The spirit of Maurice lives on
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 non-living.
You may also partake in sharings about loved or admired ones who have transitioned from this earthly dimension. Bring a picture of a loved one who has passed on. And/or bring anything, any object that reminds you of them. Stuffed animal, jewelry, toy, painting, clothing article, whatever. Also bring flowers, lots of em. We will place all the ofrendas (offerings – to the spirits) on our Guerilla “altar” on stage before the open mic. Of course, if you have no object or pic, make your reading or sharing your ofrenda.
In case you’re at a loss for how to express, and you’ve got a desire to honor someone, below are some suggestions. Please know that these guidelines are good for ANY Velvet Guerilla open mic or for your own personal stuff. 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 powerful about witnessing someone express themselves about a love that continues past “death”.
My belief, you ask?… (okay, you didn’t ask… but I feel like tellin’.) True love NEVER dies. Both ways: from living to dead, dead to living. And between those still alive on earth, who no longer physically communicate, or communicate in the same way. However, love always will change, on the physical plain. Just as energy is neither created nor destroyed… Just my six cents.
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 surmise 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, not a wake. 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 Dancing Skeleton Everlasting Guerilla Love,’
Your Hobgoblin of Artsy Pants,
Michael
