"Mama said there'll be days like this
There'll be days like this mama said."
-- The Shirelles
"Gloriousness and wretchedness need each other.
One inspires us, the other softens us.
One inspires us, the other softens us.
They go together.”
― Pema Chödrön, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living
Although for decades now meditation and mindfulness practice have been the central focus of my spiritual life, over the years I've explored a number of practices from a variety of traditions. In the early 70's, I chanted Om Mani Padme Hum until I could feel the Grand Hum, practiced other mantra yogas.
Over the years, I've sung (and danced) bhajan and kirtan with the Hare Krishna's and Neem Koroli Baba's folks, participated in Sufi and Sacred Dance circles. Over the years I've found a great value in various aphorisms, affirmations and prayers, as well. Yet, for me, the combination of music and words can sometimes be High Magic.
Although I maintained my daily sitting practice (and continued examining the Lojong slogans) this week, the Universe also brought forth an unexpected, deeply healing, musical incantation. It emerged not from the Sacred Sounds of an eastern spiritual tradition, but from the first "girl group" to top the Billboard Top 100. Softy singing in my "mind's ear" this heavenly chorus of young women from New Jersey immediately transformed my state of mind. I had been pretty funked out at that moment, then, instantaneously, a grin emerged on my mug, the quality of my consciousness became brighter and lighter. All it took was the Shirelle's simple refrain:
Duh, Of course. It's Life as it is.
The past week has been a real doozie. Hurting my lower back 24 hours ahead of what turned
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― Pema Chödrön, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living

Over the years, I've sung (and danced) bhajan and kirtan with the Hare Krishna's and Neem Koroli Baba's folks, participated in Sufi and Sacred Dance circles. Over the years I've found a great value in various aphorisms, affirmations and prayers, as well. Yet, for me, the combination of music and words can sometimes be High Magic.
Although I maintained my daily sitting practice (and continued examining the Lojong slogans) this week, the Universe also brought forth an unexpected, deeply healing, musical incantation. It emerged not from the Sacred Sounds of an eastern spiritual tradition, but from the first "girl group" to top the Billboard Top 100. Softy singing in my "mind's ear" this heavenly chorus of young women from New Jersey immediately transformed my state of mind. I had been pretty funked out at that moment, then, instantaneously, a grin emerged on my mug, the quality of my consciousness became brighter and lighter. All it took was the Shirelle's simple refrain:
"Mama said there'll be days like this
There'll be days like this mama said."
Duh, Of course. It's Life as it is.
The past week has been a real doozie. Hurting my lower back 24 hours ahead of what turned
READ MORE