Staying connected in a world of social distancing
First, I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy. May you be finding ways to feed your soul in this time when we might have to dig deeper for inspiration, try harder to stay connected, and be creative in the new challenges of life during a pandemic.
Here, I certainly have my ups and downs. One day I’ll be content with “the break”–eager to attend to neglected projects, happy to start seeds in the garden, excited to dig through old song ideas–and the next I may find myself in a funk, wishing things were easier and “back to normal.” I know I’m not unique in this…
A few quotes from Carl Jung were sent to me recently. These two were especially poignant:
“Loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.”
“There is no coming to consciousness without pain. People will do anything, no matter how absurd, in order to avoid facing their own soul. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”
Oh my. As a songwriter, as a musician, as an artist, I take this as an invitation to connect with that deeper part of myself that often goes unheard when I’m busy teaching, traveling, gigging… I take it as invitation to look at what is bothersome and dark, to articulate what I can, and share with those who have open ears and open hearts.
And, sometimes I need a friend to challenge me to practice some gratitude, sing a happy song, and share it. That’s me, above, taking on that challenge. You can watch/hear the birds sing along with me to Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” here.
I hope you’ll find invitations that call to you now as well.
Be well, my friends!
Anne
