Thanksgiving Musings: On Gratitude, Apples, and a Delicious Holiday Apple Cake
“We need to make the kind of society where it is easier for people to be good.” Peter Maurin (1877–1949) Many of us are looking forward to once again gathering with friends and family at Thanksgiving. Along with enjoying our favorite delicious holiday foods and other traditions, let’s remember that the heart of Thanksgiving is […]
The Healing and Unifying Power of Music
Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him.Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. Psalm 33: 1-3 Jazz as a Path to the Creator John Coltrane’s […]
Unitive Kindness and Paying-it-Forward
Working together as “One” for a healing cause: Why this is the best medicine of all “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ~Mother Teresa This statement by Mother Teresa has had a profound effect on my life’s work, which has evolved into […]
Psychosocial Vulnerabilities and COVID-19
Vaccines, masking, and social distancing appear to be slowing the spread of COVID-19. But the devastation wrought by the pandemic goes far beyond the physical illness caused by the disease. For many people, the psychological effects of the pandemic have been equally debilitating. A Kaiser Health Tracking Poll[1] from July 2020 found that many adults report […]
Musical Musings: Jazz, Genes, and Healing
“If you don’t have the whole spiritual thing, I don’t think jazz is complete…I don’t think it’s worth producing.” Jimmy Heath My passion for healing and my passion for jazz music infuse my life’s work, so much so that I cannot imagine one without the other.
Heaven Awaits CD by Donnie Yance
Heaven Awaits CD by Donnie Yance We are excited to announce the release of Donnie Yance’s latest CD, Heaven Awaits, featuring nine original compositions, plus a special bonus song, Hope Alley, produced for Donnie by legendary musician and friend, Gino Vannelli. Click here to see a video of Donnie and band members performing and hear about the […]
Celebrate the Life and Example of St. Francis of Assisi October 4th
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love” October 4th is the day set aside each year to celebrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi. He was a kind and gentle man, with no aspirations to become a priest. The simple truth is that Francis was […]
Call for Unity and Oneness
“There is no easy way to create a world where men and women can live together… But if such a world is created in our lifetime, it will be done by rejecting the racism, materialism, and violence that has characterized Western civilization and especially by working toward a world of brotherhood, cooperation, and peace.” ~Martin […]
The Importance of Cultivating Spiritual, Mental, and Emotional Fortitude
“The greater the suffering, the greater God’s love is bestowed onto you.” Padre Pio People have been increasingly distancing themselves from each other, even before this horrific pandemic hit. Years ago, in an interview with Self magazine, I was asked what I thought the number one contributor was to our poor health. My answer then […]