I’m devastated today over the loss of David Bowie, one of music’s greatest icons.

Two days after releasing Blackstar on his 69th birthday, he succumbed to his 18-month battle with liver cancer. Ivo van Hove, who was with him at the end, said that he was still writing on his deathbed and kept fighting and working through it all. Songwriter, musician, artist, and actor—David Bowie was a man of many talents. I admired him so. His music has inspired millions around the world and will continue to do so.

There are only a handful of artists who truly speak to your soul, and David Bowie is one of them. During my teenage years I heard the song “The Man Who Sold the World”, and remember thinking wow, how profound it was, this man was so deep. Reminiscing about the man he used to be, this song is about his journey of self-discovery. Growing up, we all struggle to find ourselves, and even when we go off course, as he mentions in the song, we can always find our way back home.

But my respect for him is not only for his musical talent, it’s also for his spirituality and exploring the deeper meaning of life during a time when the music era was still partying hard. David Bowie was passionate about Tibet and its Buddhist culture, and studied in London under the Tibetan Lama Chime Rinpoche before he became a solo artist. His song “Silly Boy Blue” pays tribute to Rinpoche and “Seven Years In Tibet” speaks out against China’s occupation of Tibet.

Times like this are for remembrance and gratitude for all the lives he’s touched. Today the world truly lost a legend. I hope these quotes from Bowie inspire you to live life to the fullest:

“Make the best of every moment, we’re not evolving, we’re not going anywhere.”
Interview with Esquire, 2004

“I’m not a prophet or a stone age man, just a mortal with the potential of a superman.”
Lyrics from “Quicksand”

“The years really do speed by. Life really is as short as they tell you it is.”

“I find only freedom in the realms of eccentricity.”

“I suppose for me as an artist it wasn’t always just about expressing my work; I really wanted, more than anything else, to contribute in some way to the culture I was living in.”

“I’m just an individual who doesn’t feel that I need to have somebody qualify my work in any particular way. I’m working for me.”

Rock on, David Bowie! You have touched our world with your presence and have created a legacy that will inspire all for years to come. Thank you for making a difference in my life.

Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.