If we want a peaceful world, we get to create that within ourselves first. I find my inner work to be the most important part of every day. Taking time to remember that which is larger than me and also looking at and softening the hard places within myself are two things that not only help me to move with compassion in the world, but they also help me to keep some sanity amidst the noise all around me.
Ruthie Rosauer and my friend, Liz Hill, have created a book titled Singing Meditation: Together in Sound and Silence. One of my practices has been to participate in zikr - a singing prayer/meditation that helps one to remember and connect with that which is the source of everything - so I am excited about this book.
According to co-author, Liz Hill:
Singing meditation is a communal spiritual practice that combines repetitive singing of short, simple, interfaith songs with periods of undirected silence. It is like chant, but the music is more varied and crosses religious and cultural barriers (with respect and recognition).
Ruthie Rosauer, who has been leading this practice for five years for a variety of audiences, has written a book with Liz Hill to explain the practice and encourage people to try it. Singing Meditation: Together in Sound and Silence, shows readers how to start and lead their own singing meditation groups, explaining everything from choosing repertoire to promoting the sessions.
Here is a beautiful video example of the type of music Hill and Rosauer use in Singing Meditation:
Much Peace and Love to you and all humankind this Holiday Season and Always!
Beautifully soothing...
ReplyDeleteThat is an exquisitely simple video, Carol. I delight in the photographs. Yes, I did note you name among the photographer credits at the beginning of it.
ReplyDeleteI so wish that my computer would/could play audio so that I could hear as well as see. Perhaps I shall be graced with sound someday soon.
I have been practicing sopund mediation since 1983. I can be certain of the date because it was the year that I entered into seminary and I was introduced to sound meditation by a most spiritual professor who, unfortunately for me, retired the year I arrived.
I followed your link to the Singing Meditation website and now desire to read the book.
Thank you, my dear friend, for pointing me along the path.
Dancing,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it?
Nick,
ReplyDeleteYou are observant!
I wish that I could magically create sound in your computer. Maybe I should give you a call and sing for you! (Don't worry...it won't happen!)
You are so lucky to have gone to seminary where you were exposed to beautiful practices.
Much peace to you, my friend.
Spiritual evolution is amazing. The more chaotic and crazy the world gets the more passion erupts.
ReplyDeletePeace is happening. Peace is reality.
A & J,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Funny how it all works!
Just beautiful, Carol. There's a deep truth in the repetitiveness, no?
ReplyDeleteAnd I see that Nick observed your name in the photo credits? Why am I not surprised? By his observance. And by what he observed.