61. Breaking Format – Jon Batiste
When it comes to my art I have the utmost freedom in the worlds I create, the space that I fill, and the values I live out with my fellow humans.
I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be a black artist in America. The reality is, no matter how successful or visible you may be, you are vulnerable to the same common set of injustices simply because of the color of your skin. I have come to learn that while there is a lot that is outside of my control at this time, when it comes to my art I have the utmost freedom in the worlds I create, the space that I fill, and the values I live out with my fellow humans.
Last year, the Minneapolis-born guitarist and songwriter Cory Wong and I had the idea for a collaboration, and it feels oddly fitting to share it now, during this tumultuous time for the black community. It’s called Meditations—on our joys, sorrows, and ultimately, our shared humanity. Each song title suggests a theme to meditate on that unites us: whether it’s a need to connect to others, our relationship to God or a higher power, or an undefined sense of home.
In creating the album, we put together a set of musical duets, joining Cory’s guitar and my piano with the atmosphere of a Hammond organ played by Sam Yahel, and the rhythmic, earthy pulls of organic and tribal percussion and drums played by Nate Smith. Trusting each other musically in this way mirrors what we should all aspire to—always, but particularly in times of strife: listening and responding to each other spontaneously, with empathy, creativity, and encouragement.
– Jon Batiste
Prompt:
Only when we deepen our collective spiritual consciousness can we begin to implement genuine and lasting change. As you listen to the first song, called "Meditation," write about how you’re doing your part.
Ella Charon
Location: Somerville, Massachusetts
About: This is a letter I wrote for the Letters of Love project. My inspiration was to share a glimpse of what my life in lockdown is like in hopes that the recipient of the letter would feel some human connection, even during a time when we cannot physically gather. That, and I hope it brought a moment of joy to their day.
Age: 30
I take a deep breath in and out. That is how I venture into any territory that is difficult to handle. First, I must check in with myself - also check myself. Check my assumptions, check my privilege, check my gratitude. Allow it to all come to the surface. Because in order to move forward productively for the good of others who I want to be an ally to, I need to be mindful. I need to acknowledge when I feel guilty, defensive, not good enough, sad, pitying…all of the emotions that can come in the way of me showing up in the best way possible for people of color. I want to support and uplift. I have started to do this by simply sharing useful resources, donation pages, and the work of others on the frontlines through my social media. Even though I do not have a huge following, I sure do know a lot of white people. I want to help change their minds, if they aren’t already prepared and willing to be allies. Right now, this is our greatest duty. It also is a privilege. To be able to speak up in our bodies. It is a privilege to be an ally. We have to do the right thing with our privilege. Right now, I am doing my part by being conscious and mindful. At every moment, I have to think properly about what the opportunity presents. Is this a moment for me to speak out against injustice? To show my support of artists of color, writers of color, anyone of color or really anyone of a marginalized group in society? Is there an opportunity to address the elephant in the room - what is not being said about injustice, racism and inequality that people I am sharing the space with may just not want to admit? Every moment I can, deep breath. Stay focused, stay present. Be there for others. And also I think it is very important to take myself out of it. Stop thinking - how does this make me look? Rather think, am I actually helping and/or supporting? I want to educate myself for more than just myself.
Flynn
Location: Stuart, FL
About: I was inspired by the murder of George Floyd. Nobody deserves to be treated in that manner.
Age: 58
What can I do?
I’ve been quite upset and disturbed over the past several days about what I’ve seen, heard, and read.
I’ve also written a lot, and I have much to say, but I’m unsure that I should. It’s all so complicated for me on a personal level. I feel very conflicted, I feel hurt, and I’m at a loss.
I want justice for the murder of George Floyd. I want peace. That is all.
Lorelle Mariel Murzello
Location: Mumbai, India
About: My name is Lorelle and I am a Teacher-educator, researcher and writer from Mumbai, India. The Isolation Journals has been that window to my soul and helped me understand this (crazy!) world and my place in it!
Age: 25
“BALANCE”
They tell you, “There’s no other way
Than to hustle and toil night & day…
At work you’ve bosses and colleagues to please
So always ensure their egos are appeased”.
A year into this I realized, however
That all work and no play, is not at all clever
Taking time for your body and mind to rest is like breathing
Without it, life has no meaning.
My mind was consumed
By excel sheets and deadlines
While my guitar silently wept,
On the sidelines
An epiphany struck
After burning some fingers;
After all that time
When I let self-doubt linger.
The chaos of work and play
Presents quite a challenge
I’ve yet to learn how to
Strike the right balance.
I want to change the world….
I want to change the world,
Help it fly free
I want to help it feel
The way I feel
When I talk uninterrupted
And when you listen with glee
I want to change the world
Maybe with a kind deed
Add a little bit of revolution
But always lead with empathy
Tammy Bullock
Location: Nashville, TN
About: I am a mom of a black young man. I love my son and I wrote this entry days after the video surfaced of George Floyd's murder. Jon asked what are we doing to "deepen our collective spiritual consciousness" and this is my answer:
Age: 52
What am I doing to bring about lasting change? I am being present with our 16-year old son, who is deeply disturbed by the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd. HE IS AFRAID FOR HIS LIFE!
Never mind that our son is a straight-A student, selected to participate in the prestigious Math and Science Program at Vanderbilt University, All-State Jazz Pianist, and most importantly, he is kind and accepting of other people. Our son has been feeding the homeless most of his life, teaches inner-city kids how to play piano, and just last week, volunteered his time by playing solo piano at a senior living facility. But that doesn't mean a hill of beans to those who see him as threatening and scary! He cannot jog down the street, drive a car, or walk in a shopping mall without being watched and suspected of being up to no good. Like every other Black parent, I've had to have "The Talk" with him, and if I had it my way, I'd have him wear a Go Pro in public cause as Will Smith said: "Racism is not getting worse, it's getting filmed.” I AM AFRAID FOR MY BEAUTIFUL BLACK BOY! The truth of the matter is he could be the next innocent black male killed at the hands of someone who has no idea who he is. And if he was the garbage man or the janitor, it doesn't matter because His Life Matters!
So his dad and I are giving him as much love, joy, and hope as we can. We have one more year until he graduates from high school. I have no doubt he will do great things if he is allowed to live.