On November 5, 2011, Being Beings, in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, brought 1,500 harmonicas, paid for by beings from all over the world, to Zucotti Park. The harmonicas were distributed 30 minutes before 2pm. At 2pm, we gathered at the steps of the park entrance, and just as the sun peaked from behind the giant steel beasts, we breathed. We breathed in unison, and we were heard. 

Half of the group disbanded to join a march to steps of the courthouse. We became individuals, armed with harmonicas. Amongst the commotion, each of us could hear and feel our own breath. The harmonicas were tools for comfort, for grounding, and for connection. There was a collective voice, and we were heard. 

Upon arrival at the courthouse, Being Beings called out a mic check. It was a call for all those who marched with harmonicas to let their voices be heard. It was serene and peaceful. It was a call to the whole world that was watching, and we were heard. 

Unfortunately, we witnessed all the injustices that we hear about on a daily basis. In an act of harmony, Asher, one half of Being Beings, would be arrested with harmonica in mouth and eyes to the sky. A police officer noted “how peaceful” Asher’s demeanor remained. Friends and loved ones watched from a LiveStream, as Asher stood for what he believed in. 

He would be charged with “disorderly conduct, for blocking pedestrian traffic.” Later that night, he, along with 20 compatriots, would be released. Police later acknowledged that they “overreacted.” 

What we’ve experienced, and what we’ve come to understand about this movement, is beauty. Although most of what we hear from previously trusted media sources leaves us to question this movement, what we know from our experiencing and actively participating, is that this is a movement for all people, for every reason. 

As skeptics, we search around from news source to news source, looking for information on what’s happening. We read, and then repeat. Our experience is then ultimately had for us. 

 Being Beings was created to be experience. Life is experience, and art is only a reflection of this. Without participation, we are not being beings, we are complacent forms, and we are consuming. 

 We’ve been inspired to continue with Being Beings in a way not previously seen by us.  We will keep everyone updated on further information.  Once we know if it can happen, it will all happen very fast, so stay tuned!

Peace and love to all. 

Michael of Being Beings

A video of Harmony in Zucotti Park, Courtesy of Riley Henderson

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=302660983085603&set=t.100000251101380&type=3&theater

 A photo of Asher being arrested from Time magazine.

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2094925_2321333,00.html 

An Article by the Village Voice about Being Beings.

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/11/10000_harmonicas_occupy_wall_street.php

An Article mentioning Asher and Being Beings in the Huffington Post by Eve Ensler.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eve-ensler/ambiguous-upsparkles-from_2_b_1081569.html

A fellow protestor with harmonica, also arrested.

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/occupy-wall-street-protestor-blows-her-harmonica-police-photo-225029235.html

We have launched a website, at http://10000harmonicas.blogspot.com, to continue to raise support for the upcoming Global Day of Action on November 17.  This is the day that we are trying to get 10,000 harmonicas down to OWS.  There is a way to donate to the cause on the website.  Please use this website for further donations.  

November 5 is still happening! Please visit the website for more details.  

A tremendous thank you to everyone who's supported the project so far!  

Sincerely,

Being Beings

So many thanks to everyone who's supported this project.  We've passed our funding goal of $1,000.00 to insure that this project WILL happen.  At the moment of this update, we are bringing 1,042 harmonicas to Wall Street.  Just imagine what sound can be produced with 1,000 harmonicas.  We still have 3 whole days left! Let's see where this can go!