memoirs of a pianist.

“The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms.” ― Lao Tzu

Recently, I've undergone some personal changes. The question is simple, where does this change sprout from? The universe sends us signs everyday with the intention of pushing us in the correct direction. While shutting myself off from this connection, I've become more frustrated and realized that blocking out the only source I can trust isn't the best idea in the book.

On June 1st, I spent two weeks in a poverty-stricken village in the mountains of Dominican Republic. Along with most of my personal belongings, on June 15th I left a piece of my heart in La Cuchilla. Each group of students lived with a family where we encountered a lack of water, electricity and an abundance of insects, most of which I had never seen before. I felt more at home there, more welcomed and loved than I have ever felt in The Bronx.

Simple. Coming from a big city where it is unacceptable to show emotions or feelings, where loving someone is the most impossible task that we have ever faced, and where being hospitable to someone is rare... Yeah, I felt at home.

We have accustomed ourselves to be complacent in a never ending ice box, and by we I mean anyone that doesn't come from a small town. Sorry to those who do, I'm still going to try my best to make sure that you feel me. Who's colder than a New Yorker? Some will be proud; I was once part of that some. Having a cold shoulder to all strangers isn't what being human is about. What good does being "hard" bring to your life? What relationships will grow with this type of behavior? Questions we must ask ourselves in order to fully be.

I had a talk today with a wonderful woman, @WhosValentina, who reminded me about the rare moments we experience in which life makes sense; including the honest souls that we sometimes get to share these moments with. Too much of my time, energy, and patience has been wasted on shallow pricks that care more about their god, $, than about their connections and voyages on this earth. Those times are gone. This summer, and the rest of 2012 is dedicated to anyone that has ever done something for me, for the friends that have always had an ear ready to listen, those who made my mistakes seem minuscule, and those who supported all of my dreams and still do: thank you.

Everyone talks about infinity, forever, and reincarnation, but just in case those three are not promised, finish what you can in this lifetime, and leave some type of legacy behind. Most importantly: follow your dreams. Those who tell you that you "can't" are only looking from one point of view: theirs. Just because someone can't accomplish something, does not signify that you are in that same category.

We are all souls trapped in bodies waiting to be freed by achieving what we were brought here to do. How do you know you're on the right path? Only way to find out is to follow your dreams.

Thank you. Peace