Dear Ones,
It is difficult for me to find the words to write here this morning. With so much pain and injustice and brutality and heartache happening in our nation, and in the world, I am at a loss. And for fear of revealing any blind spots I might have because of my white privilege, I feel quiet. But I am not one to shut down and go silent, not anymore. I will continue to share my thoughts and experiences, even if I feel
clumsy. So here goes...
I'll share a story...
On Saturday, I had the honor of participating in a peaceful protest over the horrifying death of George Floyd and so many other of our black family. When I arrived, I was drawn towards the sound of voices singing together, harmonizing together. As we wove our way through the crowd, drawing near, I realized that one of the women singing her heart out was a member of my women's choir Yala Lati. As my housemate
and I began singing along, I instantly felt a sense of belonging and unity, of dropping in to my heart and into the present moment.
We sang:
“Until the killing of black men, (humans)
black mother’s sons, (humans)
is as important as the killing of white men, (humans)
white mother’s sons. (humans)
We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest
until it comes.”
- Sweet Honey in the Rock
After chanting these words for a good 10 minutes, I was on the verge of tears.
At 9:25, our Santa Cruz police force stopped traffic in all directions, and we all
took a knee for 8 minutes, in silence,
along with the chief of police and mayor of Santa Cruz.
That silence, that reverence, that sense of community, solidarity and oneness spilled my tears to overflowing. I felt the pain of the injustice, and precious lives lost, and the gratitude for our ability to gather and demonstrate all swirled into one.
I had a chance to remember how powerful it feels to gather and feel that sense of oneness. It fortifies our spirits and connects our hearts. And as more injustice is revealed, and our systems and structures as we know them continue to unravel, it is crucial that we continue to gather in whatever ways we can, to feel the strength and solidarity of community.
Even when we gather online, on Zoom, it is incredible to me how connected I feel to the people on the call. When our intentions are aligned and we set our voices free all at once, the synergy is palpable. I feel it in my bones, and I am grateful. As many of you know, I am often moved to tears by the power of our unified voices.
So I hope you'll lift your voice and set some potent intention with us tonight for our
(or Listen-A-Long)
Released in January of 2020, many of these songs on this album were birthed from a place of struggle, but inevitably guide us through to the other side, feeling our inner resolve, our strength and resilience. And there is a tenderness, and a beauty and a radiant love that shines through these women's voices.
Check it out on any streaming platform if you have yet to hear the magic.
And you'll have a chance to meet some of the women's who's voices you hear on the album. I'll be holding the evening as a women's circle,
but all genders are welcome to attend if they feel called.
So fix a cup of tea, light a candle, and cozy on up!
Come sing your griefs, gratitudes and praises.
Zoom Replay given to our registered guests.
Here is the line up for our shelter in place Monday night series:
Monday, June 15th @ 5:30 pm PDT - Kaitie Tye Warren and Karly Loveling
Monday, June 22nd @ 5:30 pm PDT - Moira Smiley
Monday, June 29th - Round Robin Featuring YOU!
We are keeping spirit of our singing community alive and well!
We will make it through this - with a pocket full of songs!
All of these circles are DONATION based.
Give what you can to support the artists.
10% of proceeds benefits the Navajo Nation Covid 19 Relief Fund
So much love to all of you,
Heather
