Monthly Musings

May 2007

Marianne Williamson teaches that it is not our weakness that frightens us, it is that we are powerful beyond measure. She also tells us that our playing small doesn’t serve anyone.

We were born into this plain of existence for a divine purpose. We were placed here on planet earth so full of color, images, opportunities, landscapes and assorted varieties of people, animals, plant life and places for a reason. I submit to you today that you were born here to taste it all; not just a small part of it, but all of it.

I look back at my ancestors and look at the courage, and the determination it took for them to move forward and explore new frontiers. They looked fear squarely in the face and said 'I’ll go ahead anyway'. A Jerry Florence song says “We were born to live, not just survive, though the rivers wide and the valley low". None of us will ever know what good is waiting for us until we take those steps that speak to the universe, ‘I am ready for adventure’.

I charge you today to look and see what frontiers are just crying for you to explore them. Not just the landscapes of mother earth but the landscapes of your life, which are equally as beautiful; the landscapes of your emotions, your mind, your connection to God and to the other sojourners on this earth school. What dreams have you put off because it wasn’t practical or because you were afraid? When was the last time you did something for the first time?

We were placed here to laugh, to cry, and to experience the ups and downs of being alive. In doing so we fine tune the tools we need for this level of existence and also discover new ones that prepare us for the next adventure of living. Gather all you can while you are here. Soak it up. You are not here merely to survive but to have a cup of abundant and joyous life experience that is filled to overflowing. Step out and play the fool, notice your fears and do it anyway. Speak in kindness and love the words that need to be said. Open your mind to classes, music, literature and people that make you think and feel and know you are fully alive. "Dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listening and love like you'll never get hurt."

I have directed a lot of choirs and found huge success with each one. These choirs quickly grew in numbers as members formed those deep interpersonal connections to family and God that only come through music. The truth is I have very little training on how to direct a choir. What I do have is a deep desire and passion to stretch the boundaries of what I and others think we can do musically and spiritually. Through grace we have been empowered to try new things, experience our self imposed limitations, laugh at them and then step out in faith and watch God work through us. Every time a new miracle is born!

Today I encourage you to create and discover landcapes where it is safe to play, safe to love and safe to fling your cares to the wind. They are everywhere if you look. Stand emotionally naked to the world and don't worry what someone else thinks. Terry Cole Whitaker says "What you think about me is none of my business!" Amen, Amen, Amen! Move from self-judgment, move from fear and throw yourself completely into a life of passion. Fall down, and then get back up. Fall down again and laugh as you get back up again.

I have played music for Jessie Baker School in Elk Grove, CA that has a motto that says "Everyone shines at Jessie Baker". It is sooo true! Society has labeled these students as "handicapped", saying there is something wrong with them. I say ha! They live more fully than most “normal” people I know. They play, they laugh, they risk, they appreciate the smallest things, and they express gratitude, pride and love unabashedly! They haven’t been, or can’t be taught to be anything else but themselves; beautiful children of the most high!

You were put here to create something, to do something and to be something, not just take up space. Find your passion, find your calling, find the stirring in the depths of who you are that says, 'I want to do this"! Then say to the world, "I can do it! .…I will do it"! Then just do it!

It is the voice of Spirit calling you to a greater expression of what God has meant for you to be. Don’t play small. By playing small you deny God and speak to the world that your are not deserving. Hogwash! If you die without having lived, you have denied everyone who was a part of your life the special gift that you are as the light of the world! You have a sacred responsibility to take risks, and to stand tall. Maybe you’re not the prettiest crayon in the box, or the brightest light bulb in the package, who cares, neither am I. Nobody is.....that whole concept is a myth that humanity has believed for way too long. As humans we have judged what’s pretty and what isn’t. A box of all blue crayons is boring. A world where only the bird with the best voice sings is boring. A world where only the best of anyone offers who they are is a world destined for death from boredom. Live! Live! Live! Love! Love! Love! It is your divine duty. Go forth with a might confidence and excitment for all that lies in front of you!