Culture Shock

I have just returned to County Limerick after spending two weeks visiting my family and friends in Ithaca and Watertown, New York. I have been living and studying in Ireland just short of a year now and I realized during this last visit home that I have become accustomed and that I am much in rhythm with Ireland and my life here. I have been living a more singularly focused life of a student, in an extraordinarily beautiful and quiet setting, concentrating my energy towards intellectual and spiritual growth.

The last time I was home was January. Snow was on the ground, dampening the noise of life. Winter is a time of hibernation, deep quiet, early sunsets, darker, stiller nights. I didn't feel the contrast so completely as I did when in middle-of-June,in the middle-of-the-day,I landed in the heart of wonderful New York City, with its amazing energy, culture, and constant activity, and it was a bit overwhelming. I realized I was experiencing culture shock. Maybe it was a bit of jetlag, too, but I don't think so. I love New York City, but it was too much for the moment: too much noise, too many people, and way too much stuff. I took a stroll down Fifth Avenue and came upon what has always been my favorite department store, Saks Fifth Avenue. I stepped into the store, took one look, and was immediately overcome by the great need to get out. I had stepped back into the consumer society that I had once been a part of, but I have changed. I have no desire to consume anything right now but books and music.

My travel back to Ithaca was easier. Ithaca has great natural beauty, like Ireland. It is a diverse academic community, set on a lake, among hills and gorges and waterfalls. I loved being with my beautiful children, my son, daughter (in-law) and three grandchildren. They are all my children. I adore them. I loved my time with my friends. But beyond being with them I found I had little desire for the first week to go out, into stores, and among people. This is so unlike me. I am such a social being, but I am less so right now and I feel peaceful, calm and completely content being so.

At any rate after a bit of time and short outings to the grocery store and wonderful times with family and friends, I was back in sync somewhat with my life in Ithaca. But as I write I recognize a deep change in within myself, a contentment with just keeping it i simple and more singularly focused, with no need to be "out there", and more need to be in here.

I will continue my JOURNEY IRELAND. I am blessed with the opportunity to extend my MA Ritual Chant and Song program into a second year. The University of Limerick is a fine academic institution and in particular, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance offers excellent and unique programs and I am loving studying there with very fine musicians and teachers . I have learned so much in this first year, but I feel as if I have only just begun. All my life, it has always been about the music. Pursuing my degree through my love of world chant is a dream come true. I remain passionate and joyous about this journey. This coming year will provide more time to thoroughly develop my thesis, to broaden my understanding of chant, ritual, and music theory, to continue vocal training, and to develop a personal repertoire. I am immensely grateful.

As I was writing this entry, I took a break to check my email and I found a note from a very wonderful and intuitive friend, who was obviously reading my mind! He understood, without my telling him, of the culture shock I experienced upon returning to the States and particularly to New York City. He sent me this Rumi poem. It perfectly expresses what I am feeling. I share it as I send my love from Glocca Morra.


Rumi...
Birdsong brings relief
to my longing
I am just as ecstatic as they are,
but with nothing to say!
Please universl soul
practice
some song or something through me.