Posts Tagged ‘Blog’

The first kirtan tour is just around the corner. Right now the house is atwitter with preparations, interspersed with attempts to relax as well. This morning was spent folding all of the laundry in the world, as well as setting aside the bits that would be coming on the road.

I’m putting all of this aside to say:

Whether or not you agree with or support a/the war, let’s all take a minute out of the day to give thanks to those who have given up free time, holidays, sleep, their kids first steps to graduations, and in many cases, their lives. People like them are one of the reasons we are allowed to disagree with war, after all. Pray (or …wish, if prayer isn’t your thing) for their peace, and safe return.

And say another prayer to the families of those brave soldiers, another to those we have lost, and still another to those that have lost someone.

Om shanthi shanthi shanthi

I want to take a second to put a spotlight on my pal, my homie, my BFF Bruce Stocking. Last week I had the honor and pleasure of attending his graduation from firefighters academy.

Here he is on stage getting “pinned” by his wife, Eliza. The pin is a gold bar with a “thin red line” in the very middle. There are lots of interpretations of what the “thing red line” signifies. One says it symbolizes the camaraderie between firefighters. Another is that the red line represents the firefighters, and it acts to separate good from bad, order from chaos.

I like to think that I’ve dedicated my life to serving others, but there are people out there, people like my friend Bruce, who really take service to the next level. They take it upon themselves to go to a person on what is likely the worst day of that person’s life, and put themselves in harms way for that person’s benefit.

I feel really blessed to be able to spend time around such a brilliant example of selflessness and service. Going forward in my life, when someone asks me what I think “service” means, it’s Bruce I’m going to think of. When someone asks what “one-pointed attention” and “meditation” I’m going to think of Bruce walking into a burning building to save innocent people. Bruce, and people like him, are Karma Yogis without a doubt.

Bruce with his mom, Cathy, and wife, Eliza.

Kudos to Bruce on his Graduation.

Om shanthi shanthi shanthi,

Jdavyd

Good news! I’ve just confirmed another tour date, this one for Tuesday June the 8th, at Ahimsa Yoga in Ithaca NY.

I’m still looking for help in DC, Maryland, Philidelphia and Pittsburgh. If you are in one of those areas or have tips, please feel free to email tour at jdavyd williams dot com.

Greetings everybody,
I am proud to say that I’m going to be leading some Kirtan at a local fundraiser for Haiti Relief. Check out Love For Haiti Dot Net for more info. There are a boatload of performers in store, including Bands, Belly Dancers, and Story Tellers; Artists have donated their time and their creations for a silent auction; food will also be available for an additional charge. All of the time that’s gone into this has been donated by a core of Charlottesville folks who are taking no money for their efforts – every last penny will be going to Charities related to the Haitian Earthquake disaster.

In a time like this, the scope of damage done and lives lost can feel completely overwhelming. You may think that, no matter what you do, it won’t help; it won’t even be a drop in the bucket. Every single dollar, every single penny that you donate, be it by coming to the event or by donating directly to a charity, will make a massive impact on the lives of the survivors. Beyond that, I firmly believe that by coming together to create a fellowship with others in the spirit of rebuilding, even for us who are so far away, will have an effect on the world over, and that positivity can be directed towards those who are still suffering and indeed have just a great an impact as monetary donation.

The event is at Random Row Books and starts at 5pm. Come out early and be prepared to stay late!

Hi Everybody, I just wanted to write a quick hello and happy new year message. 2009 was a pretty cool year, with the release of my first chant album, Waves, and lots of live kirtan, in and around Charlottesville; as far north as New Lebanon NY, and as far south as Pensacola Florida. Thanks to everyone for all of your support; 2010 will only be a step up for all of us!

Om shanthi,

Jdavyd