A little boy walks up to his sister one day and asks, "Sis, am I more Mexican or more Jewish?"
The sister responds, "I don't know. Ask Mom."
Next, the little boy asks his mom," Am I more Mexican or more Jewish?"
The mother replies, "I'm not sure. Ask Dad."
Finally, the little boy poses the question to his father, "Am I more Mexican or more Jewish?"
The dad says, "I'm not sure son. Why do you ask?"
The little boy shot back, "Well, a friend of mine has a bike that I want. I want to know if I am more Mexican or more Jewish so that I know whether to steal the bike or to Jew him down to five dollars and buy it."
I happened upon the music of Matisyahu by chance when he first hit the scene and immediately fell in love with his style. It's fresh, original, hip and very catchy. His style is an exceptional hybrid of reggae, rap, beat-box, hip-hop and rock. There is something there to his music, however, besides amazing talent and a unique sound, which I quickly figured out--He has a deep passion for the music, which stems in large part from a deep well of spiritual energy.
Matis is a Hasidic Jew who mixes positive, uplifting messages about Jewish and other spirituality into his songs. The spiritual messages he infuses into his music are very universal so that despite not being Jewish or even monotheistic I really connect with it on a profound level. One such song is from Matisyahu's new album, "Light" and it's titled, "One Day." Anyway, below the video box I've typed out some of the lyrics that I like most from this song about peace, love and non-violence. If the video is disabled click here for the link to the video:
sometimes in my tears I drown but I never let it get me down so when negativity surrounds I know some day it'll all turn around because all my live I've been waiting for I've been praying for for the people to say that we don't wanna fight no more they'll be no more warsand our children will play one day
it's not about win or lose because we all losewhen they feed on the souls of the innocentblood drenched pavement keep on moving though the waters stay raging in this maze you can lose your way (your way) it might drive you crazy but dont let it faze you no way (no way)
one day this all will change treat people the same stop with the violence down with the hate one day we'll all be free and proud to beunder the same sun singing songs of freedom
James: Music can provide inspiration to see the world, the day or one's life in an entirely different way. Sounds are some of the most effective ways of conveying spirituality because they touch a place deep within our essence that isn't always accessible by words alone. A lot of times too the essence of words can be lost in translation from one language to another but the sounds themselves cross all boundaries, barriers and cultures. It can inspire us toward great heights of being, doing and seeing.
In addition, music is a great way to relax and prepare for meditation but it is also a very good meditation by itself. I have sat down to listen to music with an angry or depressed mood only to have it lifted and calmed through meditating on the beautiful sounds of a song. So don't forget to use music to help you explore your states of mind and consciousness. It's important to take time in our busy lives to stop, listen and enjoy some good music to help us release less helpful energy and replace it with a rejuvenating feeling.
