Raiden

Interview #23 - Ira aka Raiden

Cool jazz piano licks in the background. A glass of merlot in front of him. Crème Brule in front of me. What a beautiful and fitting setting for this interview.

I met Ira almost ten years ago. It was all about the music! He was introduced as the “keys player” for my hot new band. It only took moments for us to realize we were going to get along perfectly. It’s actually quite difficult to not get along with Ira. Of all the men I’ve known, he is the most even-tempered, calm, cool and collected gentlemen. It’s relaxing to be in his presence and know that silence is welcome. He doesn’t feel the need to hear the sound of his own voice. Ira just emanates peace.

Finding peace has been a lifetime goal and worthwhile journey for him. Growing up around a lot of domestic fighting really helped him see, as a child, how he didn’t want to behave as an adult. His parents had a wide range of abusive behavior between them, from verbal to involving weapons. Ira watched this and decided he wasn’t going to repeat that behavior. And he hasn’t, which truly shows his strength. It’s an extreme challenge to not replicate our parents actions but Ira is proof that we each have the ability to break unhealthy cycles.

Ira focused on his music beginning at a very young age. He’s been a music lover and self proclaimed loner for a lot of his life. That isn’t to say he’s lacking in the friend department. He values his personal time though and let’s others in only when he knows he’s able to give of himself. Those of us that have been privileged enough to spend time with him, appreciate the things he’s done to become such an inspiring friend.

Ira stays focused, full of love and confident by reading, writing, playing a wide array of instruments and going for walks. He’s an amazing song writer and I’m always excited when he calls asking if I want to sing something new he’s written. He plays piano, guitar, bass, and drums proficiently. It blows my mind! And I’m sure there are more instruments I’m missing from the list! He loves taking walks in nature, seeing and feeling the beauty. And as long as I’ve known him he’s had an excellent selection of philosophy books.

For those of us struggling he says we need to love something. The love he puts into his music can’t help but overflow into other parts of his life. When we practice love, we can become love and that is a beautiful goal! Also, there is a book he’d like to suggest that truly changed his life; “Think On These Things” by Krishnamurti.

When I think of the best friends I’ve ever had (and currently have) Ira is the first person that comes to mind. I’ve been blessed to sing with him countless times around town and record some of his original songs. His natural calming effect, kind heart and wise words have been a great inspiration to my life. Thank you for sharing yourself with me! Your friendship means the world to me!

-If you, or someone you know is witnessing domestic violence there is support out there for you! Some great resources can be found at: http://evefoundation.org/ or locally at, http://www.awaic.org/. Be brave!