Yusuf Islam Website- A Journey into Peace

     It's the easiest and quite possibly oldest trap to fall into-him vs. me. Him, representing what is different than you, and you, representing all that is just. In reality, what you are is human, as is he. The wrapping and baggage is a little different, that's all.

        Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) is an example of someone who has bridged this binary world and landed in another place. While the road has been rocky, it is safe to say that his way, that of peace, is a much better way.

       Yusef's website, http://www.yusufislam.com/, is a great journey into the experience of not only who Yusuf is but also what he believes in. This is a point that many should look into.

      Contrary to the U.S. government's beliefs, Yusuf is not a terrorist. He is a student of Islamic faith, but also a believer in the wisdom of other cultures. He can see the good in all cultures, and integrate him into his own way of life. Simply clicking on the http://www.mountainoflight.co.uk/ portion of the homepage, represented by Think illustrates this dynamic. Edison, Einstein, Zen sayings, and many others are some of the wisdoms you will be imparted with. It's not just opening the Koran and Yusuf preaching.

        Sing is another portion that is well worth investigation. Cheerful, jazzy music immediately hits your ears (turn on the volume!) as you are presented with an interactive room full of different icons, with each representing an aspect of Yusuf Islam. My personal recommendation is clicking on the television, where you can view live performances of his work. A personal favorite of mine, “Wild World” is available, among others. These, of course, are done when he was known as Cat Stevens.

        This change is another noteworthy point. According to an interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32_SXWDi1Yc , Stevens was swimming in the ocean when he lost the power to swim. In a moment of pure, unadulterated vulnerability, Stevens called out to the heavens and asked “God, if you save me, I’ll work for you.” Suddenly a wave swept behind him and pushed him ashore. “I was alive.”

       He then “started living.” Instead of being a pretentious pop star he became a student of life. With this new inspiration, he became Yusuf Islam and found a new appreciation for music. Thank God he did.

        If there is one thing we can learn from him, I think it’s that there is beauty and wisdom in all cultures. Yusuf seems to have a discerning eye for what to believe in and what morals are worth upholding. This doesn’t mean we all need to become Islamic or anything of that nature but rather gain that same discerning eye that Yusuf has. He can see through wrapping and baggage. Hopefully we all can some day.