This past week I was lucky to be surrounded by some caring, committed humans who were all seeking reflection and connection and maybe, possibly, meaning. In one conversation a mention was made of poet Joy Harjo’s comment that in tumultuous times – which may indeed be all times – we are called to fly a little. 

On a long desert road trip that followed, I found myself singing along to top hits of the 80’s (obviously), and wondering where all of the saxophones in pop music have gone. (Woodwinds 4-eva!)

Lo and behold, these two dots are connected.

The saxophone is so human. Its tendency is to be rowdy, edgy, talk too loud, bump into people, say the wrong words at the wrong time, but then you take a breath, all the way from the center of the Earth, and blow. All that heartache is forgiven. All that love we humans carry makes a sweet, deep sound, and we fly a little.

     – Joy Harjo, in conversation with Krista Tippett 

Dear ones, whether our lives feel steady or swirly,

whether through saxophone or spirit,

may we all find a way

to fly a little.