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Integral Evidence Paper: Integral Dave
Posted May 26th, 2009 by Jim Arsenault in Integral Evidence Paper: Integral Dave
Hi there!
I think it would be great to create a process to nominate individuals who demonstrate evidence of living Integral lives and/or producing Integral works (artifacts). As we well know, simply bringing Ken’s AQAL model into awareness can have a profoundly transformative effect, I would think especially on an Integral mind previously unaware of the model.
As an example of an Integral evidence paper, I have created one below, providing evidence, by way of example, that Dave Matthews of The Dave Matthews Band is, in my opinion, an Integral musician (sort of a twist on a pointing out instruction 
. I think it would be fun (and actually quite helpful) to build Integral connectivity in this way. Those selected might receive some form of Integral [Artistry] Recognition, perhaps along with a brief description of Integral and pointers to additional detail on www.IntegralLife.com (and maybe even a request for an interview). The idea is to simply point out to the artist her/his Integral capacity. This might be a great way to reach out to (potentially uninformed) Integral thinkers (and a great way to build up the Integral network).
. I think it would be fun (and actually quite helpful) to build Integral connectivity in this way. Those selected might receive some form of Integral [Artistry] Recognition, perhaps along with a brief description of Integral and pointers to additional detail on www.IntegralLife.com (and maybe even a request for an interview). The idea is to simply point out to the artist her/his Integral capacity. This might be a great way to reach out to (potentially uninformed) Integral thinkers (and a great way to build up the Integral network).I have done some investigating, and so far have not found any formal “Integral evidence” initiative. There does seem to be interest in creating one, however.
Since my time is limited now that I am working on establishing my Integral Life Coaching practice, it would be fantastic if anyone interested (as well as myself) could work together to define such an initiative or program.
I took an intuitive and creative approach below in identifying Dave Matthews as Integral; fully acknowledging that “intuitive” and “creative” are not necessarily ideal ways of measurement or identification. As such, given that there is interest in creating some form of Integral Evidence document; a couple things that come to mind in need of development here are: (1) well-defined Integral Criterion and (2) ways to communicate to those selected Integralists.
Again, to anyone interested in expanding this or of creating your own “Integral Evidence paper”, ideas are welcomed. Thank you!
What follows below are the lyrics to several Dave Matthews Band songs. A history of the band can be found from the Dave Matthews Site. In order to get the full experience of Dave’s work, interested readers could view and hear one or more of his songs by searching the Web (e.g., Google Videos "DMB Spoon").
Before delving into Dave’s lyrics, just a glance at Dave’s Wikipedia Entry – in my opinion - shows signs of an Integral lifestyle. Here are a few highlights:
o "Since 2000, Matthews has been one of the board members of Farm Aid..." Matthews owns 542 hectares (1,340 acres) of farmland near Scottsville, Virginia named Maple Hill Farm, where he grows organic vegetables, flowers, and herbs through a community-supported agriculture program. He also has a 1.6 hectare (4 acre) wine-growing operation, Blenheim Vineyards, which utilizes gravity flow and other gentle winemaking techniques”.
o “Matthews has been active in charity work, both on his own and with his bandmates. He has performed benefit concerts for music education, Hurricane Katrina victims, farmers, and victims of the Virginia Tech shooting. The band's charitable organization, the Bama Works Fund is administered by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, benefiting charitable programs in the region. In 2008 he participated in a music album called Songs for Tibet, together with a number of other celebrities as an initiative to support Tibet and Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso”.
o “Matthews openly supported the 2008 presidential campaign for Barack Obama, both in the primaries and in the general election. On April 6, 2008, he and Tim Reynolds played a number of concerts titled "Change Rocks",to encourage students to register to vote”.
o Dave to Chat with Dalai Lama – from http://nancies.org/
Apr.02.2008
“Prior to Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds' Seattle benefit concert for the Dalai Lama, Dave and Lama Gyatso will engage in an on-stage dialogue. A known fan of the Buddhist leader in exile, this has got to be an exciting opportunity for Dave Matthews”.
“Prior to Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds' Seattle benefit concert for the Dalai Lama, Dave and Lama Gyatso will engage in an on-stage dialogue. A known fan of the Buddhist leader in exile, this has got to be an exciting opportunity for Dave Matthews”.
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Now, on to his lyrics. I’ve included several lyrical examples of his songs below, and highlighted key verses in TEAL (perhaps fittingly) which - to me - point to signs that Dave Matthews is an Integralist.
Let’s start with “What You Are” [from Everyday Feb 2001]. This one is interesting, as it gets me thinking about the “3 faces of Spirit” which Ken Wilber and others so beautifully point to. It appears that Integral Dave is referencing Spirit in the 1st person here. The last I read, Dave was agnostic as of 2001, but that is not clear to me now. It would be interesting to find out more about this.
Transpersonal Psychology mentions:
“But, the 'God' we worship is the projection we have placed outside ourselves of this Essence of Consciousness .. for the Transpersonal Self is also the Essence of the tree, the flower, the rock ..”
Integral Dave writes:
Realize, realize what you are...
In Ken Wilber Online: Excerpt G - Toward A Comprehensive Theory of Subtle Energies, Ken writes “…if involution is a forgetting of who you are, evolution is a remembering of who and what you are: tat tvam asi: you are That”
Integral Dave continues:
Don't you know only when you give love
Only then you become what you are
Only then you become what you are
Transpersonal Psychology also suggests that:
“True Spirituality comes from knowing we are the Love we seek, that we are the Beloved, and we are the Act of Loving. The synergy of these three is, in Essence, the Transpersonal Self”.
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Now let’s consider “The Space Between” from Everyday Feb 2001
Integral Dave writes:
The Space Between
The tears we cry
Is the laughter keeps us coming back for more
The Space Between
The wicked lies we tell
And hope to keep us safe from the pain
The tears we cry
Is the laughter keeps us coming back for more
The Space Between
The wicked lies we tell
And hope to keep us safe from the pain
The way he describes the dualities above - I believe - is a poetic a way of whole-ing their parts.
Again, from Transpersonal Psychology:
“Only when you become the mountain (much easier than climbing it) will you see the view, the burning bush .. and the personality “I” may then hear the 'Voice of God' from the silence in the space between the cells ... From this space does true healing, true wholeness emerge”.
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“Spoon” from Under The Table And Dreaming Apr 1998. The song is thought to describe the thoughts of Christ as he is pinned to the crucifix. More details at Wikipedia.
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In “You Never Know” from The Gorge, Dave begins with:
sitting still as stone,
watching...watching...
watching...watching...
This, to me, is reminiscent of “The Witness”. All of this makes me wonder: what is the Source of Dave’s inspiration?
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I have added a few more notable lyrics below; however, in the interest of time, have not commented on them here. I would like to know your thoughts / comments / ideas on the subject of finding ways to build Integral connectivity… I am especially interested in the notion of setting up some kind of Integral evidence criterion / nomination / selection process.
So, please take a hold of this suggestion and run / leap / fly with it as you wish!
All the best,
-- Jim Arsenault
A FEW SELECT DAVE MATTHEWS LYRICS:
“What You Are” from Everyday Feb 2001 I walk into this room Oh, all eyes on me now But I do not know the people inside They look straight through me, these eyes Seeking more wisdom than I have to give away Realize, realize what you are... What you've become, just as I have Are you and I so unalike? I don't hear you just as I am Afraid if we dance we might die Mock the world - live safe, say why? Don't you know only when you give life[/love] Then you become what you are The seas unsparing We're all drifting away Away from you, I pray for you now But hoping to God on high Is like clinging to straws while drowning, oh Realize, realize what you are... What you've become, just as I have Are you and I so unalike? Huddled here you just as I am Afraid if we dance we might die Mock the world - live safe, say why Don't you know if you give love Then you become what you are What you are is the beast in a lover's arms What you are is the devil in the sweet, sweet kiss What you are is missing a piece What you are is a puzzle to me What you've become, just as I have Are you and I so unalike? I don't hear you just as I am Afraid if we sing we might die Mock the world, live safe say - why? Don't you know, when you give love Then you become what you are Don't trust me Trust you... Up to you... Trust you... |
“The Space Between” from Everyday Feb 2001 You cannot quit me so quickly Is no hope in you for me No corner you could squeeze me But I got all the time for you, love The Space Between The tears we cry Is the laughter keeps us coming back for more The Space Between The wicked lies we tell And hope to keep us safe from the pain But will I hold you again? These fickle, fuddled words confuse me Like 'Will it rain today?' Waste the hours with talking, talking These twisted game we play We're strange allies With warring hearts What wild-eyed beast you be The Space Between The wicked lies we tell And hope to keep us safe from the pain Will I hold you again? Will I hold... Look at us spinning out in The madness of a roller coaster You know you went off like a devil In a church in the middle of a crowded room All we can do, my love Is hope we don't take this ship down The Space Between Where you're smiling high Is where you'll find me if I get to go The Space Between The bullets in our firefight Is where I'll be hiding, waiting for you The rain that falls Splash in your heart Ran like sadness down the window into your room... The Space Between Our wicked lies Is where we hope to keep safe from pain Take my hand 'Cause we're walking out of here Oh, right out of here Love is all we need here The Space Between What's wrong and right Is where you'll find me hiding, waiting for you The Space Between Your heart and mine Is the space we'll fill with time The Space Between... |
“Spoon” from Under The Table And Dreaming Apr 1998 Spoon in spoon Stirring my coffee I thought of you And turned to the gate On my way came up with the answers I scratched my head And the answers were gone From hand to hand Wrist to the elbow Red blood sand Could Dad be God? Crosses cross hung out like a wet rag Forgive you why You hung me out to dry Maybe I'm crazy But laughing out loud Makes the pain pass by And maybe you're a little crazy But laughing out loud makes it all subside Holding I'm holding I'm still falling Spoon in spoon Stirring my coffee I thought of this And turned to the gate But on my way Crack Lightning and thunder I hid my head And the storm slipped away, well Maybe I'm crazy And laughing out loud Makes it all pass by And maybe you're a little crazy And laughing out loud Makes it all alright Laughing out loud From time to time Minutes and hours Some move ahead while Some lag behind It's like the balloon that Rise and then vanish This drop of hope That falls from his eyes Spoon in spoon Stirring my coffee I think of this And turn to go away But as I walk There're voices behind me saying Sinners sin Come now and play |
“Dancing Nancies” From Recently Jan 1994 Could I have been A parking lot attendant? Could I have been A millionaire in Bel Air? Could I have been Lost somewhere in Paris? Could I have been Your little brother? Could I have been anyone other than me? Could I have been oh, anyone other than me? Could I have been anyone? He stands touch his hair his shoes untied Tongue gaping stare Could I have been a magnet for money? Could I have been anyone other than me? Twenty three I’m so tired of life Such a shame to throw it all away The images grow darker still Could I have been anyone other then me? Then i Look up at the sky My mouth is open wide, lick and taste What’s the use in worrying, what’s the use in hurrying Turn turn we almost become dizzy I am who I am who I am, well who am i? Requesting some enlightenment Could I have been anyone other than me? And then I’ll Sing and dance and I’ll play for you tonight The thrill of it all Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes But I’ll work it out And then i Falling out of a world of lies Could I have been dancing nancy Dancing nancy Could I have been anyone other than me? |
“Two Step” from Crash Apr 1996 Say, my love, I came to you with best intentions You laid down and gave to me just what I'm seeking Love, you drive me to distraction Hey my love do you believe that we might last a thousand years Or more if not for this, our flesh and blood It ties you and me right up Tie me Celebrate we will Because life is short but sweet for certain We're climbing two by two To be sure these days continue These things we cannot change Hey, my love, you came to me like wine comes to this mouth Grown tired of water all the time You quench my heart and love you quench my mind Let’s celebrate Celebrate we will Because life is short but sweet for certain We climb on two by two To be sure these days continue The things we cannot Celebrate, you and me, we climb on two by two, to be sure these days continue, things we cannot change Oh, my love I came to you with best intentions You laid down and gave to me just what I'm seeking Celebrate we will Because life is short but sweet for certain We climb on two by two To be sure these days continue Things we cannot change... |
“Lie In Our Graves” from Crash Apr 1996 When I step into the light My arms are open wide When I step into the light My eyes searching wildly Would you not like to be Sitting on top of the world with Your legs hanging free Would you not like to be ok, ok, ok? When I'm walking by the water Splish splash me and you takin’ a bath When I'm walking by the water Come up through my toes To my ankles To my head To my soul And I'm blown away When I'm walking by the water Splish splash me and you takin’ a bath When I'm walking by the water Come up through my toes To my ankles To my head To my soul And I'm blown away I can't believe that we would Lie in our graves Wondering if we had Spent our living days well I can't believe that we would Lie in our graves Dreaming of things that we Might have been I can't believe that we would Lie in our graves Wondering if we had Spent our living days well I can't believe that we would Lie in our graves Dreaming of things that we Might have been Would you not like to be I can't believe that you Would not like to be Would you not like to be Ok, ok, ok |
“Cry Freedom” from Crash Apr 1996 How can I turn away Brother/Sister go dancing Through my head Human as to human The future is no place To place your better days Cry freedom cry From a crowd ten thousand wide Hope laid upon hope That this crowd will not subside Let this flag burn to dust And a new a fair design be raised While we wait head in hands Hands in prayer And fall into a dreamless sleep again And we wave our hands Hands and feet are all alike But gold between divide us Hands and feet are all alike But fear between divide us All slip away There was a window and by it stood A mirror in which He could see himself He thought of something Something he had never had but hoped would come along Cry freedom, cry From deep inside Where we are all confined While we wave hands in fire Wave our hands Hands and feet are all alike But gold between divide us Hands and feet are all alike But fear between divide us, Slip away In this room stood a little child And in this room this little child She would remain Until someone might decide To dance this little child Across this hall Into a cold, dark, space Where she might never trace her way across this crooked mile Across this crooked page Cry freedom, cry From deep inside where We are all confined Till we wave our hands How can I turn away Brother/Sister go dancing Through my head Human as to human The future is no place To place your better days Hands and feet are all alike But gold between divide us Hands and feet are all alike But fear between divide us Hands and feet are all alike Hear what I say Hear what I say And we dance away How can I turn away Brother/Sister go dancing Through my head Human as to human The future is no place To place your better days |
“One Sweet World” from Remember Two Things Jun 1997 Nine planets surround the sun Only one does the sun embrace Upon this watered one So much we take for granted So let us sleep outside tonight Lay down in our mother's arms For here we can rest safely If green should turn to grey Would our hearts still bloody beat If the mountains tumbled away, rivers dried Would it stop the stepping feet Whoa, let us sleep outside tonight Lay down in our mother's arms For here we can rest safely (Whoa, yes we can) Take all that we can get When it's done Nobody left to bury here Nobody left to dig our holes And here we can rest safely One sweet world Around this star is spinning One sweet world And in her breath I'm swimming And here I will rest in peace |
“JTR” from Live At Folsom Field Boulder Colorado Nov 2002 I see you now Oh, fill me now, my friend I feel it's coming down My voice cries out And I only hope that you're the one My words will fall upon I play my cards But it's by the grace of love That I play my cards at all Come fill me up Oh fill me now when I'm empty When I'm all dried out Rain, rain, rain down on me Again and again Rain down on me Oh, I see it now I see them all, see them all They line up to drink the blood I see it now I believe the devil and the lord have been dancing all along Watch that be just not the way Left and right we're different, different What live, oh, then to give, what to become to take your time, oh What's this, oh, what to give to get home all alone To save me, child Rain, rain, rain down on me Again and again Rain down on me I feel it now I see you standing there like an angel That fell down from above I see you now I don't believe anything but a billion years Could make you what you are Say, oh, God give, don't take away Who is the one to break up, break up Made it all, tears in the way Hope to get me to break my time off God give, don't take away Oh, but what to save me, child? Rain, rain, rain down on me Again and again Rain down on me Rain, rain, rain down on me |
“Pig” from Before These Crowded Streets Apr 1998 Isn't it strange How we move our lives for another day Like skipping a beat What if a great wave should wash us all away Just thinking out loud Don't mean to dwell on this dying thing But look at my blood It's alive right now Deep and sweet within Pouring through our veins Intoxicate moving wine to tears Drinking it deep Then an evening spent dancing It's you and me This love will open our world From the dark side we can see a glow of something bright There's much more than we see here Don't burn the day away Is this not enough This blessed sip of life Is it not enough Staring down at the ground Oh then complain and pray more from above Greedy little pig Stop just watch your world trickle away Oh it's your problem now It'll all be dead and gone in a few short years Just love will open our eyes Just love will put the hope in our minds Much more than we could ever know Don't burn the day away Come sister my brother Shake up your bones shake up your feet I'm saying open up And let the rain come pouring in Wash out this tired notion That the best is yet to come But while you're dancing on the ground Don't think of when you're gone Love! love!? what more is there? We need the light of love in here Don't beat your head Dry your eyes Let the love in there There are bad times But that's ok Just look for love in it Don't burn the day away Look Here are we On this starry night staring into space And I must say I feel as small as dust Lying down here What point could there be troubling Head down wondering what will become of me Why concern we cannot see But no reason to abandon it Time is short but that's all right Maybe I'll go in the middle of the night Take your hands from your eyes, my love Everything must end some time Don't burn the day away Come sister My brother Shake up your bones shake up your feet I'm saying open up And let the rain come flooding in Wash out this tired notion That the best is yet to come But while you're dancing on the ground Don't think of when you're gone Love! love!? what more is there? We need the light of love in here Don't beat your head Dry your eyes Let the love in there There are bad times But that's ok Just look for love in it |
“You Never Know” from The Gorge Jun 2004 sitting still as stone, watching...watching... people walking by me now, wondering why, no one ever stops to talk or thinks about it, they ever did what if God shuffled by, one day we might see, but doing not a thing, like breathing just to breathe, that we might find some kind of reason, but it's running around seems what's wrong with the world, don't loose the dreams inside your head, they're only there and then you're dead, so dream... lying on the roof, counting... the stars that fill the sky, I wonder is... someone's in the heavens looking back down on me, I'll never know, so much space to believe funny when you're small, how the moon follows the car, there's no one, but you see, hey, the moon is chasing me and I worried if I looked away she'd be gone, don't let the troubles in your head, take too much time, you'll soon be dead, hey... walking through the woods, with no cares in the world, the world she's come to play, and she's all mine, just for a day and there's not a moment to loose in this game, don't loose the troubles inside your head, steal too much time you’ll soon be dead, dream... all fall down, it won't be so long now, out of the darkness comes light, like a flash, you think you can, you think you can, sometimes that is the problem, dream little darling, dream... spinning on the wind, a leaf fell from a limb, but every day should be a good day to die all fall down, it won't be so long now, out of it fly I find it hard to explain how I got here, I think I can, I think I can, but then again, I will falter, dream... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, dream little darling, dream... spinning on the wind, a leaf fell from a limb |
“Digging A Ditch” from Busted Stuff Jul 2002 Unto your dreaming When you're alone Unplug the TV Turn off your phone Get heavy on with digging your ditch Cause I'm digging a ditch where madness gives Digging a ditch where silence lives Digging a ditch for when I'm old Digging a ditch where stories told Where all these troubles That weigh down on me will rise Unto your dreaming When you're alone Where all these worries Weigh heavy on my heart Will rise, will rise, will rise... Unto your dreaming When you're alone Unplug the TV Turn off your phone Get heavy on with digging your ditch Cause I'm diggin a ditch where madness gives Digging a ditch where silence lives Digging a ditch and when I'm through Digging this ditch I'll dig in for you Where all these disappointments That grow angry out of me will rise Unto your dremaing When you're alone Not what you're should be or what you've become Just getting heavy on with digging your ditch Cause I'm digging a ditch where madness gives I'm digging a ditch where silence lives Digging a ditch and when I'm through Digging a ditch I'll give one you Where all these disappointments That grow angry out of me will rise Unto your dreaming When you're alone Where all these habits That weigh down on me will die Will die, will die, will die... Unto your dreaming When you're alone Unplug the TV Turn off your phone Get heavy on with digging your ditch |
“Bartender” from Busted Stuff Jul 2002 If I go, Before I'm old. Oh, brother of mine, Please don't forget me if I go. Bartender, please, Fill my glass for me. With the wine you gave Jesus, That set him free after three days in the ground. Oh, and if I die, Before my time. Oh, sweet sister of mine, Please don't regret me if I die. Bartender, please, Fill my glass for me. With the wine you gave Jesus, That set him free after three days in the ground. Bartender, please, Fill my glass for me. With the wine you gave Jesus, That set him free after three days in the ground. I'm on bended knees, I pray bartender please When I was young, I didn't think about it. Now I can't get it out of my mind. I'm on bended knees, Father, please. Oh, and if all this gold, Should steal my soul away. Oh, dear mother of mine, Please redirect me if this gold... Bartender, you see, The wine that's drinking me, Came from the vine that strung Judas, From the Devil's tree. His roots deep, deep in the ground. Bartender, you see, The wine that's drinking me, Came from the vine that strung Judas, From the Devil's tree, It's roots deep, deep in the ground, ground. I'm on bended knees, Oh, Bartender, please. I'm on bended knees Father, please. When I was young, I didn't think about it. Now I just want to run and hide. I'm on bended knees, oh Bartender, please, Bartender, please... |
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Dave doesn't rock
Posted May 26th, 2009 by Richard LaymanAccording to Futurama episode "The Why of Fry":
Fry: "So, I really am important? How I feel when I'm drunk is correct?"
Nibblonian 1: "Yes. Except the Dave Matthews Band doesn't rock."
www.gotfuturama.com/Multimedia/EpisodeSounds/4ACV10/
--
There is no answer. There is no solution. There is only practice. (Anon.)
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Evidence...what a lovely game...
Posted May 27th, 2009 by avoidWould you put me as a candidate on your list?
EVIDENCE ...I love this word. The search for evidence is a thrill.
Evidence should be a wonderful challenge for the so-called post-metaphysical 'intellectual' mumbo jumbo we see on the internet...such as Gaia.
Evidence, when we are indeed interested in it, shows us how heavy intellectualization works to sustain our belief system based on the need to control...the need to be better than...as that is all one understands value to be in our society.
Dave's poetic lyrics may sound futile mumbo jumbo for some because...just because...
...the heart is plain terrified.
Thank you Jim.
ps. loved your profile ;)
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[Comment Deleted]
Posted May 26th, 2009 by admin