March 30th 2016. Para-para-paradise!

Do. Not. Worry. I know I talk about some woo-woo stuff, but my paradise title isn’t going to lead to some koolaid-drinking, afterlife-seeking craziness! It’s just that…I had an excellent day. So many parts of the day just went well. The sun was shining gloriously but the temperature was refreshingly cool the six times I was out walking. My dogs wanted lots of love and cuddles. I spoke with a wonderful friend who loves me so much and it felt so good. Another friend surprised me with a purposely belated birthday gift to make it a special month instead of a special day. My mother surprised me with a visit and some help I needed but wouldn’t have asked for. There were so many synchronicities and smile-worthy moments that I actually lost count. And this all happened on a day I woke up with a migraine that I actually managed to get rid of in time to work.

Sometimes we have to escape. Sometimes we long for a trip to “paradise”; a cottage, a beach vacation, a cruise, etc. And sure, some people long for that afterlife kind of paradise. But sometimes just fully showing up to where we are, being present and grateful, presents us with a little taste of paradise. “When she was just a girl she expected the world, but it flew away from her reach so she ran away in her sleep and dreamed of paradise, every time she closed her eyes.” Sometimes we just have to remember to re-open our eyes. With love, light, and song… ~Melissa~

Listen here: Paradise * by Coldplay & Brian Eno * from the album Mylo Xyloto (2011)

March 14th 2016. Just love choir!

Yesterday’s post reminded me that I haven’t shared much choral music yet. Then again, it’s only Day 14! I love choirs. I love listening to choirs, I love singing in choirs, I love coaching students who sing in choirs…as the video said yesterday choir! choir! choir! Making music by yourself is great, with a small group is grand, but with twenty, fifty, or a hundred other singers? It’s one of the best feelings in the world. They say singing every day, especially in choir, is amazing for your health, breathing, and mindset. I have also realized it goes beyond that to vibration. Not only are you giving your vibration through your own sound and energy to The Universe and others around you, you are receiving the vibration of the music-making all around you. The energy and vibration in a room full of choir singers is so powerful!

A few weeks ago my choir gave a performance of the Duruflé and Fauré Requiems, but we’re not on YouTube! This performance below is In Paradisum (Latin for Into Paradise), the final movement from the latter. This is the exquisite Vancouver Chamber Choir, and you can read a translation of the text here. Prepare to feel lifted by angels to the heavens! With love, light, and song… ~Melissa~