Eat, dance, and pray together

I engage in a number of different spiritual practices.  I write morning pages (though rarely in the morning), sit for centering prayer, walk labyrinths (especially in the snow), sing chants with my shruti box (though not usually Gregorian or Anglican), and dance. 

I flit from one to another almost daily depending on my mood, anxiety level, ability to focus, need to move, available time, and the brain rats in my head.  The goal is always to feel closer to God and have a greater sense of peace.  Sometimes that means letting the brain rats have their say.  Most of the time it is letting myself be absorbed enough in the activity to lose the distinction of my separate self and to connect with my body, spirit, still small voice, nature, or the wholeness createdin community. 

It is my hope to write about each of the spiritual practices I groove to.  This first reflection will be about the Dances of Universal Peace. 

Grace Notes on the radio!

In the Spring of 2012, a friend of mine asked me if he could spotlight Grace Notes as one of the KFAI radio's MinneCulture 10,000 Fresh Voices project.  How could I object?

Listen to it here. 

Thank you so much Will for highlighting Grace Notes!  Will Hale does great work with children's music.  Check out Tadpole Parade at http://www.willhale.com/. 

The story initially aired on March 26, 2012 and is archived at the Ampers website. Ampers is a collective of 15 independent radio stations in Minnesota. While you're at it check out all the other cool MinneCulture stories!

Is that the January wind you hear? SHHH...

That's not January's wind you hear.  It's your reminder of January's installation of Sing Heavenly Harmony Home (SHHH!)!

Join us on Sunday, January 6, 2013 for singing songs of struggle and resolve, concern and hope, and sadness and joy. 

In this New Year, SHHH is in a NEW LOCATION at a NEW TIME and added another 'H' to the acronym. 

• New Locale:  Rondo Community Outreach Library, 461 Dale St. N, St. Paul, MN.  We'll be meeting in the Youth Meeting Room.
• New Time:  2-4 p.m.  The library is open 1-5 p.m. on Sunday so we're adjusting to meet during their hours.
• Additional 'H':  Each of the 'H's stand for different projects.  "Heavenly" represents a connection to the Grace Notes hospice choir and to the movement in faith communities to do more (not exclusively, just more) paperless music (see the Music that Makes Community work of All Saints Company).  "Harmony" represents the connection between individuals in community art.  "Home" points to the connection with the Arts Responding to Foreclosure (ARF!) project. 

If you're not able to join us this month, pencil SHHH! into your calendars for the 1st Sunday of the month.  Check out the Public Events calendar for details. 

SHHH! It's December soon!

Now that we are in full fledged holiday mode, be sure to get enough exercise.  Singing exercise that is!  It's time to warm up those Christmas carols! 

On Sunday, December 2, 2012, from 4-6 p.m. Sing Heavenly Harmony Home (SHHH!) will be singing at the O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library's O'Shaughnessy Room one last time in 2012.  Please join us for a smattering of tunes of the season, and songs for all times.  You can even lead one if you'd like.  Just let me know when you get there!  Here's a link to the usual details.