Dear Family of Love,
Yesterday was an indescribable mix of music in nature and concert hall. While walking in the Bull Canyon 5K Run/Walk one could hear the sounds of God's Cathedral of Life in a symphony of birdsong, wind rush, foot steps, and voices along the route. Yes and even in the sound of one's heart beating and the inhalation and exhalation of one's lungs breathing was in tune. Later in the day I traveled to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for the Verdi Requiem in an entirely different musical setting the concert hall Performing Arts Center of San Luis Obispo a.k.a The Christopher Cohen Center (Harman Hall). Hearing the blend of the choirs, soloists, and orchestra making melody to God in one of the most profound pieces of it's kind. The Requiem was spine tingling in its soaring tones to its sonorous depths. Everyone performing, blended in a symphonic masterpiece that made the audience feel connected to its message and musical strains. Both of these venues set up time for me to be actively involved in a meditation of a different kind. I came to the conclusion that wherever we are we are in places where meditation can happen and it doesn't always mean solitude. We need to learn to meditate in both solitude and with music in the background. Tonight I'm going to play for you "Dies Irae" from the Verdi Requiem for you to see what I had experienced last evening. You may have your own opinion. Write down your feelings as you listen:
Dies Irae- Verdi Requiem
Now let us listen to this piece
For the Beauty of the Earth- John Rutter
And finally
White Noise Water Sounds: Nature Sounds with Tibetan Bells, Zen Music listen for a little while.
How do these types of music affect you emotionally, physically, and spiritually and which of these is more meditative to you? If any of them aren't why? Each of these pieces pack powerful emotions. Just as each are different types of music, so are we as Children of God who are entitled to have our own ways of meditating and differing tastes of music when we enter into the center. Now let us take time for a period of silence and go deeper into the center and see how that feels. Can you hear God's voice in the silence or in nature?
Let us pray in the silence and hear the music of our hearts and God saying "You are my beloved child, I love you!"
God help us to listen more fully to the music in your Cathedral of Life.
God we pray for peace in the world, help us to be your peacemakers.
God we pray for all of our family members who may be depressed and who suffer from mental illness.
God we pray for all of our family members who are ill and those who live with chronic illness.
God we pray for all of our family members who are homeless, hungry, and lack protective clothing. Keep them safe from harm.
God we pray for all who are mourning afresh and those who are daily facing grief's long journey.
God we pray for all of our family members either human and pets who have died and those who are dying. May we rise to comfort them.
God we pray especially for all of our family members who are seeking justice, equality, universal human rights and not just acceptance but full inclusion.
God we offer our prayers and thanksgivings especially for ourselves and on behalf of others remembering________________________
God we lift up these our many prayers, praises, and thanksgivings to your son Jesus upon whom we model our lives and walk with him on His journey and as He walks with us on ours. Amen.
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Good Night Dear Family ! I love you! May you have a peaceful and restful night. I give thanks to God for you this night and always! Remember tomorrow is You Matter Monday and you do!
With love to the brim and overflowing!
Sara
For your listening bonus!
Spem in Alium -Thomas Tallis
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis- Ralph Vaughan Williams
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