Holiday Sanity- From Madness To Gladness

By Scott Kalechstein

Ah, the holiday season is upon us, a time when Mother Nature draws us inward and Mother Culture draws us shopping. What will it be this year? Will I pass through the holidays unconsciously, in a frenzy of obligation, hurry and adrenaline, or will I let myself slow down and take it easy like the rest of the natural world is doing at this time of year? I feel committed to staying attuned to the inward call of winter soulstice and the corresponding needs of my soul...to slow down the pace, nurture my beingness and replenish the well within.

A close friend of mine has a birthday that is celebrated in December, although he was really born in July. He is somewhat of a celebrity, a cultural icon that most civilized folks know of, admire and sometimes feel intimidated by. He has been a regular in the supermarket tabloids for two thousand years, even before supermarkets were invented. I've noticed, like with many Hollywood stars, people make him out to be larger than life. They put him on a pedestal, somehow hoping that his life can save theirs, and like to fixate over the minute details of what he said and did. His stage name is Jesus, but his friends from the old neighborhood call him Jeshua Ben Joseph.

The most famous role of his career has been Prince of Peace, Savior of the World. (When writing the script, the Director realized that the part was far too big to be given to just one, so he cast every human being to star equally in the role. Alas, most people are so convinced they're not worthy of an audition, they don't realize they got the part!) Jeshua, after retiring from show business in a glorious spectacle of emotion, now works tirelessly behind the scenes, whispering lines to the rest of the cast. He guides his fellow performers to choose peace over drama, love over stage fright, and comedy over tragedy. He nudges us, when we finally become willing to listen to a director other than our egos, to step into our appointed roles and play our parts to the max.

Jeshua does not appreciate the Academy of Christianity giving him the Oscar year after year for Best Savior. He would much rather share the statue with Moses, Buddha, The Dalhi Lama, Oprah Winfrey, Robin Williams, me and you. And he would rather not have so much fuss made over him. In a recent and rare appearance on Letterman, Jeshua had this to say: "David, people get the wrong idea about me. I just want to give the world a Peace of my mind! That's all. I didn't ask for all these religions to spring up and make such a big deal of it all. I'm basically a simple, down-to-earth kind of guy. In fact, I came down to earth to spread joy! Just like everyone, I've had a few moments here and there on the cross, but I've laughed far more that I've suffered. Please tell those churches to take all those pictures of me off their walls. How would you like it if they framed you having a horrendous hair day and decided that was the image the world should remember you by? Oh, and another thing: if people want to celebrate my birthday, I'd like to see them giving each other more presence! Simply being present with an open heart is the greatest gift you can give another. Slow down, ease up on the material madness and get into the spirit of the holidays. And for Christ's sake (literally speaking), lighten up! Life is too eternal to be taken seriously!"

Thrilled that Jesus was speaking so freely, David encouraged him to continue. Jeshua got excited, "People think of me as not having political ties, but actually I'm quite politically active. I'm pro-choice, pro life, and anti-right. That's right, anti-right! I want people, all people, to give up this business of being right and to focus on compassion. And another thing..." At that point David had to interrupt and break for some commercials.

When they got back on the air Jeshua asked if he could have a minute for his own commercial. An 800 number flashed across the screen and Jesus explained that this was his new pager number, a modern way for humanity to call him up and fire away a question, concern or prayer. He can answer over ten billion calls at the same time! Explaining further, he said, "Traditional churches lead people to believe that to be close to me you have to pay money and have exclusive membership in their club. I want everyone to know it's easier than you think. In fact, it's what you think that makes it hard! Just try this: close your eyes, take some breaths, get quiet inside, and dial 1-800-ASK-JESUS. I'll call you right back. Don't worry, I've already got your number, and my dial-up speed is faster than DSL and cable combined. But you've got to believe you are worthy of having a connection with me. Otherwise, there will be too much static on your end, and there will appear to be a receiver off the hook. If that happens, remind yourself to open your heart to receiving, and repeat the call. If you ever get a busy signal, you are the one that's too busy. As I've said once or twice before, I am with you always. And I can afford to keep my promises. I'm not running for anything!"

Jeshua then shared his plans to start up a web site for his multi-level marketing company called, The Kingdom. With his upline the products are heavenly and, of course, there is unlimited prophet potential. If you are interested in becoming a distributor, here's some great news. He's already got you signed up! Just seek ye first The Kingdom, and stay attuned within.


Scott Kalechstein serves as a counselor, coach, minister, inspirational speaker, recording artist and modern day troubadour. He travels through the United States, Canada and Europe giving concerts, talks and workshops, as well as presenting at conferences. Scott can be reached at (760) 753-2359, or you may e-mail him at scott@scottsongs.com His web site http://www.scottsongs.com is an inspiring and playful place to visit. Go there to sample songs from his CD's.

SCOTT'S SCHEDULE

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK

December 11 and 12- I'm leading workshops, concerts, and giving Song Portraits… creating warmth in the midst of a Syracuse freeze. Call Stephen at 315 447 2787 for the details.

ENCINITAS, CA

December 18- I'm having a Going Away Party and a CD Release Party, all in one evening. Call me at 760 753 2359 for the scoop.

SAN JOSE, CA

December 26- I'll be the featured speaker and singer at the Center For Spiritual Living in San Jose. Following the services there will be a Christmas Leftovers Potluck and a concert by yours truly. Call 408 294 1828 for details.

ENCINITAS, CA

January 2- I'll be the guest soloist at Seaside Church Of Religious Science. Call 760 753 5786 for details.

VANCOUVER BC, CANADA

January 7- A concert in Canada. Call 604 939 7556 for details.

January 8- I'll be singing and leading workshops at a Network Chiropractic Clear Day. Call 604 939 7556 for details.


January 9- I'll be offering private sessions in Song Portraits all day. Call 604 939 7556 for details.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

April 22, 23, 24- I'll be speaking and singing and creating Divine Mischief at an International Celebration and Tribute Conference on A Course In Miracles. Call Rev. Sue Borg at 801-261-2227 or email sueborg@xmission.com

Review of Something New

THE LIGHT CONNECTION

The name of the CD says it all... this is indeed something new. San Diego musical entertainer Scott Kalechstein has truly come of age musically. This album showcases his well-known talent for putting spiritual and personal growth themes to music and at the same time it stands on its own as a musical accomplishment. My compliments!

Something New is Scott's ninth CD and the fifth album Scott has recorded with Peter Sprague and his band and backup singers, and they are truly in their element in this combo of jazz, pop, Latin, samba and swing. The album is truly a masterful collaboration, with Scott's vocals matching their moves from one style to another (he hits three different tempos in "The Call," the album's second cut) with the ease of a cat jumping up on a fence.

"My love affair with jazz started a long time ago," Scott tells us. He has long been a fan of Michael Franks, Steely Dan, and Al Jareau, and indeed he could be doubling for Michael Franks on some of these songs. Other major influences have included Ella Fitzgerald, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Billie Holiday, Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. A few years back he began taking jazz guitar lessons, and discovered a passion for learning the classics. "Without realizing it, I was building a jazz vocabulary of chords and consciousness. After a year of lessons, I began writing songs in my new vocabulary, and before I knew it, I had enough material for a new CD."

Another thing I noticed right away was that Scott has truly found his voice in this music. At times smooth and liquid, then full and spicy, he rocks us and cajoles us and makes us want to push "Play" again and again when it's done.

The lyrics themselves are also a departure from the style so many of us have known and loved so well over the years. The message hasn't changed, but you have to have ears to hear it as new age. If your ears are more mainstream, that's how you'll hear it. There's something for anyone and everyone here.

If you're a Scott Kalechstein fan, you have to have this album. If you don't know Scott's previous music, make beseech someone to give it to you for Christmas. You'll be glad you did.

-The Light Connection

CD's are $20.00 each, three for $50.00, postage & handling included.

Here's how to order:

If you are not in a hurry to get it by Christmas:

SEND A CHECK

Make a check out to Scott Kalechstein and send it snail mail to Scott Kalechstein, 204 N. El Camino Real, #220, Encinitas, CA, 92024. To make my life even easier, include your mailing address on a label or a piece of paper that I can tape onto an envelope.

If you really want it by Christmas: E-mail me your credit card or debit card info, phone number, and mailing address and I'll charge your card and get your envelope ready for sending. If you are concerned about it not being a secure method, you can e-mail me your card number in increments, over the course of two or three emails. Or, you can call me on the telephone…

IF YOU REALLY, REALLY WANT IT BY CHRISTMAS: Call me at 760-753-2359 and leave me, or my machine, the name as it appears on your credit/debit card, your card number and expiration date, your phone number, mailing address, and your order. I will be the only one listening to the answering machine, so it is totally safe.

Please, when you get the CD, drop me an e-mail to let me in on your experience… your favorite songs and why you liked them.

Sincerely,
Scott!

PS. You can now listen to song samples from it in the CD section of my website, http://www.scottsongs.com