EVERYBODY SING

BY DOVE

First comes the thought and then comes the experience. We are the creators of all that is in our world. When we continually let our “monkey mind” run the show, we wind up rethinking the same thoughts over and over. This accomplishes nothing of value and only brings an energy around us of the vibration of the thoughts we are thinking.

I have discovered for myself that the “monkey mind” does not have thoughts that make my world a better place or that make me happier. The antennas of the mind that pick up all the extraneous thoughts that everyone is putting out does not serve me.

I have searched for techniques to use to quiet that unproductive voice, particularly when I am out walking. I can focus on my breath and the feel of sunshine on my back. My brother counts his steps and breathes in and out with a pattern.

The best tool I have found for completely keeping my thoughts in a positive space is to sing. I have two songs that I sing. One is “Amazing Grace,” but I do not use the term wretch; I say a soul like me. I also love to sing “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.” I know all three versus and I sing my heart out.

What I have discovered is that it is impossible to think negative or fearful thoughts when my focus is on the words to a song. This activity raises my vibration and keeps the good energy flowing. I would like to suggest that we each find a song that moves us and gives a message we would like to experience and sing it loud and clear. I don’t care about the quality of your voice, just the conviction in your heart to fill the atmosphere with love and happy energy. If enough of us start singing, we will lift the energy out of the frequency of chaos that currently exists. It only takes one tenth of one percent of the population holding the same uplifting vibration to change our reality. Do your part. Sing a happy song.

Isn’t it interesting that the revival in Ashbury, North Carolina, has spread to other universities. We all need hope and now is the time to sing about joy, love and peace. We can do this. With grace, Dove

Still, I’d rather be with someone to share these moments. On a solo trip to Greece and Spain, I sat in the famous Greek theater adjacent to the Acropolis by myself even though hundreds of people were also in the audience watching Irene Pappas in “Medea.” Oh, to have had a soulmate next to me for that!

This time I heard most of my favorite pieces from Paul Simon, but one has stayed with me for several weeks as I have been traveling alone and embarking on some new ways of getting around. The lyrics of “Slip, Slidin’ Away” mean something different to me now than before. I used to apply those words to missed opportunities, as if they had just slipped through my hands. Now, however, I am focusing on the lyric, “The nearer the destination, the more you’re slip slidin’ away.”

I’ve read several analyses of that line. Does the destination encourage ways to avoid reaching it? Is this merely an excuse to put off an established goal — to procrastinate — or is it a reminder that perhaps the end of the trip is not as important as the unexpected slides during our voyage.

I would prefer to look at slidin’ away as a positive aspect of being bold, of sampling new patterns — in essence, expanding the cozy box one might want to stay in for safety. When I review my life, I admit that I am more of a dilettante than a fully realized success at whatever I was meant to do. However, my slides into world travel, new teaching experiences, attempting publication, or going off a certain path to be with someone I cherish, have resulted in some of the richest, most exciting and productive times imaginable. I don’t regret those times. I can’t claim expertise in a dominant goal, but boy, has it been fun! I don’t think I’ve ever been bored, especially while anticipating a slip into the new.