Years ago I attended a lecture by a teacher with such a long name I could never recall it. But I have never forgotten what he said.
He taught that we couldn’t possibly create peace, or love, or forgiveness, because these things already exist. We can, however, increase how much such things exist by embodying them.
As I listen to conversations about current world and civic affairs, I rarely hear embodied voices expressing inner responses of faith in the process of life, of peace as a present possibility, of forgiveness as accomplished.
I hear scathing remarks about individuals and events that are reactions from people who are afraid. They have not gone into silence and merged with their own creative source in order to come to a place of internal congruence before offering potential solutions to life that they themselves are capable of executing.
Here is how vocal mastery can support true and significant change at times like these. Work with a quiet, extended breath and overtone chanting:
- Slows cardiovascular and respiratory rates.
- Slows brain pulses to a more meditative and creative state of consciousness.
- Reduces the production of brain and body chemistry that promotes aggressive language and behavior.
- Increases the capacity to listen and truly hear other points of view.
- Energizes the entire physical and personality system so that it is possible to sustain consistent, positive effort toward a desired outcome.
No matter how many new leaders we have, no matter how much they try to shift, no matter how much we agree or disagree with them, until each and every one of us develops our personal capacity to embody and express dignity and grace, there will not be more of these in our days.
Such things can’t be legislated or enforced. They must be earned in the quiet of rigorous self-evaluation and honesty. Because the voice paces thoughts and feelings as well as the breath, when we work for precision, balance, and congruency in the tone, we develop these qualities in the whole of our being.
Whatever cultural or religious traditions we might celebrate at the winter solstice time of year, they are all meant to celebrate the potential radiance of the human spirit. The music composed for this time expresses our commitment to be loving, and when we sing together we have an opportunity to create a harmonious community around these values.
May your holiday season be one of joyful loving,
tender engagement and abiding faith
in the unfolding grace of our lives together.
Blessed Be Jocelyn!