1991 speech and Potter's Wheel

Food for thought:  John refers to the best science of the day in this speech.  The time frame given of 20 years to turn it around expired in 2011.  The next two generations would be people born (approximately) between 1965 - 1985, which makes them between the ages of 32 - 46 today.  These could be our children's ages.  How did you do?  Are your kids and grandkids aware and making conscious choices?  We are seven years past the prediction time frame.  Are you still willing to work for the cause, to make a difference?   Use this as a tool of inspiration.  Comments appreciated.

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John’s introductory speech:          (to translate, use the Google tool in the sidebar)

“I believe that all of us here, and those who have yet to arrive, have many things in common.  One of the things that I think we have in common is a desire to make a difference in the world.  I wanted to say that to you this morning because I believe that one of the most critical things that we face in our world, which to a large degree is a product of social injustice, is that there are at least two generations of young people out there for whom that notion of making a difference does not exist; for whom that idea that living a life that matters does not exist.  

In the next ten to twenty years we will determine whether or not higher life forms can sustain themselves on this planet.  That we as human beings are, in fact, the endangered species.  I think the fact that under lies that is that if we are on a downward spiral now, and we turn it over to one generation and then another generation who don’t think it can get any better and who have no vision of a brighter future and a better quality of life, then I would say that we’re signing our own death warrant.

So, the most critical challenge that faces us, in my opinion, in the world today is what are the things that you and I can do collectively and as individuals to create that spark in those two young generations of people that says ‘there’s still a chance’.  We still have the opportunity to make conscious choices and to turn this thing around.  To create not only a healthy environment and a sustainable future, but a better quality of life for all living things.”      

Potter's Wheel

The world is fast becoming younger, the news is all they've ever known.
They've seen the wars, the hurt, the hunger, how will they choose when they are grown.
What do you tell forever's children when it's their turn to hurt and heal?
Whatever spins a grim tornado can also turn a potter's wheel.

Take a little clay, put it on a wheel, get a little hint how God must feel.
Give a little turn, listen to it spin, make it into the shape you want it in.


Tell with your life the bloody story, teach to they're dreams not burning steel.
It's not in bombs where lies the glory but in what's shattered on the field.
The potter's wheel takes love and caring, skill and patience fast and slow.
The works it makes are easily broken once they survive the potter's throw


Take a little clay, put it on a wheel, get a little hint how God must feel.
Give a little turn, listen to it spin, make it into the shape you want it in.


Some day some children will be digging in some long forgotten ground
and they'll find our civilization or what's left of it to be found.
They'll find the weapons of destruction, but buried deeper in the hole,
they'll find a message and a promise in the sand, the potter's bowl.


Take a little clay, put it on a wheel, get a little hint how God must feel.
Give a little turn, listen to it spin, make it into the shape you want it in.
Earth and water and wind conspire with human hands, and love, and fire.

Lyrics by Bill Danoff

[Shared for inspirational and educational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research.]

1991 I Want To Live

" ...For all human beings, no matter who you are - the color of your skin, the philosophical, environmental, or religious heritage you evolve from - that birth cry of a newborn infant is the same. It is the absolute desire and demand to live. ...We each have something to give. It ought to be shared, it's what we in the world need from you. It is the most that you can give us. Having been born into this world, you have the right to live. Human rights are much more than just freedom of speech, freedom of press and religion.... It is a right that is denied millions of people today from before their birth. To me, that is the one obscenity in the world, and this song is a positive expression, a humanistic expression against that obscenity." -John Denver

"It's About Time" There's a full moon over India and Gandhi lives again. Who's to say you have to lose for someone else to win? In the eyes of all the people, the look is much the same, for the first is just the last one when you play a deadly game.
It's about time we realize it, we're all in this together.

It's about time we find out, it's all of us or none. It's about time we recognize it, these changes in the weather. It's about time, it's about changes, and it's about time. There's a light in the Vatican window for all the world to see and a voice cries in the wilderness and sometimes he speaks for me. I suppose I love him most of all when he kneels to kiss the land, with his lips upon our mother's breast, he makes his strongest stand.

It's about time we start to see it, the earth is our only home. It's about time we start to face it, we can't make it here all alone. It's about time we start to listen to the voices in the wind, it's about time and it's about changes and it's about time. There's a man who is my brother, I just don't know his name. But I know his home and family because I know we feel the same. And it hurts me when he's hungry and when his children cry. I too am a father, and that little one is mine. It's about time we begin it, to turn the world around.

It's about time we start to make it, the dream we've always known. It's about time we start to live it, the family of man. It's about time, it's about changes and it's about time. It's about peace and it's about plenty and it's about time, It's about you and me together and it's about time.

1984- The Dream Goes On

As we remember those who gave all, let us move forward on their dream of a better world, as John sang of so eloquently here.

Contemplation

John Denver 1981 - Great Wall of China

1997 - May 23 -Zachary's Birthday

In honor of Zak's birthday today, a special archival audio clip from May 1997. "God Bless the day you were born." 

Let us lift Zak up in light and love as we honor precious moments shared.

Contemplation

Let the rhythm of the tides work their magic on your soul, to show you there is hope for renewal of humanity, as we will work collectively to express.   

Contemplation

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Fly free and let your love soar and reach many through your gestures of peace, love, healing and inclusiveness.  You will be soaring with others on the same mission.  Grace will prevail.  We are One.

Contemplation

There is such reverence felt when gazing at the night skies, watching the Perseid Meteor showers illuminate our perspectives.  Take the time to witness this, to let it be a driving hunger for you to search beyond the usual ways of being, into new ways of inclusiveness, and love for all of humanity.  We are all One.

1995- John Denver- Healing Time On Earth

John sings his newly written song, Healing Time On Earth.

This song was written in 1995, for his environmentalist friend, David Brower, at his request.  Take it to heart and allow it to lift you up so that we can carry the torch forward as we teach our children and grandchildren to do the same.

Let the mountains talk
Let the rivers run
There is wisdom here
There is much to learn
There is much to know
Much to understand
In this healing time
All across the land

You have heard my songs
Oh so many years
You have laughed with me
Washed away my tears
You have shared my joy
You have felt my pain
In this healing time
Walk with me again

Through these darker days
On this narrow line
Help me find my way
Help me see the signs
I am not afraid
I am not alone
You have taught me well
You have brought me home

Let the mountains speak
Let the rivers run
As the world awakes
To the rising sun
In each brand new day
In our own rebirth
In this healing time
On our mother earth

Let the mountains talk
And let the rivers run
There is wisdom here
There's so much to learn
In each brand new day
In our own rebirth
In this healing time
For our mother earth

In each brand new day
In our own rebirth
In this healing time
Here on mother earth

[Shared for inspirational and educational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research.]

Contemplation

Waterfalls are cleansing and sacred pools of wisdom that teach us about ourselves.  Allow yourself to be cleansed into greater understanding of who you are and what you can be and do.

For Jesse Belle's Birthday

May 18th is Jesse Belle's birthday, and this special video, showing her father's love, is just for her.  Blessed Be, Jesse!

Contemplation

Take time to inhale the healing scents of nature and gaze upon the skies above as they both show us there may be many paths to the same destination.  Honor all paths. 

Contemplation

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There will be times of thinking this is the way, all the while another way is being revealed.  Listen. Be still. Be led.

Contemplation

Universal knowledge radiates into my understanding of life, the wholeness of who we are and how we can be with one another. 

Contemplation

Illuminate our hearts pure sunset, that we may step out and do the work of togetherness, of Oneness, which must be done.

Contemplation

Right here, right now, I honor this day, this time and place as sacred; as all places are sacred.  Nurture Mother Earth daily, so she may nurture you. 

Contemplation

I greet each sunrise with the understanding that I must be the peace that surpasses all understanding.  We are all One.  Join me.

1997 - John's note to his Mother, Erma

In a tribute to Mother’s Day, may we each foster such a caring and loving relationship with our mothers.

"My dear mother,

I have wanted to tell you today how very much I love you. I wanted you to know how much you are respected and appreciated by me. That I know how big your heart is, how much you feel and how much you care.

There are times that I wish I could take you in my arms and hold you in a way that would make you feel loved and cared for - that you would feel safe and warm and really appreciated for the wonderful woman you are.

That you would feel understood and respected for all the things that you do. That you would know that someone else knows how much love you have given of yourself beyond measure - time and time again - not only to Dad and Ralph and Ron and me, but also to our families and to so many others.

John, Erma, Dutch, Ron

I wanted you to know what a blessing you have been in my life, and through me to so many others. I would not be the man that I am, nor would I be able to sing the way that I do, nor would I have written the songs that I've written without the influence and the inspiration that you have been to me.

I want you to know that today there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who join me in saying: ‘God bless the day that you were born.’

Happy Birthday, Mom - and many more. I love you.

Your son, John”

1988- Creating is Being - Being is Creating

I thought you might be interested in how I create a song. I wish I could tell you, but I simply don’t know. There are a few things, however, that I would like to share about the process of creating as I have experienced it.

I think for each of us, there is a way that our mind works. There are inclinations that we have, there are opportunities that we find to express ourselves, and there are talents to support that expression. For me, it happens in music. I hear things musically. I see the things that become phrases that can turn into the poem which is the foundation for a song. Sometimes, it is like the song is writing itself. I have really had that experience.

 Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary was quoted as saying something to the effect that he did not so much feel like the writer of the song; rather, he felt like the instrument of that which wanted to be written. Truly, that has been my experience on many occasions.

I also have had the experience of finding a phrase. When I write a song, it comes out of my own emotions, my own experiences, my observations, my perspective, my vision. There is a phrase, generally, that the song begins with – something that captures the whole story in a sense, like “Leaving On a Jet Plane;” or a kind of philosophy in a sense, like “Poems, Prayers, and Promises;” or, more specifically, like “Calypso.”

In any case, I take that phrase and I start to work with it—when I can sit down with a guitar, when I’m driving, when I’m walking. I put these little phrases down in my notebook, and carry them with me. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I’ll sit down and work with them. Over a period of time—sometimes many, many months; sometimes ten or fifteen minutes—it all happens. Again, sometimes it takes a great deal of effort – and other times, it is effortless. ……. How can you explain that? 

What it seemed like for me was that once I let go of trying to say what perhaps I wanted to say, and really put myself in a relaxed place and surrendered, all of a sudden the song gave itself to me. That’s how it feels.

I wonder how often in the process of our creating, we are not able to surrender to our creative inclinations and give ourselves to those feelings? We get caught up in our left brain – our intellectual and logical side of the brain. The other side of the brain, which is creative, is held back by all of these conditions within which we put ourselves – and when we can finally break those conditions down and open up that creative side, there is a flood that comes through.

To recognize that life in every aspect is a creation process, we cannot help but create ourselves as we continue to unfold as human beings. 

One footstep does not necessarily mean that another specified action is bound to follow. To the degree that we succumb to the notion that a single step in a specific direction dictates the following step and every subsequent step, we mechanize ourselves, our lives and our Universe.

The failure to recognize the constancy of change denies our evolution; denies the past, present and future; and denies the reality of our Universe. The failure to acknowledge each of us as affecting that constancy of change is to negate, to some degree, our existence.

A part of the Windstar philosophy states that, “Each of us is part of and responsible for the quality of life on Planet Earth.” What that means to me is that each of us – by the choices we make and the actions we take, by the very way we live our lives- is a determining factor in the quality of life on this planet. A new world is constantly being created every day as a product of our being. In an incredibly profound way, we are – each of us- creative, whether we wish to be or not.

• Rejoice in that. 

• Rejoice in the creative power that lives in you.

• Use it synergistically. 

• Use it responsibly. 

• Acknowledge yourself for what you have created and be totally responsible for it.

• It is yours.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the privilege of being a part of your creation. At the same time, I honor what you are in my world, our friendship, and our partnership. What we are creating together will make a difference. 

Peace!

by John Denver, Summer 1988, Windstar Journal article (abridged) 

 [Shared for inspirational and educational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research.]

Contemplation

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Step outside of your comfort zone and let it take you within;  within the forests, within your mind, heart and soul.  Allow healing energies to reach you. 

1981 - I Want To Live

In this archival video from 1981, John performs at a hunger conference in Utah, singing his song, "I Want To Live". There are so many important points this song makes about everyone wanting an opportunity to thrive.  

Let this be a reminder for each of us to do what we can to support solutions, honoring both John's work and lifting up humankind.

"I Want To Live"

There are children raised in sorrow on a scorched and barren plain,
there are children raised beneath a golden sun.
There are children of the water, children of the sand,
and they cry out through the universe, their voices raised as one:

I want to live, I want to grow, I want to see, I want to know,
I want to share what I can give, I want to be, I want to live.

Have you gazed out on the ocean, seen the breaching of a whale?
Have you watched the dolphins frolic in the foam?
Have you heard the song the humpback hears five hundred miles away?
Telling tales of ancient history of passages and home?

I want to live, I want to grow, I want to see, I want to know,
I want to share what I can give, I want to be, I want to live.

For the worker and the warrior, the lover and the liar, for the native and the wanderer in kind.
For the maker and the user, and the mother and her son.
I am looking for my family and all of you are mine.

We are standing all together, face to face and arm in arm.
We are standing on the threshold of a dream.
No more hunger, no more killing, no more wasting life away.
It is simply an idea and I know its time has come.

I want to live, I want to grow, I want to see, I want to know,
I want to share what I can give, I want to be,

I want to live, I want to grow, I want to see, I want to know,
I want to share what I can give, I want to be, I want to live.
I want to live, I want to grow, I want to see, I want to know,
I want to share what I can give, I want to be,

I want to live, I want to live, I want to live.

[Shared for inspirational and educational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research.]

Contemplation

As the forces of life rush by you, remain steadfast in your beliefs of a better world. Be ready to be the strength of love and possibility that the world needs to see.

1988- Communication, Commitment, Direction

Cooperation: to work together, in conjunction with; to cooperate

The greatest experience that I have of cooperation in an on-going way is through music. Every time I sit down with my band and work out the arrangement to a song, and each time we go into the studio, there is a great experience of gifted people coming from different areas, whose talents are expressed on different musical instruments, who come together with their own ideas, following the vision of one individual (the producer and/or the writer).

There is commitment to the project - which is to make a good record. Everyone works on this together, lending the very best of themselves to the project. At times we go too far. There are things which aren’t working that need to be cut out. Nonetheless, with communication, commitment and direction, there is a great, great experience of cooperation. Pretty soon, we’ve got a record.

My most recent experience of this happened with my friends from Aspen, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. They invited me to participate in their “Let the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume II” album. We went into the studio in Nashville at noon. I had heard the song they wanted to do a couple times on tape. They had heard it and had been working on it that morning.

"And So It Goes" 

There were some other musicians there who had not heard the song before, whom I did not know and had just met that day. Over the course of three hours, we were able to make a live recording of one of the best country songs I have heard in a long time. It was a wonderful, wonderful experience. Again, through communication, commitment, and direction, we were all able to work together and to create some wonderful music that I look forward to you hearing.

It occurred to me from this experience that really all of the things that we most enjoy in our relationships with one another are examples of cooperation - whether in friendship, business, education, the arts, or sports. Think of the football teams that some of us watch every Saturday and Sunday, and the different individuals involved coming together to make a team effort. This is an expression of cooperation.

It seems to me that we want to cooperate, actually and we look for opportunities to do this. I think of what great opportunities there are now in the world for cooperation at a level that is unprecedented.

1988 three whales trapped in Arctic ice.

The saving of two whales this past fall off the coast of Alaska was a media circus as far as I am concerned. Two things did come out of the rescue. We actually saved the whales, but more importantly, and in fact, I think this was ultimately the purpose of the whole exercise , we demonstrated that it took both the Soviet Union and the United States working together to accomplish what neither one of us by ourselves could do. [You can read about it here in this article from 2012: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art... ]

I look at the incredible outpouring of sympathy and support for the people of Armenia in the aftermath of the recent earthquake. It is wonderful to see people from all over the world helping the Soviet Union in ways that I think are unprecedented.

Armenia location

What this starts to demonstrate again for me is that it is going to take all of us working together to deal with this kind of tragedy, whenever and wherever it occurs.

At the same time, it disturbs me that we are not looking at an ongoing crisis like hunger on this planet - that sees the loss of 35,000 individuals every single day, days without end, and responding in the same kind of way. We need communication and a worldwide commitment to the end of hunger. Then under the direction of the experts already in place who are working to accomplish this end, we can feasibly and cooperatively put an end to hunger on this planet. Hunger. No more.

We are facing a future where these types of problems are going to get worse. The way to deal with these problems is only through cooperation. Consequently, rules and regulations or laws if necessary, need to be met, communicated and agreed to by people who are committed to living up to working together.....

.....We also have to think cooperatively beyond our own national boundaries. Industrial pollution from the United States is creating acid rain - not only in our forests, but in Canada as well.

Acid rain effects on forests

What does this say about our country’s integrity? Is the Environmental Protection Agency cooperating with our desire for a safe and healthy planet? What does it take for us to learn to listen to one another and work collectively to remedy the problems we currently face?

 

Gorbachev at U.N.

There is a great opportunity to express our desire for cooperation. Secretary General Gorbachev, in a speech at the United Nations, gave an articulate perspective of a world view. What he described in regard to the environment, economics, space, and the military was an invitation for all of us to begin working together and cooperating to deal with these global issues.

It is going to take the same kind of effort that is demonstrated by any football team making a touchdown, or any business completing a successful campaign. Cooperation is the concerted, strategic effort that was displayed in freeing the whales from the polar ice, and it is the same kind of effort that is now occurring globally to help the people of Armenia.

Cooperation is communication, commitment, and direction. These are the ingredients that will take us peacefully and progressively into the next century.

-John Denver

Windstar Journal - Winter 1988