Song as prayer

There were signs.

I should have known that waking up most mornings for an entire lifetime with a song in my head was some sort of sign. I should have known that when I attended my first earth-centered spirituality information course in the fall two years ago that the most impactful exercise in the half-day workshop I attended in Portland's Hoyt Arboreteum was when I sang in a round ("beauty up above you, beauty down below you, beauty all around you, beauty from within you"). I walked next to a strong baritone and every note spoke to me like a distant native language resurrected. But then I saw an example in front of me that led the way.

While attending a spiritual group one Friday evening, a slender young woman with China skin, enlivened Robin-egg-blue eyes and dreds sang a song on the agenda. It was a call to action song, "People of the earth tribe rise up, people of the earth tribe rise up now . . . " I knew in that instant I must sing. Rather than stand up against what I loathe I must speak up for what I love. I must sing.


Luck would have it that spirited songstress happened to be attending a song and ceremony school and invited me to join their year-long commitment. I enrolled in song school and learned about the potential importance of sound and voice raising vibration to connect with Spirit. I sang with singer/songwriters, listened to every song on their website and started a book of songs I love to sing, and songs I would love to share with others. Songs sung with others have to be short and easy to learn.

(Blogger doesn't currently support audio files. When they do I will add a few favorite songs. In the meantime, visit http://www.singingalive.org/songs/.) I find that starting or ending a prayer with a simple song is perfect for me. Sometimes a song alone is enough. One of my favorites for starting a meal of two or more: There is no time. Speaking of families, in my case I know adding native songs to our rituals will be awkward at first. One of the poets I met at Fishtrap Outpost has created a ritual of reading his (and others) poetry at the dinner table with the extended family, and wouldn't think of doing it any other way. I am gathering my courage.