Many believe that if a true shtf event were to occur, a dark cloud would settle upon this nation; we would lose our humanity, our hope and all the things that have cultivated our lives – including the arts. It’s hard to make out how a long lasting event would paralyze us and change our lives. Perhaps the times would be “darker” and we would have more struggles. Or, perhaps we would find a way to thrive no matter the odds.
On this website, I do not like to focus my thoughts solely on the darker times. I feel that our morals, our heart and inevitably what drives our happiness factor will dictate how we choose to live – whatever the times we are in. That said, if music fills your heart like it does mine, then perhaps in a SHTF scenario, we will find a way to enrich our lives like the village in Cateura, Paraguay has.
One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure
In Paraguay, a slum has been built upon a third world country’s land fill. The people of this small village pilfer through trash to recycle items for money. Yet within this tiny community, classical music floats through the air.
Among these heaps of trash they have found treasures that have enriched their hearts and have found a way to re-purpose everyday trash to create violins and cellos. They have created so many recycled instruments that they are the Landfill Harmonic Orchestra. Who knew that an oil can and some wood could be constructed together to make music? Favio Chavez adds, “The world sends us trash, we send back music.”
What we should take away from watching this video is that no matter what situation we are faced with, we must continue to find the beauty in life. Even in the most dire of circumstances, there is always a glimmer of hope.
Wow, a lot of talent by both those who made the instruments and those playing.
This is a topic, I’ve also thought about, we have a lot of books, we also have games, and it is important to find enjoyment in what ever you are doing. I sew with my daughter and we have fun doing it. A lot of it is attitude and a decision to find joy in the basic activities of life.