Celebrating Simple Gifts. Seeking a peaceful, connected centeredness. By Robert W Malone MD, MS (12/02/24)
Dr. Malone wrote a beautiful essay inspired by the Shaker song below:
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.
~ "Simple Gifts" is a Shaker song written and composed in 1848, generally attributed to Elder Joseph Brackett from Alfred Shaker Village.
In this lovely essay, Dr. Malone describes our current world, then asks:
What are the alternatives? What can individuals (or souls) do to remain free and autonomous when surrounded by these manipulative methods?
He explains that we often fail to recognize the simple things including:
Establish connections with the natural, physical world and to each other.
Recommit to family, friends, community, faith in God or a higher purpose.
Reject hatred and division.
Start talking to each other, even those that seem to be different or do not share your politics or point of view.
Find meaningful work, including creating physical, functional objects. (Initially a humble carpenter by trade before becoming a scientist and doctor, Dr. Malone described his recent repair of a leaky water heater and a broken ground hydrant that had frozen and cracked.)
Cultivate your garden. Value simplicity.
There’s much more, and we encourage you to read the entire article.
A Bit about the “Simple Gifts” Song:
Image in the article: Hannah Cohoon, The Tree of Light or Blazing Tree, 1845
Shaker Museum History: shakermuseum.us/tis-gif…
Sheet music (downloadable): 8notes.com/scores/11213…
Gospel singer Jeanie Mummert sings "Simple Gifts" composed in 1848 by Elder Joseph Brackett: youtube.com/watch?v=AgQ…
Simple Gifts” is the fourth song in Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, Set 1. Marilyn Horne Rendition from 1950 (click below, then scroll down for video):
