Daily toils wear us down.  Competing, perfecting and growing sucks energy.  There are times when we should pause and connect, or reconnect — with the the world around us — as well as ourselves.  

Growing is good, but so is reflection.

One of my reasons for joining the Marine Corps was to learn more about the world and its cultures… not necessarily about war or adventure.  My biggest reason was challenge and to explore transcendence…. Experience beyond oneself.   

I was fortunate to serve in the Marine Corps when it was truly expeditionary in the 80s and 90s.  I’ve seen/observed conflicts, contingencies and war in the Caribbean, Africa, the Balkans and various parts of Asia.  However, I’ve also learned to appreciate the history and culture of each of those people during those expeditions in Marine Expeditionary Units, or when we pulled into ports. 

Coastal Spain, Gibraltar and North Africa were most visceral. I once stood on the flight deck of ship as we crossed through the Straits of Gibraltar.  The spring winds blew strong. On my right would be huge sandstorm clouds blocking the sun coming at us from North Africa.  Below us was the blue ocean with porpoise frolicking the waves as we neared sunset.  To my left was coastal Spain where European, Jewish (Sephardic) and Arab cultures mixed in the form of architecture, war and history.  Below our ship decks in the sea were remains of past historic battles, lost souls and expeditions of those centuries before.  Two continents bridged by a small maritime channel.. representing disparate civilizations, cultures and histories.  It felt as if the spirits moved inside me. 

Tennyson mentions this -experience- in the poem Ulysses; “I am a part of all that I have met.”   When we travel and explore we have the opportunity to become part of the environment and its people. 

Now, I don’t travel so much. I explore more online.  That’s where I came across this musical piece played via a Kalimba.  

The Kalimba – This little girl’s poignant music from Asia drove a spike inside me bringing me back to the aforementioned memories.  The little girl’s music, softly sewing together memories and emotion.

Enjoy. Enjoy Life.

“Pipa Language, Relaxing music for sleeping, Peaceful Chinese Music (Kalimba)”

Links of interest:  

Purchase a Kalimba? – https://amzn.to/3OVvuWE 

Tennyson, Ulysses – https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45392/ulysses