Calling, Responding// A Song for Balance

Singing is something that just feels good to me. No matter what it is, I am moved by song. In my morning classes, we begin by singing some campy or folky song about the morning, without regard for whether it sounds “good” or any nonsense like that. We sing simply to sing.

And singing is actually good for you. It lowers stress hormones, like cortisol, and promotes a release of endorphins. Breathing that is required to sing– diaphragmatic breathing– complements yogic breathing and this tends to lower the heart and breathing rates. Singing heals. I know this to be true.

Although I grew up with music, playing various instruments, singing, listening, I was tentative with the harmonium. It felt so imposing, I feared a mistake. I thought I might break it. But, my habit of abhyasa//practice prevailed and we have become partners.

This song has been evolving over the past half year.
When we sing the names of gods, we are singing to and evoking those aspects of ourselves that the archetypes symbolize.

Krishna is that part of ourselves that is absolutely, unapologetically human.

Ram is the side of ourselves that finds order in chaos.

Shiva reminds us of our ultimate super-power: to be awakened to a new way of being and to shed the skin of delusion.

All three of them together are pretty potent: sweet, grounding and transformative.

Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna

Hare Hare Shiva OM

Hare Rama, Rama Rama

Hare Hare Shiva OM

Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare (x2)

Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

{I made a little video just to give you an idea. The harmonium was out of the studio, so it is essentially a cappella. I hope you will forgive any pitchiness. 🙂 }

Now, Sing! Out!
{Photo of Harmonium By Patricio Arrambide}