Velvet Guerilla Cabaret

Just in case you didn’t catch the last newsletter bulletin, I wanted to make sure u knew of this one time only schedule change. And to give a little more detail about Dia De Los Muertos.

Tonight you may rock the Guerilla with ANYTHING you want, including about the living or unliving… or uber-living.

You may share about loved or admired ones who have transitioned from the earthly dimension. Bring a picture of a loved one who has passed on. Or bring something that reminds you of them: stuffed animal, jewelry, toy, painting, clothing article, whatever. Bring flowers, lots of em. We will place all the ofrendas (offerings – to the spirits) on our Guerilla altar before the open mic starts. Of course if you have no object or photo, just make your sharing your ofrenda.

In case you’re at a loss for how to express, below are some suggestions. Please know that these guidelines are perfect for ANY Velvet Guerilla open mic, and of course for your own personal stuff. Writing or speaking from the heart about loved ones who have passed on, is almost always compelling, not to mention healthy for the mind-body-spirit. There’s something especially powerful about witnessing someone authentically express themselves about a deep love that goes on even after the physical body ceases to exist.

My belief, you ask?… (okay, you didn’t… but here goes): Real love NEVER dies. In both directions: from the living to the dead, from the dead to living. I mean, seriously, how can it? If you have ever lost someone very close to you, you know what I am talking about. The energy of true love is so powerful, so profound, so all encompassing, so transformative – it just cannot disappear because this visible thing we call the “body” goes out of commission – or goes elsewhere. Similarly, love never dies amongst us living folks as well, whether we still physically communicate in real time or not. Where it gets tricky is this: love will always change. I mean on the physical/visible plain. Eventually something will happen to change it. Whether two people who still love each other grow apart and stay together or separate, or one dies, or one changes a core belief system or value and the love transforms into a friendship or an acquaintanceship (or Facebook bud), or it goes in the other direction: from friendship to marriage, or family members growing closer as they become adults. Just as science tells us energy is neither created nor destroyed… love, a most exquisite form of energy, cannot just go “poof” – and be gone.

Suggestions and Guidelines for Dia De Los Muertos

• Just speak casually about a loved one. What they meant and still mean to you. Imagine a good friend asks you: “What was so-and-so like? How did they affect your life?”
• Write a letter or postcard to a loved one or admired public figure, leader, or celebrity who has made their transition. Or read one already written by you or them.
• Speak about death (and life) more abstractly: what it means to you personally. What do you believe happens when we shed our mortal coil?
• Express something about large groups of beings who have passed as a result of war, man-made or natural disaster. Remember (for Dios de los Muertos only) to focus mainly on honoring those souls and not getting too caught in anger and wrapped up in the injustice/side of it. Although it is extremely important to talk about this in great detail, the Day of The Dead is not about anger and extended political diatribes. It’s about how the dead are living within us, and around us, and inspiring us. If those killed by injustice have moved you, speak about how they have inspired you, moved you in a positive direction by their sacrifice. In short, honor them.

Again, as mentioned in the previous post, you may share in any way you want: informal storytelling, poetry, letter reading, a few thoughts, music, song, journal reading – anything. Our intent is to remember, honor, and celebrate those who have made their transition, but who are still very much in our hearts.

Note again, that this is not to be a somber event. Humor and lightness can be a part of it, as is usual with our open mic. The Day of the Dead is a celebration. Though it may resemble a memorial, at times. Click back to the previous blog post for a couple (vids at the end) that capture the spirit and meaning of Dia De Los Muertos.

By the by, Blair was spectacular with her feature last week. She stepped into the moment, claimed it, and truly shined. Big time. All were moved and inspired. It still amazes me how the human/artistic spirit expands and focuses, when given the proper space and respect.

Hope to see you tonight or in the coming weeks or months or in another dimension.

With Dancin’ Skeleton Guerilla Love,

Michael