Wishing Well & the Dalai Lama
As I released 'Wishing Well' on World Happiness Day back in March, it seemed only fitting to release it's video in thanks, honour and celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 85th year in this life. May it help to spread kindness, calm encouragement and hope.
Upon reflection it would seem that there are pivotal moments in your life; moments that may just introduce themselves in the very instant they form, affording you a profound flash of awareness and a welcome reminder of the immediacy of our existence. However, ironically these moments are much more than often only appreciated in hindsight. Having already experienced the change of course that they ushered in, I believe that these are the moments that change our lives; these are the moments we are truly awake.
As I boarded a plane to Sydney in the spring of 2002 I was more aware than ever before that this was one of these moments. It set in motion a chain of events that I can only describe as the beginning of the rest of my life. I often think of that journey and how nervous and awake I felt. It reminds me to be brave and to simply be here to acknowledge the myriad of possibilities laid out beyond this single moment, and crucially our role in seeing with clarity. As if travelling to the other side of the world in search of the wild spirit I'd fallen in love with months earlier wasn't profound enough, the universe was to provide a beautiful sign post that will forever mark our beginning together. Before embarking on our epic road trip into the wilds of the Blue Mountains and beyond, we heard word that His Holiness the Dalai Lama would be visiting Sydney and within hours we miraculously held tickets...
Days before leaving the city, we sat among several thousand others and we heard, felt and fell in love with the wonderful soul that is the Dalai Lama. He spoke with kindness, compassion and wit. He introduced us to the four noble truths along with many other aspects of Buddhism and his life. As we wandered the grounds of the venue after his talk we found ourselves mesmerised by the amount of love emanating from us all. A deep gratitude had unlocked itself. I strive to imbue that feeling into every aspect of my songwriting, my relationships, my garden and my workshop. In fact everything I perceive and interact with in this life has been changed by the reminder of kindness and compassion.
I offer 'Wishing Well' from my heart. A song to encourage us to be courageous in sharing kindness and strength to each other and our planet.