Class Recording: August 26, 2021
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/aBCUk7seetJVwkscYw-MpOVWB1RZk7_LH_kV2MNtfRRcyggESKvBm7cnZFzlO7Zh.qqBV7OB70PtTkLcU
PRACTICE
Continue learning / practicing the songs or any other practice from the previous weeks. Contemplation of topic presented here.
MAIN TOPIC
A bit of a further expansion on the Medicine of sound, cultivating awareness around our expression and how the ego can co-opt it, how we can cultivate healthier expression, and reaches into responsibility and divine will.
THE GIST
Ideally we strive in general that we check ourselves, that we're careful, responsible and skillful with our expression but that it's particularly important in sacred containers, and in prayer, in working with powerful allies like mapacho or other powerful plant allies, through the various service roles and modalities that many of us provide, in situations where people are in altered states or are trusting us with their psyches, minds, emotions and bodies, be that as a participant, friend of facilitator.
When we're singing in sacred context, within a group container, it's a good idea that we set our personality aside, get our egos as much out of the way as possible, that we don't have a personal agenda for others but instead trust the agenda of their essence, and support their essence connection, to their own inner wisdom and knowing. (An aside: I find it helpful to remember that Shamanism is a path of direct revelation, we may have way-showers and support (or provide that), but for Shamanism the truth lies within each of us, and truth, like Spirit, is multi-valent. There can be and are many truths co-existing simultaneously.)
For these reasons, it's really helpful & important to study yourself and to know and understand the machinations of the false personality aka ego or fear patterns -- to become a student of yourself, to learn about your propensities or tendencies, and understand how fear patterns can co-opt your expression. Doing so can minimize unintended harm and suffering.
Likewise, it's also helpful to practice skillful and wholesome use of your voice on the daily, to help grow and strengthen life-affirming, love-affirming expression habits.
Vulnerability around expression is fascinating- the willingness to be seen and be heard, the entitlement / worthiness, self deprecation or hangover after vulnerability, the arrogance / greed / how the dragons express themselves around expression, the shame that extends from that. So much of it is related to very early childhood experience stored in the subconscious mind. Bringing awareness to that and balancing that with - wholesome / skillfull expression is a worthy endeavor.
In the moment it requires really listening, being attentive, and a strong intention to keep yourself in check. It requires devotion and perseverance.
Mindfulness meditation practice is incredibly helpful for developing an inner witness and strengthening focus and prolonged attention. In regards to the ego, watch for...
FALSE PERSONALITY (from Transforming your Dragons)
Arrogance / Self Deprecation
Impatience / Martyrdom (or Victimization)
Greed / Self Destruction
Stubborness
If you have a strong need for expression or a passionate nature - it can feel really really good, especially if you've had a lifetime where you've not been able to express. Just keep in mind that Greed & Impatience can take advantage. Remember to listen, to wait and be sure your timing is ripe.
THE FIVE HINDRANCES Buddhist Perspective (great resource Gil Fronsdal)
Sensual Desire (Greed)
Ill Will (Hatred / Wrath )
Sloth & Torpor (Lethargic Mental & Energy States)
Restlessness & Worry
Doubt
ALIGNING WITH PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY & DIVINE WILL
Siddhis, as mentioned in the teachings of the revered Yogic Mystic Pantanjali, are described as mystical powers gained through various devotional yogic practices. It's said that practice of strict honesty, devotional alignment with divine truth results in the siddhi to manifest with the power of the word. I've heard it suggested that Jesus was able to perform miracles with his words because of his devotion to divine truth in speech and action.
Along these lines, the following intentions, practices, devotions can support the healing of your voice and will give it power.
KUSALA - a Buddhist concept translated as both Wholesomeness/ Skillfulness: Speech and action that is life-affirming, promoting health or well being of mind, spirit, or body. (Kusala lectures with Gil Fronsdal)
Kusala / Wholesome Actions:
Non-harming | Compassionate toward all living beings
Abstaining from Malicious Speech | Engages speech that reunites those divided, promotes friendship
Abstains from harsh speech | Speaks gently and courteously
Abstaining from gossip/idle chatter | Speaks what is factual and good
Abstaining from ill will | Wishes others to be free of affliction
Likewise, Rumi said:
TOLTEC WISDOM: THE FOUR AGREEMENTS (from book by Don Miguel Ruiz)
1st Agreement - Be impeccable with your word.
- speak with integrity
- say only what you mean
- avoid using the word to speak against yourself or slander/gossip about others
- use the power of your word in the direction of truth & love
PRAYERS TO ALIGN WITH DIVINE WILL
Very simple prayer, which can also be a mantra:
All is divine, as am I. (from How to Pray the Shaman's Way by Jose Stevens- 99¢ sale on Kindle!)
----- ( from me, haha )
I align my will with divine will. I surrender my ego to the wisdom and will of the divine.
I align my word with the divine, Word, I am Word.
Recent Paul Selig's (Channel & author of I am the Word) Interview with Jade's Podcast - Untamed & Unashamed
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Audio Dharma has a phone app that contains a huge collection of Gil Fronsdal's lectures, among others, available free. It's a great app, superior to the website (which is also a great resource).
The reason I love Gil Fronsdal is that he's an incredibly old soul, he's very anti-dogma and he's achieved a deeply compassionate state, a gentle person. He's Norwegian-born, raised atheist, and originally interested in meditation but not the religion of Buddhism. He practiced meditation through retreats and temples all over the world, beginning in the 1960's before he admitted to himself that it'd be a good idea to learn more about the Buddha in the 1990s, haha (that cracks me up, I find it endearing). In 1998, he obtained a PhD in Religious Studies at Stanford, where he learned the Pali language and self-translated early Buddhist texts, which he shares in his teachings.
Another Buddhist Teacher I adore and has helped me greatly is Pema Chodron. Her stuff isn't typically free but is worth it.
I've especially gotten a lot out of these two recordings, I come back to them again & again:
How to be present, sit with what's uncomfortable, recognize habits, and to have compassion for yourself
Here's an excerpt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rql2mA5HoA
Pema Chodron: When Pain is the Doorway
Finding liberation through painful circumstances, the concept of propensities or tendencies, Tonglen practice to transform intense emotion & triggers. Here's a little excerpt from the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhWsEwIHqM8
BONUS ICARO : PICAFLORCITO (song of the hummingbird
This is a song for calling in love, and calling in the hummingbird to prick the heart with love (pica means prick).
It's good for self deprecation, for relationship challenges, for calling in a soul-mate, for abuse/trauma due to neglect, heart protection (hummingbirds are fierce little heart warriors & protectors), or anytime someone or a space can benefit from love, or love protection. I'll add literal translations if/when I have more time (or feel free to google.)
Recorded Shipibo songs from the Lineage through we are connected, Herlinda:
Picaflorcito cur-nai-nai-na, Picaflorcito cur-nai-nai-na
Picaflorcito cur-nai-nai-na, Picaflorcito cur-nai-nai-na
Agaradita cur-nai-nai-na, Agaradita cur-nai-nai-na
Agaradita cur-nai-nai-na, Agaradita cur-nai-nai-na
Picaflorcito cur-nai-nai-na, Picaflorcito cur-nai-nai-na
Picaflorcito cur-nai-nai-na, Picaflorcito cur-nai-nai-na
Tocando su corazoncito, tocando su corazoncito
Masanflochito cur-nai-nai-na
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
Hablasadita cur-nai-nai-na, Hablasadita cur-nai-nai-na
Hablasadita cur-nai-nai-na
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
Pesando eso cuerpecito, Pesando eso cuerpecito,
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
Agaradita cur-nai-nai-na, agaradita cur-nai-nai-na
Agaradita ensomanito
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
Siguen el sol energia, sigen el sol energia
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
Siga Sigando Siga Siga
Va caminando, caminando,
Va caminando, caminando,
Va sigendo, va suigendo
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
Agaradita cur-nai-nai-na, Agaradita cur-nai-nai-na
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
Tai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai-rai
(Sometimes you'll hear Picaflorcito repeated again here to finish, or some of the lines will be used again instead of Tair-rai-rait, or vice versa.)
