Today is the day when we realize that no matter how much we try to control life and that which happens to us, we are eventually going to spin out of control. A very dear friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer about 1 1/3 years ago now, survived the harsh treatments, and just underwent reconstruction this past week. This is the first week in a very long time we have not ridden to training together. Being alone with your own thoughts for an hour and a half drive can't always be the best thing. Conversely it can be a fabulous thing simply for the ability of not having to think. There's just you, the road, the car, and the stereo. Perhaps these days the word stereo is no longer appropriate. A more suited word is maybe entertainment system, surround sound, or pure bliss.
Yes, music is that important in life. It brings us hope when and where there is none. Of all the images from Haiti, the one that impacted me the most was when the rescue crews pulled a woman out of the rubble after more than a week. She came out singing. If this does not attest to the power of music, then nothing will. No rules define music. It can be anything from the rock metal of Three Days Grace, to the soft acoustics of Joshua Radin, to the electo-funk sounds of Bjork. Music is a thing of art. Carefully crafted, lovingly developed, and wholly a part of the person who created it. Although we may not understand the true underlying meaning of a song, that person has allowed us just a glimpse at themselves. That's something pretty significant.
All this rambling about music. Can we tell it's late again and that I am in need of sleep? What was the initial purpose of this post? Oh yes, while we have one survivor of cancer embarking on the next step in her healing process, another battling the disease has left this world. Just 2 days ago my uncle passed away from a long and painful battle with cancer. Although saddened, I can not help but feel relieved for him. The next world, no matter what you believe it is, has to be better than the one in which he was living. This is a particularly difficult time to loose someone as the Kensho Kai is rapidly approaching. This is the time which we martial artists celebrate the memory of those past and honor their strong and courageous spirits.
It is very nearly one year since I lost one of my fellow martial artists and dear friend. He was just 16 years of age and the 2009 Kensho Kai was dedicated in his memory. That day was one filled with sadness, heartbreak, laughter, and tears. All we can do in times as such is turn to each other for support and keep going. We can not ignore the passing of a loved one, but we can not dwell long either and allow life to pass us by. Instead we honor their memory by continuing on and striving to be the best we can be in all we do.
This post is now much long than I ever intended and it is now half-one in the morning. Yes, yes I did just use the Irish way of saying time thank you very much. But anyhow, I really must be off. Class in the morning (as there always is for a college student), followed by a Flogging Molly concert tomorrow night. Should be great craic! We can only hope the weather holds. Oh, that thing about music...quick! Without Googling (and don't even think about running to iTunes!), who's album holds the same title as this blog entry?
Always remember:
Without without life there would be no music, and without music there would be no life.
Peace,
Elina
PS: Enjoy the photo. It's from somewhere in Co. Donegal at sunrise.
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