Author: Miles Alex (Page 7 of 14)

In the larger scheme of things, in the world at large, everyone – highly credentialed or not – has an awesome opportunity to make their corner of the planet a better and more enjoyable experience for as many as one comes into contact with.

By our actions, behavior, interactions with others, the impact we leave can have far-reaching effects that mean a whole lot more to more people than the possession of a string of degrees, awards, trophies, licenses, and titles.

Each day we wake up and step out into the world, we make a difference to many – neighbor, co-worker, friend, associate, cashier, fellow passenger, mailman, delivery guy, shopkeeper, doorman, guard, customer…and a host of others.

When the smoke clears and the dust settles, the little things we do each day, the courtesies we show, the kind words we say, the smile we give, the helping hand we extend – all these and many more – will do much more to make life more enjoyable, to make the world a better place, to fulfill us more, than a long list of credentials from the best institutions can ever accomplish.

We all have that power individually, whether poor or rich, humble or well to do, highly educated or not, to reach out and leave circles of brilliance and positivity that can ricochet and expand infinitely beyond our immediate radius

As a writer, I also look at the larger picture, and see myself first and foremost as a Universal Human Being. It is to this group that I give the most salutations, for it is made up of the Universal Man and the Universal Woman.

All human beings are members of this group and we all share the need for food, clothing, housing and the desire to self-actualize and to attain the maximum we can in our sojourns on this planet.

Here’s my salute to the Universal Human Being! May we all come together to make this planet the best it can be for ourselves and our progeny. May we join hands to combat the common threats we all face and to ensure a rising tide that lifts all boats, rather than a receding one that capsizes all vessels.

Growing up in Guyana, I was exposed to all kinds of music genres and to several formats – Reggae, Chutney, Asian Indian/Bollywood, American Country, Pop, Classical, solo artistes, Big Band, live performances, radio music, church choir, and a whole wide range.

People often associate some genres with specific racial, ethnic, or national backgrounds – and usually rightfully so. One must be aware, though, that a lover of good music, one who empathizes or commiserates with fellow beings around the globe, can cross boundaries and receive the story told without the limitation of time, space, or geography.

My hat’s off to all artistes who use their talent to portray life in all its manifestations – but who also are sensitive to universal standards of decorum and etiquette. As a writer myself, and an aspiring songwriter too, I do believe that while art forms and expressions must tell the tale of the human experience in all its aspects, a good artist – singer, painter, writer, musician, dancer, actor – must place self-imposed limits if they are to capture the widest range of potential listeners or readers.

May good music continue to soothe us, to liberate us, to tell the story of our struggles and victories, and sustain us as we continue the arduous journey of life.