Deep Breath

In the process of opening new 'doors' and cleaning out the cobwebs to my psyche, I remembered how music used to move me. I really did believe when the Sisters said prayers reached God's ears faster if they were sung. So I sang loud and clear. Sitting with my Mama at the kitchen table doing my homework while she watched the Novelas (Spanish soap operas), I would pay close attention to any music scenes. Wishing I lived during the days when it was customary to bring Mariachis to a woman's window.

Then I discovered Mariachis during Church Holy days. I thought I loved Mariachi music but wasn't prepared for how it would sound in Church. The soulful song of each instrument reached seductively towards the arched ceiling where it caressed the angel sculptures and wove back down the stained glass windows where it would spiral around me reaching into my soul. I could 'feel' each note within my chest making it hard to breathe. And I would...cry. Yeah yeah, big ole baby...crying because of the way the music felt.

In my early 20s I discovered dancing and couldn't stop. To close my eyes and give myself to the spiraling sounds that reached their tendrils within my very core was intoxicating.  And then somewhere while I was busy playing adult, it stopped. I lost the music. Sure I still listened but something was missing. It was like walking through art fairs where all the work looks the same and after a while seems soul-less and flat. There was no passion.

As I cleared out the cobwebs I remembered that while flipping channels I ran across a show I don't really care for, American Idol. But on this particular day I stopped and got up to stand close as I watched this beautiful young girl belt out a song from that place where few do. I watched, she sang, I cried. And as I tracked down that song and a few others, I started discovering that there are still those who create from that place of passion. And I love scanning the crowds to find that person because unfortunately there are only a few in the crowd. But that one person stands out like a beacon of light. It will be the person that is true to themselves. He or she will not be dressed like the others, will not avert their eyes, or keep their voices low. Their smiles will be genuine, they will hug you hard, and cry or laugh if they feel like it.

This is the person who has discovered how to live from that place of passion. It's like breathing from deep down in your abdomen; a deep cleansing breath instead of the short shallow ones we settle for. Look at their faces and you'll see the difference. Close your eyes and you'll hear the passion. Look, hear, feel their creations and you'll see what I mean.

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If you have a few minutes feel free to pop on over and see these singers faces.

One day I hope to tap into passion just like that...

Crystal Bowersox 'People Get Ready'

Crystal Bowersox 'Up to the Mountain'

Lee DeWyze 'Hallelujah' 
Ricky Martin 'Pegate'