On Singing

I recently re-discovered the joy of spontaneous singing. I attended a morning session on singing at this mountain retreat last month, and was pleasantly surprised at how I felt afterward. During the session, the facilitator invited us to vocalize the vowel sounds at different times: "aaah"... "Ehhh"... "ee"... "ohhhh"... "youuu".... We did this at the same pitch for a while, then we played around with harmonizing to each other, alternating together between the vowel sounds. Then, we played around with alternating vowel sounds and harmonies independently, each person choosing which vowel to sing at whatever time at whatever pitch they wanted. We did this all with sounds, and without using words for at least 40 minutes. Then, we sang something inspired by American Indian tradition, having to do with acknowledging the wind, water, earth and fire; it was easy enough that we all could join in during the second, third and fourth refrains before breaking for breakfast.

I was surprised at how much fun I was having being creative in my own way, but also enjoying how my voice blended with the voices of the other participants - how our harmonies blended into a sort of community of sound. I also noticed a similar body sensation to when I practice Tai Chi Chuan, focused in my chest and through my arms - as though they are more alive and awake than usual. All of these things reminded me of the chanting that some monasteries practice in the mornings, and thinking how much I'd enjoy doing this on a regular basis with others. Sadly, I can't see myself doing this in my currently dwelling place, as it may disturb the neighbors (i.e. showing regard). But I look forward to doing it next time I'm in the mountains...

Morning Song

i went out to the mountains
to get away from it all
the noise, the clutter,
the hustle and bustle
and found some reprieve
in nature's soft tussle

i went there for rest
and a little adventure
and maybe connection
with the creator of nature

it's communion i seek
with such divine love
which inspire me so
i leave comfort and home

my eyes do get misty
as my belly contracts
as i packed on the trail
and headed my way back

i stood on a hill
and looked back to the meadow
which brought me such joy
and yet i'm unsettled

the beauty enveloped
my soul in a way
that I felt a deep joy
and yet sadness that day

how could it have been
that this place was created?
what was in the heart
of this being that made it?

and what is inside me
that longs for this sight
which brings me to travel
so far through the night?

what words could i use
to describe such a moment,
when the sun rises up
and wakes up all that's living?

my soul wants to sing
and its just the beginning