The Really Real : 3 of 12

Every Day is Evolution

There's a thought, and has been since philosopher and theologian Teilhard De Chardin coined the term : "Spiritual Evolution."

Chardin believed that however we might hinder ourselves with the destructive acts we humans can commit, we are yet evolving spiritually to become kinder, more empathetic, community-oriented people with the ability to create societies that protect and care for life.

In an age of gun violence, war, greed and hypocrisy, we might look at this notion as extremely implausible, naive and unrealistic.

We might feel, lately, like we are flailing. We don't trust "Godlike" people. We feel they limit freedoms, take the cash and run, lie, and use their faith to express a desire for a world with restricted rights for women, no Gay people, and racist attitudes. They seem to exist in a denialism that would revoke history. In their minds, there was no Holocaust. Slavery was not evil. And women were better off in the kitchen, not voting, and existing to procreate.

We're experiencing huge divides culturally, and currently those who might take us back to medieval times seem to be running the government here in The United States.

Maybe for some, to evolve is to return to what they deem as a more "moral country."

Many of us, however, would counter that by glorifying in the achievements that have taken place.

Immigrants have lifted up the country, we say, and have provided a work force and a commitment to new foods and arts and ideas. Isn't Evolution a broadening of diversity with greater options? And with these, a greater tolerance as well as a curiosity to know what has been foreign?

My song, "Evolution" delves into my ability to lose control, yet maintain center. To keep swinging even with my back against the wall. To keep singing, even when the curtain starts to fall.

I think Evolution begins with trust in another person. Once you let go with one you love, you find yourself more open to others and aware of the beauty of being in a vast, loving community of interesting people.

My feeling is that if I can give up fear, I can move into falling, being caught, held and cared for.

Playing music, playing electric guitar is like that. It can be scary to solo, not knowing what will come. But the band supports, listens, plays with you, and this enables the music to come. God knows from where? It just evolves.

Leading me to conclude that if I can just get out of the way, nature will run its course and that is definitely an evolutionary one.

In the long run. And every day.