Thursday, November 10, 2011


Contemplations, Considerations         From Marauder #2 - Nov 2011
Consider for a moment that the planet we live on is not just a big blue ball of material suspended in the cosmic jello that is space. The planet we live on is, like a puzzle with a trillion pieces, incredibly complex, and ever changing. Everything from the insects that roam the ground unseen, to the trees that provide us with oxygen, while filtering the sky's Co2 to allow us fresh air, to humanity's very perception of the planet itself, the energy that feeds it, and our role in it. November 2011 marks the 7 billion mark of the world population (doubled in the last 50 years). 7 billion humans roam the earth, making hundreds of decisions each day, some small and insignificant, others perhaps, will one day lead to monumental effects on the planet, on humanity. It is constant energy that ever feeds and bends the direction of the future. As this energy flows on a global scale, individuals interact physically as well as unconsciously; impacting and influencing one another positively or negatively. Every thought and decision the mind makes is a small but important part of the evolution of our species. When a painter sees a landscape in their mind and completes the final brushstroke on their canvas, an energy is released. An idea, a point of view is realized, and a feeling is expressed. When this art is shown at a gallery, people stand in front of it, and wonder, what was the artist trying to say, what emotions went into their art, what were they feeling, what am I feeling when I see this? In creating, the artist has inspired insight, self exploration and empathy. The emotions that come out of the viewer are released and absorbed by the people around them as well as the painting and room they stand in. Creation and Evolution working together; not at all two different views after all!

Interesting fact; 2010 Carbon Dioxide output exceeds worst-case scenario said one study.  Another interesting fact is that US corporations have recorded record high profits, the highest ever officially documented. 1 Billion people can’t feed themselves today. How do we make sense of it all and decide. Decide on what is truly right and wrong. Have an evolution of collective thought to determine the balance we as humans must reach between need and luxury to make us feel true happiness. We should explore our need to connect and become one with our home, our Earth and everyone in it. Most people never explore this part of themselves, truly looking inward, to better understand who they are. Others have striven a lifetime for a true understanding of themselves. How can you strive to understand the people, the world around you, if you do not understand who you are? How can you truly understand yourself, if you do not strive to understand others. Their environment, climate, culture. We are all part of each other. We were all born from one seed on this planet no matter what back story you want to use to explain its existence.

This world, humanity itself, is still very young. Cultures have always been thriving, and are now melding together through the spread of information and ease of travel. Borders and walls cannot stop the energies that pass through us every second of our living days; always absorbed and filtered by our minds, bodies, and hearts. In order for an evolution of thought to take place we must completely connect with ourselves, which means completely connecting with everything around you. We need to learn how to communicate with our surroundings the same way we communicate with ourselves everyday while absorbing information, energy, creating, and evolving. 7 billion! We all know that change is inevitable but never easy, especially when you have no complete control over it. Life always finds a way to make it through for the better. Why not be aware of it? Be happy, appreciate, respect. Embrace change, evolve! Believe, express, and connect. Go for a walk, grow a vegetable, say hello.. say goodbye!
Suggested album to check out: Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra album "Security"
- Philip Al-Hajj