What Light Sings Eternal
“What light sings eternal? What persists?”
Entering this New Year, with all that has brought us to this point - appearing good or ill -
what goes with me? As Hollis says, “What light sings eternal? What persists?” What is it that still rings true in my heart? Being a musician, literally and metaphorically, what is still singing true for me?
What rings and sings true for me is what has always been - to be my truest and best self, to share my light and love of life, even in its toughest hours. It is those aspects to which I hold dear. They are most precious to my heart and soul, and hence my well-being. My music has always been message driven. Don’t get me wrong, entertainment is wonderful. I do hope that I am entertaining in delivery, but there is always a method to my madness, shall we say. As Bobby McFerrin says, “To shine my own light, that is my quest. As for music, it’s the scent of the rose.”
Living close to the earth during these last two years - and loving it - the elements teach me so much. My introspective self has always been pretty good at reflection and enjoyed meditation, but now it feels exponential. I have no new message, yet I know I am being changed. I’m performing and teaching in more private ways and remain mightily busy. Consulting, networking - I am so grateful for singing my light in these ways. Improvisational skills at work. My travel these days more internal. Deeper down the rabbit hole. Many more tributaries to discover.
Christmas morning, I watched with awe and wonder as the WEBB Telescope launched into space. This valiant effort brought together by various countries all working together for a common goal: in search of light, galaxies, and more of the mystery. Things greater than ourselves. Everything in perspective. A Florida native, having grown up in the NASA heyday, with a penchant for mystery, this thrills me to no end. A perfect Winter Light beginning to “Infinity and beyond!”
…”but the light sings eternal
a pale flare over marshes
where the salt hay whispers to tide’s change
Time, space,
neither life nor death is the answer.”
- from Canto CXV by Ezra Pound
Later this month, via Ghost Ranch Retreat Center in Abiquiu, NM, my friend and colleague, Ruth Cunningham, and I will lead a virtual Singing Journey Retreat called Singing in Our Winter Light. It’s just that - calling the light within us. These things that persist. How to find this light and let it shine through us in the darker days of winter. Yet we know the days are actually now progressing toward light. Community can help to fan the flame and bolster the spirit through song. The spark is always within.
The Light. Community. Sharing. Working together. So much of this happens within the music, within the music that we already are. These are the things that persist. This sings eternal.
“May the stars light your way
and may you find the interior road.
Forward.
- traditional Irish farewell