Summary

My peace offering is Simple Gifts Ð a beautiful Shaker tune from the 19th century. Here are the words:
“Tis the gift to be simple, Ôtis the gift to be free, Ôtis the gift to come down where we ought to be, and when we find ourselves in the place just right, Ô twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, to bow and to bend we shanÕt be ashamed. To turn, turn will be our delight, Ôtil by turning, turning, we come round right.”
There is a basic connection that human beings need with one another. One of the things we look for in connection is trust Ð people listening to one another. I think music is a starting point for that feeling of connection. It comforts us and helps us to find peace within ourselves so that we can then imagine the conditions needed to feel safe and to take action Ð to build the society we want to live in. For me, building peace begins with being a part of the solution through small actions Ð through Òsimple giftsÓ Ð and to know that they count, because they add up. by Yo-Yo Ma, Musical Arts, France / Massachusetts, Day 25 / July 30, 2020.