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New Day Herald

Sing Your Heart Open

A few months before getting on discourses I was completing the practicum for USM, the University of Santa Monica. On the feedback form for the practicum I wrote, “This was a beautiful experience and I’d love to see an opportunity here for Soul singing.” I’d spent a lot of time in the processes singing songs from my childhood — Row, Row, Row Your Boat and This Little Light of Mine were recurring favorites. It was so much fun! I’d never felt more connected to my Soul. Less than a year later Danny Safron invited me to a monthly event at Prana he called, Soul Singing. Spirit works in interesting ways. I don’t know how my USM feedback form got into Danny’s hands, but who am I to question it?

The event isn’t just for children’s songs, it’s for singing anything your heart desires. To date I’ve performed MSIA classics, Beatles covers, Christmas carols, songs I wrote, and an unrehearsed but wildly spirited version of Psycho Killer by Talking Heads. We take advantage of the amazing sound system in the large seminar room at Prana. Lots of people do karaoke with background music and lyrics from the internet. Others play instruments. I’ve played a classical guitar, a twelve-string, and a singing bowl, with a
lot of clapping in between.

Originals, covers, ballads, hard rock, diva performances, songs in Spanish– if the event has any restrictions at all, it’s simply to leave one’s self-criticism at the door. This makes for a loving, joyful, and supportive experience for everyone. Singing on key comes second, singing from the heart comes first. Peter has been our stalwart karaoke and internet technician as well as an inspired performer. He has this to say:

“I really look forward to these Saturday Nights once a month. For me, I just love playing DJ with the karaoke videos. I also get to sing when it’s my turn. Musically, I’m kinda fixated in the 80’s, and recently did Love in an Elevator by Aerosmith, but enjoy doing songs from all eras, including what’s current. You can probably do anything. Luke Mazorra recently did Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan. You name it & I’ll probably be able to find the words & backup music on the net. It’s karaoke at the home of the Traveler where your audience is always enthusiastic.

I also love it because I get to support people in expressing the joy that comes out of the Spirit while they are singing. When people sing they express their freedom and a child-like excitement that just ‘tickles’ my being. When we do karaoke, the words are visible to all and often all join in. It’s great! There is such an extensive & wild assortment of music that is shared.”

Millicent Traiman shared: “As a senior who is quite senior, there is nothing better to sing it out heart and soul or just sing-along or not sing and enjoy or hum, hum, hum!! JR once talked about not comparing ones talents…who cares anyway in the home of the Traveler where Spirit reigns loving! Come, sit, express or just smile and be happy…all are sooo welcome! JR said Gods wants us to have fun and enjoy.”

Michea Caye shared: “Soul singing for me is what it’s called – an opportunity for one’s soul to sing – every soul has a song – and that is what is so wonderful – to experience the gift of everyone’s song in the way each individual soul – or the ways – each soul brings her/his song forward. Whenever, health, schedule and my merry inner voice permit, it is a joy to just be together in the joyous magic of witnessing and expressing the song and rhythms that each unique gathering of soul singers blossoms into. My experiences with soul singing with the soul singers and exploring my own soul’s song through the freeing space of the groups’ energy, are preciously in my heart.”

If any of this appeals to you, come join us. We usually have anywhere from 8-14 participants, and get together on the fourth Saturday night of each month in the large seminar room at Prana from 7 till 9:30-10. This November marks the second year anniversary of these monthly fun gatherings! For more information, or, to hear about the Troubadour Travelers, who perform for seniors twice a month at LA area convalescent hospitals, contact Danny Safron at ds@safronsales.com.

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