Singing As A Spiritual Practice

LEARNING TO ACCEPT LOSS

Many times throughout our lives we experience the strange dichotomy of achieving deep levels of emotional growth that were sharply initiated by tremendous loss. There is in fact a sense of gain associated with loss. Each step that we take toward deepening our sense of self forces us to let go of parts of ourselves that no longer serve us. We all want to feel safe and comfortable in our lives but there is a high price to pay for such "false security". Our childhood needs can keep us in the same dull job for years, in a relationship that is stifling and sometimes even abusive, or most commonly in a mindset that fosters self-imposed limitations on creative growth, both personal and artistic. The path to self awareness is always challenging and often very painful. To achieve a place in our lives where free expression flows and creative exploration becomes daring and adventurous means facing a great deal of loss. Letting go of what is familiar and secure requires us to face our darkest memories and deepest fears.

Fear is certainly a powerful emotion and often a crippling one especially when we allow it to govern our choices. Creative growth hinges on the ability to take risks and charter new areas of expression, but our inner fears can drive all our dreams to a quick halt. Life is all about change: nothing remains the same and yet it is so hard to reconcile to this fact despite all the evidence that surrounds us daily. We will all grow old, lose friends, family and lovers to death or dramatic crisis, we will all face betrayals of our dreams on an almost constant basis and yet most of us still find it very difficult to accept the cycles of change. Most people have a profound need to secure a place of safety by living in the familiar. Sometimes we nurture our dreams to such an extent that we keep ourselves in a realm outside of reality, and even if is painful to let go of the dream of something or someone, it is only when we do let go that we have an opportunity for true attainment.

Reality is based in the present and this moment is all we truly have any control over. Present awareness is the only real state of being and all things are possible when we accept this. Holding on too tightly to the past and to dreams that take the place of the present will prevent change from manifesting. We must learn to let go and face our losses by taking action and living in the present. It is then that we will be privy to the wealth of promise that tomorrow can bring.