Social Impact Authors: How & Why Ruth Mendelson of Eagle Vision Initiatives Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Edward Sylvan
The most important thing to me is that THE WATER TREE WAY be available to serve an ailing world. Especially in the age of covid, so many people are suffering from isolation, depression, a sense of hopelessness. The book offers a fun, exhilarating adventure where readers can spontaneously discover a way back to themselves. The book aims to serve as a connector/transformer.
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ruth Mendelson.
A New York Times Critics’ Pick and Emmy nominee, composer/ producer/ arranger, Ruth Mendelson has been writing award-winning scores for documentaries, HBO, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Disney, Animal Planet, The Learning Channel, A&E, PBS, CBS, and NBC (among others), as well as creating innovative multi-media “surround-scapes” for over 25 years. Ruth is a keynote speaker, music director and author. Her novel, The Water Tree Way, is quickly becoming a favorite for children of all ages around the world. An active humanitarian dedicated to education, Ruth was the first woman at Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) to teach in the Film Scoring Department, where she designs and teaches master classes in documentary and dramatic scoring. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Ruth has performed at the United Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland, as bassist for the One Human Family Gospel Choir and is founder and president of Eagle Vision Initiatives, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving society through communications and the arts. Eagle Vision’s premier initiative, the WELL WISHES Project, is now successfully establishing unprecedented lines of communication and resources between the world’s youth. Her deepest commitment is to be of service and assist in bringing love, compassion and positive change to society via a wide range of creative projects and programs.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been aware of what I’ll refer to as magical realms. As a very young child, I would press my closed eyes into my pillow at night and venture into endless landscapes of light, color and expanding geometric patterns that rolled on and on. I fell asleep in this way every night for years. During the day, I loved learning, playing baseball, teaching myself how to play guitar, writing poetry, and riding my imaginary horse (I’d always gallop, I never “ran”). Throughout childhood, my goal was not to become like a “boring” adult. Instead, I placed great importance on throwing away perceived “boxes” and following my imagination and intuition.
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
One of my favorite books was “The Little Train That Could.” My mom used to read it to me when I was very little. I quoted it all the time, “I thank I can. I THINK I CAN!!!” Whenever I heard that story, I KNEW I was invincible — It didn’t matter that I was only 3 feet tall at the time. The little train in that book taught me that I could do anything if I believed in myself refused to give in to doubt. That truth never left me. As a kid, it inspired me to play baseball when girls weren’t allowed to, and stand up to boys twice my size who were bullying my older brother at the time. As an adult, I’d honestly have to say that EVERY project I’m involved in whether it be writing a novel, scoring a film, directing a humanitarian project, designing and teaching master classes, etc…everything was born out from that seed idea that was planted all those years ago.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or take away did you learn from that?
That’s a great question. There has been no shortage of mistakes. My BIGGEST blunder came during my very first international gig. I was very young at the time and assumed that everyone would feel the exact same way that I did while in the recording studio. Since I was excited, I assumed everyone else would be too. Here’s what happened:
I had been asked to write the theme music for a broadly distributed television show that featured a popular “star” at the time. This was the first time in my life that I would make money writing music. I hired musician friends who I had known over time — all incredibly talented, none of whom had recorded professionally before. The rehearsals went great. When we arrived at the studio and were preparing to record, I blurted out to my friends how exciting it was that their musicianship would finally be heard across the US and in 18 other countries. I was SO excited! However, that remark went on to inspire total stage fright. I’d never heard these musicians play so self-consciously in all the years I’d known them. They were AWFUL! We spent HOURS recording extra takes because everyone was so nervous. Although the final score did end up being a success, I spent every last penny of my “earnings” on extra studio time fixing mistakes. I didn’t make a cent.
What I know now is that it’s not only naïve but discourteous to assume that anyone would or should feel the exact same way as I do. It’s important to really be present in other people’s inner space and not make assumptions.
Ironically, as a producer, I’ve since learned that the MOST important aspect of production is to create an atmosphere where everyone can relax in their Center in order to do their best work.
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
The most important thing to me is that THE WATER TREE WAY be available to serve an ailing world. Especially in the age of covid, so many people are suffering from isolation, depression, a sense of hopelessness. The book offers a fun, exhilarating adventure where readers can spontaneously discover a way back to themselves. The book aims to serve as a connector/transformer.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
I hesitate to give away any of the surprises that the book has in store. Having said that, there’s a…I’ll call it ‘a place’ in the story where lost dreams and inspired ideas end up whenever a person has given up on themselves. The hero of the story not only discovers this place but also learns how anyone can get their ideas back, no matter how young or old.
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
Honestly, I’d have to say it’s the simple awareness that life is very fleeting and that it’s important to not wait to offer Love. To me, this book is the most loving gift I can offer the world. It’s meant to encourage and empower each and every reader who opens its pages.
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
It’s very humbling. I’ve been receiving incredible feedback from readers 6–92 years old.
A few weeks after the book came out, I received an email from a man who had given the book to a 6-year-old girl and her mother. Apparently, the girl’s father had recently died. The man wanted me to know that the book had become a lifeline for both the girl and her mother. They read the book together every night before bed.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Act from Love and Compassion.
Care for the earth.
Stay calm in a troubled world.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Inwardly, “Leadership” to me means: to lead oneself, trust oneself, be discerning, and Still enough within to clearly hear intuition and act according. To have a clear compass of right and wrong.
Outwardly, “Leadership” to me includes daring to love and care about others. To do selfless service. To have the courage to follow your heart.
People exemplify leadership every day: kids daring to think for themselves and not do drugs. Adults willing to take a stand against racism or any other ill affecting our world. Anyone daring to act with Love and Kindness is displaying leadership.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- If you’re not getting rejected a lot, you’re not getting out there enough.
Well…actually…someone DID tell me this when I first got started and I believe it’s the reason I have such an amazing career. As a freelancer, it provided me with a way to completely reframe the experience of “rejection.” Instead of feeling dejected if I didn’t get a gig, I learned to regard that experience as proof I was on the right track.
2. Just trust the music is out there and you’ll hear it.
Again, I DID hear this when I got started and simply want to share it here — as knowing this truth has helped me to stay vibrantly creative no matter what kinds of timelines I may be facing while composing music for films.
3. Patience, enthusiasm, and determination are needed to achieve success in any area.
This one I definitely did NOT hear when I first got started and I wish I had! Patience isn’t exactly a forte of mine. At the beginning of my career, I would be inspired with ideas for projects (especially humanitarian projects) and want logistics to come together right away. I wasted a LOT of energy feeling frustrated when things took more time than I had expected. I didn’t realize at the time that the Universe has its OWN timeline for things and that it’s simply my job to do what I’m inspired to do with patience, enthusiasm and determination, and trust in the process.
4. If at first, you don’t succeed, you’re doing something wrong!
Actually, I coined that phrase. The idea came after years of making the same mistakes repeatedly and somehow expecting different results. It’s taken me a long time to realize how important it is to remain curious and know that there are always new ways to discover in solving problems.
5. Forgive, it is the way to peace.
I definitely did not know that one early on. There was a time in my life when I wasted a lot of precious energy holding on to hurt feelings. I didn’t know at the time that forgiveness acts as a divine purifier. It rejuvenates the spirit, frees the mind, allows for boundless creativity.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
Difficult things in life happen to us all. I’ve spent a lot of time studying/observing the human condition — watching how people react or respond to life. My pursuit has and is to frame the experiences of my life as opportunities to grow more deeply into my authentic Self.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Jimmy Carter
How can our readers further follow your work online?
https://www.ruthmendelson.com/
https://www.thewatertreeway.com/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Thank you so much!
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Ruth Mendelson of Eagle Vision Initiatives Is Helping To Change… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.