Category Archives: Spiritual practices

A Musing Musician

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Through Summer and Autumn, all Winter and Spring,
I’m doing my dream job! I write, play and sing!

The movement of nature, from north to south pole,
Inspired by Spirit Rock keeps me in flow.

I can’t see the saffron or ivory hues,
But here in my mind creativity brews…

Where even a black hole of darkness conspires
To open my lion heart, fueling its fire!

A saxophone solo I cannot provide;
I’ve uke and guitar, plus a zither and lyre.

At peace when I meditate, hearing the Voice,
And praying reminds me I do have a choice.

I am living my dream! I’m the envy of some,
And I have everything but a steady income!

—
My response to Linda Kruschke’s
Paint Chip Poetry Prompt #22

All Creatures/Doxology #Music #Mp3

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Here is a medley of two hymns, “All Creatures of Our God and King” and “Doxology” played on zither.

The melody of “All Creatures of Our God and King” was written by William Henry Draper and first published in 1919. It’s typically an Easter hymn, but any time is good to appreciate the wonders of nature and the thought that they, too, might praise their Creator.

Thomas Ken wrote “Doxology” in 1674. It was actually the final verse of two hymns, “Awake, my soul, and with the sun,” for worship in the morning; and “Glory to thee, my God, this night,” for evening worship. I have never heard these hymns, as far as I know. But I learned “Doxology” as a child, then played it on piano and recorder long before I played harp or zither.

I hope you enjoy my alternating arrangement of these two beautiful hymns!

Guardian Spirit #Writephoto #Song

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Guardian Spirit of rocks and the sea,
Is there a Spirit for me?
Offering safety that’s caring and kind,
Guidance and peace of mind?

Guardian Spirit, Highest of All,
Catching me when I fall;
Guiding my journey on life’s stormy seas,
Finding the peace I seek.

Guardian Spirit of cliffs bold and steep,
Nature is wondrous to see.
Everything comes from the Lifeforce of All,
Whether it’s great or small.

This is my Spirit, a miracle too;
This is my Nature True.
Guardian Spirit of seen and unseen,
You are the Spirit in me.

[Music]

This is my Spirit, a miracle too;
This is my Nature True.
Guardian Spirit of seen and unseen,
You are the Spirit in me.

Infinite Spirit and Source of all things,
You are the Spirit in me.
Closer than close every moment I breathe,
You are the Spirit in me.

Guardian Spirit in me.

***
Played on zither (also called plucked psaltery or lap harp) and written in response to
Sue Vincent’s #Writephoto prompt, Guardian.

I can’t see Sue’s photos, but she is kind enough to describe them. Her descriptions and the word prompt speak to the mind’s eye, my imagination. I am a Metaphysician by nature as well as profession, and the prompt always inspires me. Thank you, Sue!

Simple Gifts #Music #Mp3

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Download Simple Gifts Mp3

In the United States, this is Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is celebrated in remembrance of military personnel who died in the line of duty.

In remembering those who have fallen, we must not forget those who are still living, including ourselves. As long as we live, it’s important to be grateful, yet not to let memories keep us from living in the present moment. Our time here on earth can be tedious, difficult, and sorrowful. But it is also beautiful, enriching, and it presents opportunities for us to remember what is most important in life.

Here is “Simple Gifts,” played on lyre. This American Shaker hymn was written by Joseph Brackett, Jr. in the 1800’s. It is a reminder to return to simple things. Whatever we reach for, it is rarely the “big things” that bring us true joy and happiness, but rather the simple ones.

I hope you enjoy, and if you do, please share the link or mp3 with others!

Have a peaceful, safe, and happy Memorial Day!

The Red Bridge #Writephoto #Music #Mp3

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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.

The Ash Grove #Music #Mp3

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Also Known as “Let All Things Now Living”

Download The Ash Grove/Let All Things Now Living Mp3

Before the hymn, “Let All Things Now Living,” this traditional Welsh tune was already well-known as “The Ash Grove.” One
source
points out that many people recognize the hymn because of the familiar melody. I agree – I was one of these people! I played the melody on pennywhistle and recorder long before I knew it was a hymn. This just shows the timeless and versatile nature of music!

My arrangement is played on lyre. I hope you enjoy it!

Dance! #Writephoto #Songs

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Here are 2 original songs for
Sue Vincent’s #Writephoto Prompt, Dance.
if the audio player does not appear, please visit the post to listen to or download the songs. Thank you!

Dance!

On Ukulele
Also published in Seasons of the Moon, Volume 13 Issue 3 Beltane 2016

Dance with Me

On Guitar

Download Dance with Me Mp3

MOTHER #Acrostic #Poem #Song

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Master of invention, mysticism revealed
Optimistic alchemist, otherworldly being
Telling stories, teaching life
Healing everything from scratches, to teddy bears, to hearts
Essence of Love, expanding Awareness
Restoring herself to renew others.

Every Mother’s Tears

Original Song

Open Causeway #Writephoto #Song

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Download Mp3, Open Causeway
Length: About 7 minutes

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!

For Sue Vincent’s inspiring
Thursday #Writephoto Prompt, Causeway.

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! 🙂

Song of the Sea

Original Ukulele Song
From the free album download
Mother Nature Sings