Holding the Thread of Life

A Human Response to the Unraveling of the World
with storyteller & mythologist Michael Meade

This live and lively presentation begins with the idea that the rattling of institutions and the increasing threats of violence and terrorism are part of what can be termed a "Slow Apocalypse". Instead of a sudden "apocalyptic" ending, there is an extended period in which the fabric of culture wears thin and the common world is diminished. At root, "apocalypse" means "lifting the veil," and Meade peeks behind the smoke screens and veils of modern culture to reveal something trying to break into awareness.

As many things become "uncovered," ancient and forgotten things become re-discovered. By turning to ancient traditions, including the Native American myth Why the World Doesn’t End, Meade pulls surprising threads of inspiration and meaning from the unraveling of the contemporary world. From the darkest issues of the day, there emerge threads of individual purpose from which we can begin to weave elements of cultural and natural renewal. Once taking hold of these subtle "Threads of Life," there is no stopping the momentum as Meade gathers fresh inspiration from the cloth of stories, poetry, and old ideas waiting to serve again the needs of both nature and culture.

Challenging and full of surprises, this tour de force connects breaking news with mythic insights. By the end, the listener has traveled to indigenous, indelible sources of deep intelligence and wry wisdom from the ancient well springs of Africa, Ireland, the "true Jerusalem," and the common cave of the human heart.

Mosaic Audio
Two Compact Discs