'The Whole of the Moon'

There were no pictures on Google featuring these particular words, so I made one myself (click to see the whole thing!) From one of the best songs ever made: lyrics that have comforted me since I was a kid. There are many theories as to who or what this song is about, and it means different things to everyone who loves it. I first heard it when I was about 13, and spending lots of time on my own (sometimes content in solitude, sometimes not). Occasionally, I felt ashamed that I did not spend as much time in the company of my peers as others of my age seemed to.

This song helped me see that it's great to be active, and surround yourself with people (if those actions are meaningful, and the people are kind and good, and healthy for you), but that it is also okay to spend time alone, and to be introspective and reflective. Introspection is often associated with loneliness, and it's true that too much of it can take you to a lonely place. But you can also learn many things this way, not just about yourself, but about the whole world and everything in it! ('every precious dream and vision underneath the stars!') Self-awareness, empathy and insight are rare gems. They make for the best art; they create CONNECTIONS; they make the world a less alienating place. Let them glitter and flourish.

I'll sign off with what just might be the most magical video on YouTube: Mike Scott and Vinnie Kilduff playing 'The Whole of the Moon' for an audience of schoolchildren in Connemara, Ireland, 1987.