Thanks so much, Hal, for sharing your journey with us.
The choir singing "Your Children" was beautiful (and I sent it to myself so I could replay it when I am seeking inspiration!).
And I have to say, Berry the singing sheltie did indeed, "invite joy!" because I both laughed and felt deep emotion hearing & seeing his outrageous self-expression!! He inspired me to take whatever effort is needed to tap into the deep places within me that invite joy!!
Thank you, Jane! As you could tell, it was really a meaningful experience for me. "Your Children" was indeed powerful - I had a difficult time staying composed at a few spots. It's a fine line between letting yourself really feel the emotion as you are singing, and going off the rails! And Barry -- yes!! I think BCI should make him their mascot.
I’m so glad you have BCI and your local chorus experiences to feel the joy of being part of the whole in that way. Have to say I’m envious! I agree with you about the physicality of singing engaging the whole body. Another great essay. Looking forward to the one on friendships.
Thanks so much, Rhonda. As you could tell, it was a wonderful experience. I just posted the one on friendships, titled Summer Camp's Not Just for Kids Anymore. Enjoy! BTW, I will be coming to Austin in Dec - maybe we can get together again.
What an apt title for your essay! One doesn't need to apologize for seeking out and participating in experiences of joy. Joy is powerful medicine indeed (as the last video clip demonstrates)! 😚
Really inspiring, Hal, especially during a week when the despair & helplessness you describe at the start has been clouding my brain. I’m not musical, except as a listener, but this piece inspires me to lean in to listening (as you have before). But Barry is the icing on the cake! I’ve never seen a dog serenade like that!!
Dear Kris -- Yes, it's so easy to let the chaos push everything else away. On multiple occasions, I reminded myself of the flight attendant routine -- put on your own oxygen mask before trying to help others. Wise advice. BTW I have not forgotten about the voices of courage!! My prep for BCI and the time there took me away from the computer for a bit, but it's all simmering on the back burner. And isn't Barry great??!! I told Beth I'd better be in touch with his agent to sign a recording contract.
Dear Jane, Thanks!! That piece has taken up residence in my head -- sometimes I start singing it out loud -- not usually in public, however, lest they cart me away. I was streaming a movie that involved parent-child drama, and I found myself shouting at the TV: "Your children are not your children!! They have their own thoughts!!" Yikes.
Thanks so much, Hal, for sharing your journey with us.
The choir singing "Your Children" was beautiful (and I sent it to myself so I could replay it when I am seeking inspiration!).
And I have to say, Berry the singing sheltie did indeed, "invite joy!" because I both laughed and felt deep emotion hearing & seeing his outrageous self-expression!! He inspired me to take whatever effort is needed to tap into the deep places within me that invite joy!!
Thanks, as always, for the inspiration, Hal.
Thank you, Jane! As you could tell, it was really a meaningful experience for me. "Your Children" was indeed powerful - I had a difficult time staying composed at a few spots. It's a fine line between letting yourself really feel the emotion as you are singing, and going off the rails! And Barry -- yes!! I think BCI should make him their mascot.
I’m so glad you have BCI and your local chorus experiences to feel the joy of being part of the whole in that way. Have to say I’m envious! I agree with you about the physicality of singing engaging the whole body. Another great essay. Looking forward to the one on friendships.
Thanks so much, Rhonda. As you could tell, it was a wonderful experience. I just posted the one on friendships, titled Summer Camp's Not Just for Kids Anymore. Enjoy! BTW, I will be coming to Austin in Dec - maybe we can get together again.
Fantastico! I’ll look forward to December and hope the stars align.
What an apt title for your essay! One doesn't need to apologize for seeking out and participating in experiences of joy. Joy is powerful medicine indeed (as the last video clip demonstrates)! 😚
Dear Ginny,
Powerful medicine indeed!! And that Barry is a star in my books! He could keep up with the tempo on "Your Children..." like a champ.
Thanks Hal, quite profound. I totally agree!
Thanks Brian -- It was such a meaningful experience. I'm glad I can share it with people who get it.
Really inspiring, Hal, especially during a week when the despair & helplessness you describe at the start has been clouding my brain. I’m not musical, except as a listener, but this piece inspires me to lean in to listening (as you have before). But Barry is the icing on the cake! I’ve never seen a dog serenade like that!!
Dear Kris -- Yes, it's so easy to let the chaos push everything else away. On multiple occasions, I reminded myself of the flight attendant routine -- put on your own oxygen mask before trying to help others. Wise advice. BTW I have not forgotten about the voices of courage!! My prep for BCI and the time there took me away from the computer for a bit, but it's all simmering on the back burner. And isn't Barry great??!! I told Beth I'd better be in touch with his agent to sign a recording contract.
Beautiful, Hal! A really amazing piece!!
Dear Jane, Thanks!! That piece has taken up residence in my head -- sometimes I start singing it out loud -- not usually in public, however, lest they cart me away. I was streaming a movie that involved parent-child drama, and I found myself shouting at the TV: "Your children are not your children!! They have their own thoughts!!" Yikes.