Almost a year and a half ago I committed to a weekly practice that is an inexpressable influence in my life : playing music with the Catskill Mountain Gamelan.

Since I can’t express it, I’ll borrow some words from the I Ching!

Hexagram 16 / Yu / Enthusiasm

” When, at the beginning of summer, thunder–electrical energy–comes rushing forth from the earth again, and the first thunderstorm refreshes nature, a prolonged state of tension is resolved. Joy and relief make themselves felt. So too, music has power to ease tension within the heart and to loosen the grip of obscure emotions. The enthusiasm of the heart expresses itself involuntarily in a burst of song, in dance and rhythmic movement of the body. From immemorial times the inspiring effect of the invisible sound that moves all hearts, and draws them together, has mystified mankind.”