La Luz Light Newsletter June 2017: Affirmations
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Credit: Pixabay - JosvdV
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AFFIRMATIONS:
The Thoughts, Words and Actions Connection
When mantras
meet music, we get Kirtan!
Kirtan is a
Sanskrit word that means reciting a story or prayer, or mantra and is
considered a form of devotion to a specific deity of ancient Vedic times. In
modern times, a kirtana, the musical experience of the call and response, is
practiced globally by many, not only for devotion but in an attempt to build a
strong spiritual connection in an effort to meditate and heal. Very similar to
the ancient practice of yoga, chanting mantras help to ground, focus and
release energetic blockages which keep us from living blissfully. Mantras, similar
to affirmations, are said to carry spiritual powers when recited over several
times. Not unlike Gospel choirs, kirtanas are meant to be uplifting and meditative
all the while practicing a devotion to a higher power.
Devotional contemporary
singers in the Sikh traditions have popularized this ancient practice by adding
to the repetitive mantras, catchy musical compositions using string and
percussion instruments, typical of the regions in India. The texts include not only devotional texts
but some more broader spiritual or mythological philosophies. Chanting the mantra with a tune attached helps
not only to facilitate the practice but helps with memorizing the sometimes
difficult-to-pronounce words.
Snatam Kaur,
is an American born singer songwriter who chose to follow the Sikh traditions
and as such, has dedicated her sound to devotional music. With her angelic and soothing voice, she chants
ancient Sanskrit put to music, while we receive the many gifts of healing,
grounding, unblocking, euphoria, peace, bliss and so much more. Whether we
choose to have some Kirtan as background music to a lazy afternoon or whether
we tune in, to…well tune in, Snatam Kaur is my favourite.
A close second is the beautiful and soul-full
sound of the duo that make up Mirabai Ceiba. Angelika was born in America of
Mexican and German heritage while her husband Markus heralds from Germany. The
name Mirabai Ceiba expresses both inspirations from Native Latin America and
India. Mirabai was the name of a 16th century Hindu poet who wrote
mainly devotions to the god Krishna. The Latin American word of ceiba is the
name of a tree that is never cut and left to grow as tall as the sky. These two words together represent the
devotion of different aspects of God, and their music like the tree, has deep
roots in Mother Earth and branches that reach up to Father Sky.
I encourage you to listen and singalong to the inspiring and uplifting sounds from kirtan musicians. Not only will they balance and energize your throat chakra, but you will be so moved, you will be tapping your toes before too long!
If you have never experienced a kirtana, try these and then check out the YouTube channels below for much more: Earth Prayer, Guru Ram Das, Shine Your Light medley,
A Thousand Suns (Om Sat Wahe Guru)
We will continue to feature a new list of affirmations and mantras each newsletter, so stay tuned for some interesting tips and tricks to keep positive thoughts.
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