The journey to make my way, at first took me away from my home, but then lead me back to where I started. Which may not be the physical place I started from but the hope is that I have come back to myself and have gained wisdom along the way.
Music video by American Authors performing Neighborhood. © 2018 Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
We are told as children to “let our light shine.” But the problem has been that over time our light dims with the slog and schmutz of life. And it seems to be more difficult to figure out where and when it’s OK to be ourselves.
How do we practice letting our lights shine?
a couple of tips to practice – literally light a candle.
if you order something, and it’s not what you wanted, practice saying something. if you disagree with a friend, child or spouse, practice sharing your thoughts. the last one isn’t easy but if you can practice sharing and shining it doesn’t seem so daunting.
the gospel song this little light of mine from the 1920’s later became song for the civil rights movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine
I first heard Cringe – stripped version by Matt Maeson, it was on the radio – haven’t heard on the radio since, it has now been months. I searched the song online and found it on YouTube. As I was listening, I scrolled down to the comments – it was very heartbreaking to read what people had to say, they were moved enough to share and wanted to discuss.
I said just tired and she said you’re just tired, leaves the listener thinking that “she said” high and not tired and I heard fine so…
The line Don’t I make you cringe seems to be a bit confessional and also realizing that life can bring us to our knees.
Also the line I saw you in the water, seems to be a topic discussion – “what does it mean.” It can mean a variety of things, depending who’s listening so maybe it can be a simple as water heals.
When art comes from pain we have an opportunity to open up a little more. To be able to sit with the pain takes practice and it seems that’s why we need to keep listening, reading and telling stories so that the pain may dissipate even if it’s just for a bit.
How do we hold space for the deep losses we as individuals and as a community feel. The traditional Jewish prayer of mourning, the Kaddish a prayer traditional recited for the dead.
From Here and Now – composer Osvaldo Golijov On Kaddish And The ‘Transcendence’ Of Music For Mourners
Copyright © 2023 Keeper of the Treasure by LLGriffin | Website Design by Blue Summit Creative