aware, more responsible, more conscientious, more active and compassionate… I kept feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, not learning fast enough, not doing/thinking/feeling enough…And I also had my life and career to keep spinning. So…
I hiked up to the summit of Mt. Baldy on Monday.
At 10,064 feet above sea level, I thought I might find some silence, a break. Instead, we were met with constant gushing winds that every layer of fabric around our skin, raising a ruckus. It was like being washed in a wash machine. It was so cold up there that even with three top layers and a pair of gloves on, at one point my hands started burning. I consciously moved my fingers vigorously to get my blood circulating to my fingertips, afraid that they may get damaged from the cold. The winds swayed the bodies of even the strongest of our climbing team. It would not have been a surprise if someone fell off the narrow trail, off to a side, falling down the cliff.
It’s impossible to capture winds in photos, however powerful and oppressive they may be. All we could do, sometimes, was just to stand still against the wind and wait for it to subside a bit so that we can walk forward to the next tree behind which we can at least breathe for a while.
But having to fight for each step, and each breath, forced us to stay in the here and the now. I didn’t even realize that I had left my concerns about Covid-19, the travel bans, the economic impacts on the performing arts industry, the infuriating injustice of the systematic racism, and everything else that overwhelmed me to the point of near-paralysis. Each step forward empowered me. Every time I got up from a fall felt like an accomplishment. And at the end, we did reach the summit. And we all came home, without any accidents or injuries, and slept like babies.
The next day was the 31st anniversary of my arrival in the States, in 1989.
Two days after that, on Thursday, my much-awaited new microphones were delivered.
It always takes a few days to figure everything out. But once that’s done finally, I can start recording my YouTube series – I have so many ideas! In addition to publishing more episodes on “Savoring Music,” “Finger Philosophies” will talk about piano techniques as analogies to bigger thoughts on life and worldviews. “Mind-Body Practice” will talk about practice methods that are efficient, enjoyable and therapeutic.
And today, it just so happens that two Podcast series have released each of their episodes that features me!
Podcast: Small Business Japan
The interview took place about 6 weeks ago, but I was already talking about music as a social equalizer that induces oxytocin (the love hormone) and encourages us to be more empathetic. I was relieved to find that the episode was at least somewhat relevant to the current social movement.
Some of the other topics Josh Smith, the host, and I covered were:
- Monetizing the arts
- Creating a value and price for something intangible, like music
- Sustainable businesses require passion and conviction.
- Question everything and think outside of the box.
- “If you see something wrong within a system, you cannot change it from within”
- War Guilt Information Program
- Takashi Murakami – Little Boy
Podcast: Little Tokyo Little Podcast
I played Schubert-Liszt “Ave Maria” after a short introduction. The section featuring me starts at 9 min 55 sec.
A New Video: Debussy “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum” from Suite Children’s Corner.
Than you! My Subscribers and Viewing Hours are UP!
THANK YOU – Since June 9th – my last entry, I have gained +8 subscribers, and +16 viewing hours!!