WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF HEAVENLINESS
+ An inspired piece
of spiritual art often emerges from those who have both cultivated an artistic
skill and who have had a
spiritual experience, say, of ‘oneness,’ inter-dependence, or the immanent presence of the sacred. Such a work of art can resonate deeply with others,
expressing that which they might otherwise be unable to express. It can inspire
us, strengthen us, and give us assurance that we are not alone in our inward
quest for authentic experiences of something profoundly greater than ourselves.
-- Edward Bastian in Mandala: Creating An Authentic Spiritual
Path: An InterSpiritual Process
+ Some of my favorite rock’n’roll, pop and Celtic songs
fall into that important category of “an inspired piece of spiritual art.” I
cherish the many, many times my soul has been revived by music and, for me,
that is often, certainly not always, rock’n’roll music. Let me mention a few of the rock’n’roll artists
who have moved me over the years: Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Who,
The Grateful Dead, Carole King, The Pretenders, Bruce Springsteen, Van
Morrison, Todd Rundgren, Super Tramp, U2, REM, Kate Bush, Marina & The
Diamonds and I intend to edit this post sooner or later adding at least a few more.
The
Logical Song by Super Tramp is possibly the number one song for me when it
comes to defining rock’n’roll as spiritual art.
So, let me share the lyrics
as well as the
recording:
When I was young, it seemed that life was so
wonderful,
A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical.
And all the birds in the trees, well they'd
be singing so happily,
Joyfully, playfully watching me.
But then they send me away to teach me how
to be sensible,
Logical, responsible, practical.
And they showed me a world where I could be
so dependable,
Clinical, intellectual, cynical.
There are times when all the world's asleep,
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man.
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am.
Now watch what you say or they'll be calling
you a radical,
Liberal, fanatical, criminal.
Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to
feel you're
Acceptable, respectable, presentable, a
vegetable!
At night, when all the world's asleep,
The questions run so deep
For such a simple man.
Won't you please, please tell me what we've
learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am.
+ The 12 styles of Mandala: Creating An Authentic Spiritual
Path: An InterSpiritual Process by Edward Bastian are listed in SE206.
+ To get inspired and illuminated by Ed Bastian, I invite you to set aside some time for these videos:
+ Spirituality & Practice emphasizes the practices of Beauty, Creativity, Imagination & Wonder: The Practice of Beauty | The 12s Gallery on Beauty | The 12s Gallery on Creativity | The Practice of Imagination | The 12s Gallery on Imagination | The Practice of Wonder | The 12s Gallery on Wonder
+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or any practice. And, I have work to do on my Heavenliness page. Maybe you can help. Send an email with the subject “Heavenliness” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.
+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html
