“Tyranny cuts off the singer’s head
but the voice from the bottom of the well
returns to the secret springs of the Earth
and rises out of nowhere through the
mouths of the people.”
~ Pablo Neruda, trans. by Alistair Reid
In some indigenous traditions, our truest essence and purpose is called our Song, one that only we can sing, or give expression to. One that only we can be.
The journey then is to reclaim and sing this original Song of ours so it becomes part of a growing symphony of Life, on behalf of Life.
Neruda’s words are exquisite as ever.
May we hear the voice of our Song from the bottom of the well. May the gathering symphony rise like a Phoenix from the Springs of the Earth and flow through us in the cause of Life.
Big Love,
Jamie
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January 23, 2016 at 9:53 pm
Thanks for reminding me I need to read more Neruda. Actually, I just need to read more. 😉
January 24, 2016 at 5:39 pm
I’m always glad to be reminded of Neruda … etc. As for you, you ARE reading DFWs Infinite Jest, so there’s that! 😉 No small feat. Here’s a wonderful Neruda-related project to be aware of if you’ve not heard of it: http://www.redpoppy.net/pablo_neruda.php. J
January 24, 2016 at 5:48 pm
Thanks for the link. Looks cool. I’ll explore the site deeper when time permits 🙂
January 23, 2016 at 10:11 pm
What a beautiful post. Thank you. Do you know about a tribe in Africa, where a woman goes out into Nature, when she learns of her pregnancy, to find the song of the child. She learns it and memorizes it, and sings it while pregnant, and teaches it to the child. If the child at sometime in its life is in some kind of trouble – addiction maybe or some kind of transformation – the whole tribe circles said child, and sings the song until he/she remembers who she/he is. I love that. I love your words here.
Peace
Mary
January 24, 2016 at 5:45 pm
I’m glad it resonated with you, Mary. And thanks for sharing that lovely and sweet anecdote about going into Nature to receive the Song of a child coming into the world. I’ve read some of what Sobonfu Some has shared about the Dagara tradition … honoring the Spirit and song of a child coming into incarnation (and thus the awareness and support for each person’s purpose … what a concept!). It’s likely that many indigenous cultures around the world (including European indigenous cultures) had more awareness about such things. Some of the ‘lost Wisdom’ we’re looking to midwife back into the collective consciousness. 🙂 Blessings to you, and thanks for sharing that! Love, Jamie
January 24, 2016 at 2:12 am
Lovely, Jamie! As I read, I also thought of reading Narnia books with our daughters and about Aslan singing Narnia into being. Our songs are powerful!
January 24, 2016 at 5:49 pm
I’m glad it spoke to you, Joanne. It really is such a beautiful notion, isn’t it? C.S. Lewis was tapped in to that spirit-stream, to be sure … singing Narnia into being. There’s a beautiful creation story like that … one of those that, when I’m reminded of it and sink into it, evokes the heart-spirit so amazingly. Perhaps I’ll share that one … 🙂 I hope January is unfolding well for you! Love, Jamie
January 24, 2016 at 5:58 pm
2016 is lovely, if a bit serendipitous! Hope that you are well, too!
Peace,
Joanne
January 24, 2016 at 6:14 pm
I’m appreciating the spirit of 2016 thus far, Joanne. 🙂 Serendipitous is good, yes? A bit of magic stirring? xo Jamie
January 24, 2016 at 2:41 am
Yes Jamie. I always love any reference to singing one’s true song, analogous to whale symbolism, to hear the song of your soul… http://www.universeofsymbolism.com/whale-symbolism.html
January 24, 2016 at 5:52 pm
It’s beautiful music, whale song. Thank you for sharing the symbolism link … In our culture, here at least, the ‘quiet’ along with the notion of listening in general, is under siege. Can’t know our song if we’re never stopping and attuning to hear it, yes? Hope you’re well and that 2016 is off to a lovely beginning for you. Love, Jamie
January 25, 2016 at 1:24 am
I am always looking for quiet spots, as this world is far too noisy! It is easier to hear ‘soul’ in silence. Have recently found my voice song, bluesy/jazzy velvetry, so yes 2016 has begun on a good note, thanks! I envisage working on writing songs from my poetry and adding them to my music, thus my creative journey continues.. and am having a few trips away, to Sydney, to celebrate the Chinese New Year ( Fire Monkey) and to go to a concert a visit a friend, and later, Melbourne ( with my daughter to see a K Pop band ) and possibly even MacLeay Island ( Queensland) for a retreat. I do wish the very best for you for 2016, and may your dreams come true Jamie x0x0
January 25, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Thank you, Bridget. And to you as well — may this Fire Monkey Year bring joy, wellbeing, and a good bit of fun. 🙂 xo Jamie
January 26, 2016 at 1:25 pm
What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing.
January 26, 2016 at 6:17 pm
You’re welcome, JoHanna. I’m glad the Singer’s Voice & the Well resonated with you. xoxo Jamie