Today's DailyOM Offerings...
August 1, 2011
The Essential Snatam Kaur: Sacred Chants for Healing
Snatam Kaur
2010
If songs were lakes, most would be rippled, even turbulent, but the songs of Snatam Kaur would be so clear and calm that you could see into them as if they were a mirror to the sun above, reflecting perfect light and love that no amount of armor and cynicism could resist-even the hardest armor is warmed by the sun. Collecting some of her most precious and radiant works, The Essential Snatam Kaur is an embodiment of the Sikh tradition, and contains some of the most beautiful, healing, timeless kirtans brought into the context of modern adult listening, with beautiful synth pads, violins, flutes, tablas, sitars, and dazzling harmonics in a spacious, crystalline recording, so that her soul can reach yours and ours.
A protégé of the kirtan tradition, Snatam Kaur was born in the United States but raised in a deeply immersed yogic tradition, and has studied the kirtan and the ancient Sanskrit language of Gurmurkhi since the age of six. Her devotion to this beautiful and sacred musical form is undeniable-the beauty of the spirit has its most perfect voice in Snatam Kaur. "It is in dying that we are born / Into each eternal life," she sings in the beautiful "Servant of Peace," over mandolin, tabla, a rich bed of backing vocals, and the guitar of Guru Ganesha Singh. "Ra Ma Da Sa" (sun, moon, earth, infinite) hangs suspended in huge golden teardrops of sunlight, with Kaur's voice rising and falling over soft accents of harp, keyboards, drums, and flute by Pedro Eustache.
"By Thy Grace" has an almost country-and-western twang. And with its graceful melody, funky tables, and violin, "Long Time Sun" is a song often sung at the end of yoga classes. This is a beautiful interpretation with gentle acoustic guitar and Kaur's voice doubled and overlapping on waves of synth-enhanced sound that warm the spirit down to the bones. No sunshine has ever sunk so deep into the soul as Kaur's celestial voice: "May the longtime sun / Shine upon you / And all love surround you / And the pure light / Within you / Guide your way on." A CD booklet is included with the Sanskrit and Gurmukhi lyrics translated, so join in and let The Essential Snatam Kaur show you how bright that pure light within you can shine.
August 1, 2011
Change Is a Doorway
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope
You may feel hopeful or pleasantly surprised today. Perhaps new opportunities are arising for you in your work or personal life. It’s possible that there has been a change in your work schedule, domestic responsibilities, or social calendar. This change may prompt you to focus more time or attention on your priorities. If you are a professional, you may see a chance to move up in your existing field or step into something more desirable. It may serve you to stay open to the unexpected today. Try staying optimistic even if the normal flow of your life is suddenly disrupted. It’s possible that each perceived disruption is actually the creation of an opening in your life for new things to manifest.
When we remain open to change we find that wonderful benefits result in the most likely ways. The world is in a constant state of flux, and any established patterns we may have for how we live are subject to inevitable change. If we can stay upbeat in the face of these changes, we will realize that we are creating doorways for new realities to come into being. We can watch with eager anticipation to see what life and the universe has in store for us. Keep your eyes open and be optimistic as changes occur around you today, and you will recognize each change as a blessing and a new opportunity for growth.
August 1, 2011
Staying Conscious
Staying Grounded in a Big City or Busy World
For a more grounded life, choose not to get caught up in the fast-paced world around you.
1. Live simply and live deliberately. By choosing not to get caught up in the details of this fast-paced world, you are doing your part to slow down. You will discover that you have more time to enjoy being alive.
2. Stay in touch with yourself. Soul searching, meditation, and journaling are just a few of the many activities you can take part in to stay aware and learn as much as you can about your emotions, reactions, likes, dislikes, dreams, and fears. Having a solid sense of self gives you a firm foundation for living in this world.
3. Support or teach others as often as you can. This can help you form connections with people while also giving you an opportunity to make the world a better place.
4. Consciously choose what you will allow into your being. The media bombards us with visions of hate, war, and pain. Be judicious about what you read, watch, and listen to.
5. Acknowledge the beauty that resides around you. Whether you live in a sprawling metropolis or a stereotypical suburb, there are natural and man-made wonders just waiting to be discovered by you.
6. Nurture your ties to your tribe. If you don’t have one, create a community that you can belong to. Modern life can be isolating. When you have a tribe, you have a circle that you are a part of. Its members - loved ones, friends, or neighbors - can be a source of support, caring, guidance, and companionship.
7. See the larger picture. Remember the way that you choose to live is not the only way to live. Widen your perspective by exploring other modes of being through research, travel, and discussion.
8. Embrace the challenges that life presents to you, and challenge yourself often. After a time, even the most exciting jobs or lifestyles can seem routine. Never stop assimilating new knowledge about whatever you are doing, and your life will never seem dull.
9. Move your body. In this busy world, it can be easy to live a sedentary life. Movement reacquaints us with our bodies and connects us to the earth in a visceral way. It also restores our vitality.
10. Make time for stillness, silence, and solitude. The world can be noisy, and we are subject to all kinds of noises nearly every waking hour. We are also often “on the go” and unable to relax. Being alone in a peaceful place and making time for quiet can help you stay in touch with yourself.
The Essential Snatam Kaur: Sacred Chants for Healing
Snatam Kaur
2010
If songs were lakes, most would be rippled, even turbulent, but the songs of Snatam Kaur would be so clear and calm that you could see into them as if they were a mirror to the sun above, reflecting perfect light and love that no amount of armor and cynicism could resist-even the hardest armor is warmed by the sun. Collecting some of her most precious and radiant works, The Essential Snatam Kaur is an embodiment of the Sikh tradition, and contains some of the most beautiful, healing, timeless kirtans brought into the context of modern adult listening, with beautiful synth pads, violins, flutes, tablas, sitars, and dazzling harmonics in a spacious, crystalline recording, so that her soul can reach yours and ours.
A protégé of the kirtan tradition, Snatam Kaur was born in the United States but raised in a deeply immersed yogic tradition, and has studied the kirtan and the ancient Sanskrit language of Gurmurkhi since the age of six. Her devotion to this beautiful and sacred musical form is undeniable-the beauty of the spirit has its most perfect voice in Snatam Kaur. "It is in dying that we are born / Into each eternal life," she sings in the beautiful "Servant of Peace," over mandolin, tabla, a rich bed of backing vocals, and the guitar of Guru Ganesha Singh. "Ra Ma Da Sa" (sun, moon, earth, infinite) hangs suspended in huge golden teardrops of sunlight, with Kaur's voice rising and falling over soft accents of harp, keyboards, drums, and flute by Pedro Eustache.
"By Thy Grace" has an almost country-and-western twang. And with its graceful melody, funky tables, and violin, "Long Time Sun" is a song often sung at the end of yoga classes. This is a beautiful interpretation with gentle acoustic guitar and Kaur's voice doubled and overlapping on waves of synth-enhanced sound that warm the spirit down to the bones. No sunshine has ever sunk so deep into the soul as Kaur's celestial voice: "May the longtime sun / Shine upon you / And all love surround you / And the pure light / Within you / Guide your way on." A CD booklet is included with the Sanskrit and Gurmukhi lyrics translated, so join in and let The Essential Snatam Kaur show you how bright that pure light within you can shine.
August 1, 2011
Change Is a Doorway
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope
You may feel hopeful or pleasantly surprised today. Perhaps new opportunities are arising for you in your work or personal life. It’s possible that there has been a change in your work schedule, domestic responsibilities, or social calendar. This change may prompt you to focus more time or attention on your priorities. If you are a professional, you may see a chance to move up in your existing field or step into something more desirable. It may serve you to stay open to the unexpected today. Try staying optimistic even if the normal flow of your life is suddenly disrupted. It’s possible that each perceived disruption is actually the creation of an opening in your life for new things to manifest.
When we remain open to change we find that wonderful benefits result in the most likely ways. The world is in a constant state of flux, and any established patterns we may have for how we live are subject to inevitable change. If we can stay upbeat in the face of these changes, we will realize that we are creating doorways for new realities to come into being. We can watch with eager anticipation to see what life and the universe has in store for us. Keep your eyes open and be optimistic as changes occur around you today, and you will recognize each change as a blessing and a new opportunity for growth.
August 1, 2011
Staying Conscious
Staying Grounded in a Big City or Busy World
For a more grounded life, choose not to get caught up in the fast-paced world around you.
1. Live simply and live deliberately. By choosing not to get caught up in the details of this fast-paced world, you are doing your part to slow down. You will discover that you have more time to enjoy being alive.
2. Stay in touch with yourself. Soul searching, meditation, and journaling are just a few of the many activities you can take part in to stay aware and learn as much as you can about your emotions, reactions, likes, dislikes, dreams, and fears. Having a solid sense of self gives you a firm foundation for living in this world.
3. Support or teach others as often as you can. This can help you form connections with people while also giving you an opportunity to make the world a better place.
4. Consciously choose what you will allow into your being. The media bombards us with visions of hate, war, and pain. Be judicious about what you read, watch, and listen to.
5. Acknowledge the beauty that resides around you. Whether you live in a sprawling metropolis or a stereotypical suburb, there are natural and man-made wonders just waiting to be discovered by you.
6. Nurture your ties to your tribe. If you don’t have one, create a community that you can belong to. Modern life can be isolating. When you have a tribe, you have a circle that you are a part of. Its members - loved ones, friends, or neighbors - can be a source of support, caring, guidance, and companionship.
7. See the larger picture. Remember the way that you choose to live is not the only way to live. Widen your perspective by exploring other modes of being through research, travel, and discussion.
8. Embrace the challenges that life presents to you, and challenge yourself often. After a time, even the most exciting jobs or lifestyles can seem routine. Never stop assimilating new knowledge about whatever you are doing, and your life will never seem dull.
9. Move your body. In this busy world, it can be easy to live a sedentary life. Movement reacquaints us with our bodies and connects us to the earth in a visceral way. It also restores our vitality.
10. Make time for stillness, silence, and solitude. The world can be noisy, and we are subject to all kinds of noises nearly every waking hour. We are also often “on the go” and unable to relax. Being alone in a peaceful place and making time for quiet can help you stay in touch with yourself.