Studio Blog (December, 2010)

One of the many things to appreciate about the holiday season is the spirit of giving and interconnectedness. Candice and I visited a place that embodies that spirit throughout the year.

The Gathering Place is an amazing place, located in a business park on the east side of Cleveland (they also have a west-side location in Westlake). Their mission is to support, educate and empower individuals and families touched by cancer through programs and services provided free of charge.

It is most certainly “a community of sharing and support that promotes healing and wellness.”

From the moment you enter, you are met with peace. As you walk into the foyer, you see an artistic slate of inspirational quotations and are soon greeted by a warm and welcoming staff. A tranquil waiting room (called the “living room”) contains artwork, a fountain, peaceful background music and contemplative books. The pace of life really slows down when you enter this caring space.

We were given a tour of the facilities and impressed by the number of services that are offered, and all of it for FREE. There is art therapy, massage, yoga, a gym, nutrition and cooking classes, performances, an extensive library and even a garden — an amazing natural oasis in the middle of “9 to 5 paced” Commerce Park in Beachwood.

In addition to our appreciation for such a place, we were struck by two things. First, we noticed artwork on the walls by participants in the art therapy program and even by local artists who had their work displayed. Images of nature were everywhere.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to us because we are always on a quest to commune with nature and share those experiences, but we were pleased to see so many natural images in the artwork that further enhances this healing and supportive environment.

The second thing that entered our thoughts was that The Gathering Place gives people who are touched by cancer the opportunity to experience the best things in life. I kept thinking, “who wouldn’t want this?” All of us could benefit from embodying this kind of positive, supportive and healing energy. Imagine a world in which this lifestyle is our paradigm.

The Gathering Place has further inspired us to create that kind of life for ourselves as we inspire others to give themselves that gift as well.

Click on this link if you’re interested in discovering ways to support this fantastic place.

You may be thinking, a Water Film from New York City?

You bet. Because Central Park is an oasis of calm in the middle of fast paced urban living. As you watch, it might be hard to imagine that there were thousands of people just outside of the camera’s eye. Many city dwellers were enjoying the day in nature.

We’ve been pondering this spot ever since our visit because it’s amazing that this rectangular slice of nature seems to bring an entire urban metropolis into balance.

If you desire a ten minute break today, sink into your chair and become transformed by the beauty of Central Park.

The soundtrack for this film is called “November Day,” a piano solo inspired by that warm autumn afternoon. You can download it here.

Press play to refresh your mind and body.

You can also watch it on YouTube.

Also, the video link is appearing on a site of our new friends at HawaiianLife.com. They are always kind enough to share Water Films with their community. This cool site features a blog, photos, music, links and a community of people who are dedicated to “getting in touch with the true Hawaiian spirit.” Check them out!

In early 2011, we will be releasing a DVD of these Water Films so people can take them wherever they like and watch the videos in full HD.