Singing Meditation is composed of two elements: singing and silence. Speaking should be kept to a minimum. Simple directions should be shared at the beginning of the session — or, better yet, put into a
small handout and distributed to participants as they arrive. The goal is for each singer to ultimately contact his or her own inner core of guidance with no homily or sermon from the Facilitator.
Occasionally, however, I have included a reading or a quote as an additional opportunity for inspiration. I try to couple the reading with a song based on the same theme, such as Dhanyavad (for the joy of gratitude) with:
“Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.” (J. Robert Moskin) OR “Grant me daily the grace of gratitude, to be thankful for all my many gifts, and so be freed from artifical needs, that I might lead a joyful, simple life.” (Edward Hays, A Book of Wonders)
More often I like to include readings that speak to the power of singing, such as this Hafiz poem:
A HOLE IN A FLUTE
I am
A hole in a flute
That the breath of Life moves through –
Listen to this Music.
I am the concert
From the mouth of every Creature,
Singing with the myriad chords. – Hafiz
Julia Cameron is well-known as a writer and author of The Artist’s Way. In her book, Heart Steps, she captures the essence of singing:
“I am a music waiting to be heard. I am a song unfolding. My notes are the voice of Life singing through me in majesty. I open my throat to the word of creation.”
And finally, I would like to share the first reading I ever added to a Singing Meditation session. I found these words on the Krishna Das website and usually attribute them to him. But when I contacted his staff a year or so ago they checked with him and he reportedly said he didn’t remember writing them — but he certainly liked them! I think you will too!!!
Oh my friends, sing the Name of God!
When it gets too damn hard, just sing.
Have no fear, don’t give up. Sing!
When it gets too good, sing!
When it falls apart, sing!
When it comes together, sing.
Cry and Sing.
Sing and Cry.
Living sing.
Dying sing.
Listening sing. Singing sing!
Just reading over these quotes makes me long to sing. I hope they are equally as inspiring to you to sing today — with or without other singers.
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