Tag: resilience

• Firewood and Flame

  

  From the heart of the struggle comes a song of profound hope. “Firewood and Flame” is a raw, bluesy folk anthem for anyone who has ever felt weighed down by their own imperfections. With a sound that feels like it was born on a dusty porch at twilight, this track weaves a timeless story of…

  William Altig

  October 19, 2025

  music, Nichiren

  acoustic, Americana, Blues, Bodhisattva, Buddhism, Compassion, Conscious Music, Dharma, dharmablues, Enlightenment, firewoodandflame, Folk, healing, hopeful, InnerPeace, LotusSutra, Mindfulness, newmusic, overcomingstruggle, Pema Chodron, resilience, selflove, singersongwriter, Soulful, spiritual folk, spiritualmusic, startwhereyouare, Transformation

• The Patient Heart Blues

  

  “The Patient Heart Blues” – A Song About Standing Strong While Walking Away Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is knowing when to stay and when to go. This song came from studying an ancient Buddhist text about patience—but not the kind of patience where you just take whatever comes. Real patience, the kind…

  William Altig

  October 11, 2025

  Chapter 10, music, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  12-bar blues, acoustic blues, acoustic soul, acoustic storytelling, alternative blues, Americana, americana roots, authentic blues, Ballad, Blues, blues poetry, blues standard, boundaries, buddhist blues, Chicago blues, classic blues, Compassion, Conscious Lyrics, Contemplative blues, contemplative music, Contemporary Blues, crossover blues, deep lyrics, delta blues, Dharma music, elder wisdom, emotional intelligence, empowerment, Folk Blues, Folk Music, folk rock, Forgiveness, harmonica blues, healing music, honest lyrics, independent blues, inner strength, letting go, life lessons, mature themes, meaningful music, meditation music, mental health, Mindfulness, modern blues, narrative folk, non-violence, old soul, organic sound, original blues, Patience, peaceful resistance, philosophical blues, porch blues, protest blues, raw vocals, real talk, recovery music, resilience, resonator guitar, roots music, roots poetry, self-care, self-protection, shuffle blues, Slide Guitar, slow blues, social consciousness, spiritual blues, spiritual folk, spoken word blues, story song, Storytelling, substance over style, survivor song, teaching song, therapy music, timeless wisdom, traditional blues, unsigned artist, vintage blues, walking away, wisdom music

• The One That Stays

  

  “The One That Stays” wrestles with an ancient question: How do ordinary people offer something sacred when the old stories demand the impossible? Inspired by Buddhist teachings about sacrifice and perseverance, this song explores the tension between spectacular acts of devotion and the quiet heroism of simply continuing—of getting up, showing up, and staying present…

  William Altig

  October 9, 2025

  Chapter 23, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  Americana, bluesy folk, Buddhist Philosophy, contemplative music, contemporary folk, daily struggle, devotion, endurance, faith and doubt, folk pop, gospel influenced, human spirit, inner strength, meaningful life, ordinary heroism, perseverance, philosophical lyrics, protest song, Religious Poetry, resilience, roots music, sacred ordinary, social justice, soul folk, spiritual songs, standing firm, staying power, suffering and transformation, survival

• The Transformative Assurance of Universal Buddhahood: A Study of the Lotus Sutra’s Impact on Worldview and Conduct

  

  The verses spoken by Śāriputra at the beginning of Chapter Three of the Lotus Sutra, expressing his profound joy and certainty of attaining unsurpassed enlightenment, serve as a powerful introduction to one of Mahayana Buddhism’s most radical and transformative teachings. His declaration, “I shall become a Buddha without fail. I shall be respected by gods…

  William Altig

  May 8, 2025

  Chapter 3, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  Altruism, bodhisattva_ideal, bodhisattva_never_disparaging, buddha_nature, buddhist_philosophy, chapter_three, daily_buddhism, dharma_teachings, enlightenment_for_all, faith_and_perseverance, future_enlightenment, inner_potential, lotus_school, lotus_sutra, mahayana_buddhism, one_vehicle, resilience, respect_and_compassion, shariputra, skillful_means, spiritual_practice, suffering_to_wisdom, Transformation, universal_buddhahood, worldview_shift

• Better Every Day (In Every Way)

  

  “Better Every Day (In Every Way)” is a soulful folk-blues anthem of personal growth, quiet resilience, and sacred encouragement. Rooted in the journey through hardship, self-reflection, and healing, the song honors the effort it takes to keep moving — step by step — toward a more compassionate, awakened life. With gentle acoustic guitar, intimate vocals,…

  William Altig

  April 5, 2025

  music

  acoustic, Acoustic Guitar, Americana, awakening, better every day, Blues, Dharma, Folk, healing music, hopeful, inner journey, inner strength, Inspirational, introspective, Meditative, Mellow, mindful, peaceful, personal anthem, Poetic, Reflective, resilience, roots music, self-growth, Singer-Songwriter, Soulful, Spiritual, Storytelling, sunrise, Transformation, wisdom

• Out of Reach

  

  “Out of Reach” delves into the complexities of the human journey, acknowledging the inevitable struggles and suffering we encounter. It’s not a naive optimism, but rather a realistic portrayal of the challenges inherent in growth. The song suggests that often, the very things we seek – whether it’s understanding, peace, or connection – seem elusive,…

  William Altig

  March 31, 2025

  music

  absence, Conscious Hip-Hop, Enlightenment, finding your way, Growth, guidance, help, inner strength, Overcoming Obstacles, Paradox, Personal Growth, presence, resilience, seeking, Self-Discovery, Spiritual, Struggle, Suffering, support, Transformation, wisdom

• Beneath the Surface

  

  “Beneath the Surface” is a hauntingly beautiful blues-folk ballad that explores the hidden depths of the human spirit. Inspired by an ancient oracle and a journey of self-discovery, the song delves into themes of decay, resilience, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. With raw, evocative lyrics and a melancholic melody, “Beneath the Surface” invites…

  William Altig

  March 25, 2025

  music

  acoustic, Atmospheric, authentic, Blues-Folk, decay, Emotional, honest, hope, I Ching, independent music, introspective, Meditation, Melancholic, Mindfulness, new music, oracle, Raw, renewal, resilience, Self-Discovery, Singer-Songwriter, Spiritual, Vulnerability

• The River Remembers Blues

  

  “The River Remembers Blues” is a soulful folk-blues song that captures the essence of resilience and awakening. Drawing inspiration from the journey of a river, the lyrics convey a powerful narrative about transformation, strength, and the inevitability of one’s path. Through a heartfelt call-and-response structure, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys,…

  William Altig

  March 19, 2025

  music

  awakening, Blues, call and response, Emotional, Folk, liberation, narrative, resilience, river, Self-Discovery, song, Soulful, Transformation

• Clinging to the Flame

  

  “Clinging to the Flame” is a soulful blues-folk journey through darkness and resilience, illuminated by the enduring power of passion and hope. With raw, heartfelt vocals and fingerpicked guitar, this song explores the trials of a long journey, both physical and spiritual, and the unwavering commitment to one’s creative fire. Inspired by the imagery of…

  William Altig

  March 11, 2025

  music

  acoustic, Americana, Blues, Emotional, faith, Fingerpicking, Fire, Folk, Guitar, Heartfelt, hexagram 30, hope, I Ching, independent artist, Inspiration, introspection, journey, new music, original song, Passion, poetry, raw vocals, resilience, roots music, Singer-Songwriter, Spiritual, Storytelling, writing

• Love That Shines Bright

  

  (A Gospel Blues Folk Song) “Love That Shines Bright” is a heartfelt gospel blues folk song inspired by the timeless myth of Eros and Psyche. This track features soulful lyrics and an uplifting melody. It explores themes of enduring love. It also touches on divine connection and the power of faith to overcome trials. Let…

  William Altig

  December 10, 2024

  music

  acoustic, Blues, divine love, Eros, faith, Folk, god, Gospel, hope, light, love, myth-inspired, poem, poetry, Psyche, resilience, Soulful, Spiritual, trials, Uplifting, writing