…like human fish, we are asked to experience meaning in the life that moves through the gill that is our heart. Ultimately, we are small living things awakened in the stream, not gods who carve out rivers. We cannot eliminate hunger, but we can feed each other. We cannot eliminate loneliness, but we can hold each other. We cannot eliminate pain, but we can live a life of compassion. — Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening

Sit quietly and simply let your heart breathe without focus.

Noticing obvious areas of tension, and allowing for some release of tension.

Breathe deeply, and accept the jewel and grit of this moment.

(adapted from Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening)

For singers, flutists, and all other sound makers:

Breathe in and allow sound to flow from your voice, your flute or other instrument. The flowing vibrations provide the water that flows into your heart and nourishes you with fresh oxygen to energize and inspire your healing and growth.

Allow the sounds of your flute to embrace you, to warm your heart. If there is some pain or sorrow in your heart, let the ribbon of sound hold that block of pain or sorrow.

You can be like a drop of water in the heart of a river of mindfulness, compassion and music.