Mapping Your Journey

If you have found the north star you have found the point from which you can navigate. It can help you understand where you are, your location, and help you discern your destination. In a sense, if you can hold your north star in view, you can never really be lost. Although it is true that you might feel extremely lost. The most helpful question at this point is, nomad, where are you bound? Where is it that you want to go? It could be that you have a simple destination in mind, to travel, a new job, distance from the old job, new relationships, or a restoration of relationships. It could be that you simply want to grow and change or be transformed, as a person. You might know specifically how you want to change, or you might not. You may desire to discover something wholly new about life, a dimension you have been missing. It could be that your destination is to rest and let all of the change around simply flow by. Robert Zimmerman (Bob Dylan) said something like this: “I feel like I was born in the wrong place and my whole life is the story of me trying to find my way home.“

A second question is: what is the matter? Meaning, what is the matter before you?

John Coltrane was considered one of the greatest contemporary musicians. History tells us that he was an average saxophone player. At least until he pursued it with a vengeance. His skill grew exponentially in a short period. In 1965 he released the album A Love Supreme, considered a masterwork of art. The album emanated from his spiritual quest to commune with something deeper, wider, and greater. The story is told of how Coltrane went into the attic of his house for days and emerged with the musical suite. He had his north star, he began to map his journey to the treasure he aimed to find. He wanted to touch something mystical. A Love Supreme was only the beginning.

Curiously, a new and singular live recording has been released, recently, previously lost to time, it can be found HERE. 

The album liner notes for the original recording of A Love Supreme are below.

“DEAR LISTENER: ALL PRAISE BE TO GOD TO WHOM ALL PRAISE IS DUE.  Let us pursue Him in the righteous path. Yes it is true; "seek and ye shall find." Only through Him can we know the most wondrous bequeathal.

During the year 1957, I experienced, by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life. At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music. I feel this has been granted through His grace. ALL PRAISE TO GOD.

As time and events moved on, a period of irresolution did prevail. I entered into a phase which was contradictory to the pledge and away from the esteemed path; but thankfully, now and again through the unerring and merciful hand of God, I do perceive and have been duly re-informed of His OMNIPOTENCE, and of our need for, and dependence on Him. At this time I would like to tell you that NO MATTER WHAT ... IT IS WITH GOD. HE IS GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL. HIS WAY IS IN LOVE, THROUGH WHICH WE ALL ARE. IT IS TRULY – A LOVE SUPREME – .

This album is a humble offering to Him. An attempt to say "THANK YOU GOD" through our work, even as we do in our hearts and with our tongues. May He help and strengthen all men in every good endeavour.”