I didn’t use the paint chip words as colors, because as a blind person, I know them as things instead. Also, only my last poem really follows the “future” theme. But I did follow Linda’s example and write 3 poems using the angel card words from the challenge. Finally, for those of you who haven’t heard my lyre yet, please have a listen. Hope you enjoy! ❤
Yesterday I had every intention of creating and submitting a (hopefully musical) entry for the Weekly Photo Prompt from Sue at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo.
It’s become such an inspiration and positive routine for me that I start looking forward to it on Tuesday!
Well, as the saying goes, “Crystal plans, God laughs!” I was hit with a migraine last night that did not let up, didn’t sleep well, and then awoke to find the migraine turned to a full-blown thing, nausea and all. I’ll spare you the details, except to say that even walking and eating were extremely difficult. I do have chronic pain of other kinds, every day, but don’t get migraines like that very often. Suffice it to say that when I do, it is not fun! In fact, it’s debilitating!
This ruined my day and other things I had planned, ruined my husband’s plans, and had us worried for a while. I can still feel dull pounding (Is there really such a thing?) in my temples, but I bring you “The Arran Boat (Song)” for a reason.
The reason is harp therapy, or zither therapy, in this case. This traditional Scottish tune, first published in the 1880s, is often used as a calming, grounding piece. I’d been meaning to learn it for some time, and started practicing and arranging it a few days ago. This evening, after the pain subsided enough to think, I picked up little Ripply,
my 2-3 LB. zither/lap harp, and played this piece while I was laying down. On my back with my head propped on pillows and my knees up, I propped the zither against my thighs. I played the piece a few times before recording it and was surprised, though I shouldn’t have been, to find how comforting it was.
I share “The Arran Boat” or “Highland Boat Song” with you now in hopes that it will calm, comfort, and ground you as well!
Play or download this Metaphysical Prayer Treatment
(also called Spiritual Mind Treatment or Affirmative Prayer) with lyre accompaniment.
I turn away from the world that surrounds me for a few moments. I leave the worn outer world and mind behind me.
Planted habits and thought patterns fall away as I traverse the stepping stones leading deep within myself.
Here, I open the doors of my ordinary mind to the Higher, Greater Truth that I Am.
Light permeates my mind, and I realize I Am One with Love, Wisdom, Creativity, Power, and Healing. Whatever I need is already here within me. I can access my Divine Attributes at any moment, simply by looking higher and deeper to the Spirit within the center of my own mind. This is my True Self.
For this realization I give thanks! I return to my daily activities renewed, refreshed, relaxed, and ready to accomplish the Divine Plan for me this day.
I recommend downloading the meditation to listen at your convenience. It’s about 16 minutes long, a journey well worth the time. And thank you to everyone who takes the time, not just to listen but to benefit from your own journey through the secret door!
Download “Red Bridge” Mp3
Length: About 5.5 minutes
Instrument: 22-string lyre
Root Chakra Meditation
If you read this poem along with the melody, you’ll notice it can be sung. For Sue Vincent’s #Writephoto Prompt, Painted.
I didn’t actually use the word painted, but hope this still qualifies…
The Red Bridge
Red is the bridge in the color of life,
Leading from fear to the strength of the Light
Burning in darkness, a way through the storm.
Red is a beacon of safety and warmth.
Red is the root of our hearth and our home,
Always inside us wherever we roam.
Here is our Lifeforce, vital and strong,
Building a bridge from the night to the dawn.
Red is the color of passion and truth,
Shining so brightly we cannot refuse.
Rooted in Nature that heals and survives,
Fanning the Flame so our Spirit can thrive..
Red is the bridge in the color of life,
Leading from fear to the strength of the Light
Burning in darkness, a way through the storm.
Red is a beacon of safety and warmth.
1. Calm is the sea.
Bright is the causeway.
Narrow it stretches
Over the view.
Open my eyes.
Clearly I see it,
Path of my purpose.
I’m walking through.
2. Tide rising high
Darkens the causeway.
Narrow it hovers
Over my fear.
Fog from the deep
Clouding my vision,
Making the bridge
From me disappear.
3. Here is the way,
Shining in sunlight.
I travel onward,
Guided and sure.
I realize
Only perception
Strays from the channel
That’s mine evermore.
Accompanied by Sunny, my lyre, this song is in the Dorian mode, which is grounding, and common in shanty songs. It’s about 7 minutes long, with musical interludes for meditation. I do hope you enjoy!
This is the first song I’ve written in 18 months! I’ve written a few instrumental pieces, meditations, and many poems; but I’ve missed the songwriting–lyrics, melody, accompaniment, singing… And even trying to remember the lyrics to make just one good recording all the way through! Thank you, Sue! 🙂
I play the meditation on zither (also called a plucked psaltery or lap harp). Improvisation in the Lydian mode, for those who want to know. 🙂 More importantly, Ripply is the zither’s name, so it was the natural (read: only) choice for this meditation. Please feel free to download and share the mp3!
Rippling Cascade
Water ripples, water flows,
Though we can’t see where it goes.
From the hallowed hidden falls
Back into the Source of All.
Let your body be at ease.
Leave your manic mind in peace.
Safe from rushing here and there,
Now releasing every care.
Feel the rippling water soft,
Taking all the edges off.
Ragged-rough to round and smooth,
Let it cradle, let it soothe.
All the tension you have held
Fades away and gently melts.
You surrender every stress,
Giving thanks for needed rest.
In your mind you find a place
Where the water fills the space.
Deep, renewing, healing womb,
This is your creative room.
All your passions, dreams and play
Come alive again today.
They are not gone; they are not lost.
They are yours, Love pays the cost.
Let the water take your fears,
Loneliness and every tear.
Give your doubts and questions up,
Rippling Spirit fills your cup.
Water comes and water goes,
Urging things to die, or grow.
If there’s something you must leave,
Let it go, and then receive.
For unto you the water comes
To show you where you’re really from:
Made of Spirit more than bone,
Always with you, not alone.
And this body that you wear?
Water is its substance fair.
So let the rippling changes be;
Your Essence: Truth, Eternal, Free!
Water ripples, water flows,
Though we can’t see where it goes.
From the hallowed hidden falls
Back into the Source of All.
Mystical Strings 
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