At a beautiful place in Kailua-Kona that no longer exists, I offered what I called Sunset Sound Baths. Overlooking the ocean from a lanai, people gathered in three sections: a front space to move gently, a half circle of yoga mats to stretch or flow, and on the outskirts, a half circle of cushions and chairs to sit and meditate. As the sun set and incense smoke drew gentle lines in the air before being redirected by the breeze, we settled into a co-creation of deep listening, deep relaxation, and deep connection with each other.

Years later, I found a beautiful spot at Puako Beach where the waves sounded as the sun descended — and it reminded me of the inspiration I had felt during those evenings in Kailua-Kona. In 2024, I returned to the ocean with a microphone. The two recordings — the music composed live before the pandemic, and the waves captured years later — were brought together across time, as if they had always been waiting for each other.

The result is two pieces: Healing Waves and Nourishing Waves. Healing comes first — because we cannot help anyone when we are broken. Any attempt would only deplete us further. But once healed, we can offer our love and care to others, nourish them.

Pain is impermanent. However, so is healing. The practice is in paying attention to both and riding the wave rather than being taken by it. This gentle reminder runs through both tracks. As tranquility dominates, so do quiet reminders of focus, mindfulness, compassion, and preparedness.

Words beyond words. Thoughts beyond thoughts. Space beyond space. Love beyond love. Peace beyond peace. Inhaling. Exhaling. Learning to be at peace with the tides of despair without drifting to either side, neither into apathy nor madness.

Waves: An Oceanic Symphony for Peace Live Composition on 5-string Electric Violin, Didjeribone, Voice, Percussion 2 Pieces | 56 Minutes Composed & Recorded in Kailua-Kona, 2019 Ocean field recording at Puako Beach, 2024 Artwork by Markus Mars Photo by Joviel ℗ & © 2024 Markus Mars