Singing As A Spiritual Practice

LIVING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

As the intial shock and horror of the events of September 11th. start to recede, we begin a new year shrouded in uncertainty. The devastating events of just a few months ago, stretched our hearts to great capacity and deepened our souls. We all experienced losses, fears, feelings of rage, depression and hopelessness. Some of us were forced to bear tremendous personal loss while others felt the divinity of grace pass through their lives and experienced their blessings. Sharing our feelings with each other helped to promote a sense of intimacy among us that supported our creative spirit. We were determined not to succumb to the destructive forces of fear, and accepted the power inherent in love to sustain the courage needed to meet our daily challenges. We are indeed at the crossroads of a new beginning and as each of us approaches our individual paths with perhaps a measure of anxiety about the future, it becomes more important to understand that uncertainty can in fact foster our creativity. Accepting this and not struggling with trying to control the events of our lives will free us spiritually and allow for continual change and growth.

Life is always about spiritual lessons, and the most obvious lesson presented to all of us is how important it is to value our time on this earth. Now more that ever we must live for what we believe in, pursue our creative desires and follow our dreams today not tomorrow, for the outcome of the future is not within our power. Living in a state of present awareness and making efforts to maintain life affirming energy, will promote creativity. As an artist who perceives daily life as part of my art form, I work very hard to accept the truths of my soul and to face my fears. I maintain a daily communion with my spiritual side and continue to face issues from my past that might be holding me back from fulfilling my creative potential.

The secret to artistic success is to find the strength and courage to face ourselves honestly and then to express our feelings in our own unique way. It is extemely difficult to be "real", in fact at times it is painful, frightening, depressing, and sad; but when we can work through our fears we can develop a greater capacity to experience joy, bursts of creative energy and a strong sense of hope.

Let us all face this New Year with passion and a renewed reverence for the great gift of life that has been bestowed upon us. Rejoice in the riches that hope can provide, and dare to follow your soul's desire.