WELCOME TO THE ONLINE COMMUNITY!
In the spirit of trying new things, we are going to have some fun with this first note: a conversation with Jont, Michelle & You!
Jont: "THANK YOU all so much for being among the first to sign-up for this new online community experience!
It will be the hub for my creativity and I appreciate you being part of it from the beginning.
As well, I am so happy to have Michelle (and hubby, John) working with me to support the growth and sharing of my music. Many of you know Michelle. She is our “Community Connector” and among other roles, she is enthusiastically adding the best content and hosting the main bits of our online community."
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Michelle: "I am delighted to meet you all and excited to see how this online community experience will evolve.
As many of you know, I LOVE finding new ways for people to experience Jont’s music!
It’s amazing to think back to a year ago, when we were first exploring how we might create a meaningful and engaging online community - one that finds each other through the beacon of love that this music (its messages and the people who enjoy it), beams out! Now it is here and we are honoured to be among a handful of artists working with the programmers to make this part of the site engaging and user-friendly.
This gathering “space” feels like a way to bring like-minded-and-hearted people together to inspire and support each other, as well as a way to directly support Jont's ongoing creative offerings as an artist we all love!
I am so grateful and excited about the possibilities!"
J: "And this is only the beginning. We launched the community a few weeks ago while on the Gentle Warrior Western Canada Tour.
Over the coming weeks we will continue to share amazing content that makes you want to laugh, sing, cry, dance and perhaps become part of the "love-and-peace-expanding projects" along the way...as part of a conscious online community based around the fundamental concept that we are one and that you are us.
I think the real power of this community is in its shared values, it’s desire to make positive change in the world, and to provide a chance for people with these similar values from different parts of the world to connect and discuss how to bring wisdom and positivity to their communities in such challenging times for the world."
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M: "Yes! And we will be reaching out in the coming weeks to ask for some input and feedback as we move forward. We promise to honour your time, energy and freedom to choose and participate.
It is our intention that this be a community space where you feel called to engage with the ideas, people and experiences that really move your heart!"
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J: "On that note: Have you all watched the newest official video for the song, “Birdwatching” posted on the Subscribers page?
When I first saw it I was totally spellbound. It is challenging and deep and it seems to have an ineffable quality a bit more than the sum of its parts....of realness...no trying to cover up the truth here…"
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M: "Yes, I know what you mean. I had to watch it three times to sort out all the feelings and sensations that arose. And where I eventually landed was in a space of relief…one of holding all of life a little more lightly...
Now, here’s where YOU come in! Sign-in and watch the video. Then please take a moment to post a reflection or comment on the Gentle Warrior Subscribers Forum page under the “Birdwatching - The Video Experience” topic.
I have posted my reflections there – feel free to comment on that, too. This is one of the ways we practice seeing and understanding together."
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J: "And in the meantime, as we continue adding content and working out any bugs in the site with the programmers, if you have any questions, suggestions, feedback, please share it with us.
It helps everyone have the best possible experience.
Thank you all for joining us on this adventure in music, community and connection!"
Jont XX
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“They might dance down the street on the way to work, gaze into the eyes of a complete stranger and speak of love at first sight, or defend an apparently absurd idea. Warriors of light allow themselves days like these.
They are not afraid to weep over ancient sorrows or feel joy at new discoveries. When they feel that the moment has arrived, they drop everything and go off on some long-dreamed-of adventure. When they realize that they can do no more, they abandon the fight, but never blame themselves for having committed a few unexpected acts of folly.
Warriors do not spend their days trying to play the roles that others have chosen for them.”
― Adapted from Paulo Coelho, Warrior of the Light