For the moments we need to feel held and connected – to be able to sink in and feel resourced. I use the lyrics earth, sea, tree, sky, stars, but please use as a zipper song and invite yourself or your participants to bring their ideas in to the mix.
Lyrics:
The earth holds me
so I can hold others,
yes I can hold others,
these arms are strong.
In this version I add in:
Sea, tree, sky, stars, sun, etc…
© Heather Houston
02/2021
All rights reserved
A mantra from the Kundalini tradition. The sounds comes from one of the oldest mantras Sat Nam which means “my true essence” or “true identity” and are designed to be uplifting. There are many interpretations for each of the sounds, one being that there is no meaning to the sounds at all, but simply a vibration, and a stimulation of 84 acupressure points in the palate of the mouth which occurs when singing and whispering the words. Other translations of the sounds are:
SA is birth, the beginning, infinity, the totality of everything that ever was, is, or will be.
TA is life, existence, and creativity which manifests from infinity.
NA is death, change, and the transformation of consciousness.
MA is rebirth, regeneration, and resurrection which allows us to consciously experience the joy of the infinite.
SA Mudra
The connection of the tip of the thumb and the tip of the index finger (the Jupiter finger), held while chanting SA.
It is believed that the connection of the thumb and first finger brings us knowledge, expands our field possibilities and releases us from limitations.
The connection of the two is said to increase the air element within the body creating positive effects on the emotions, empowering the nervous system, stimulating the pituitary gland and the entire endocrine gland system.
Shuni Mudra – (Akaash Vardhak)
Ta Mudra
The connection of the tip of the thumb and the tip of the middle finger (the Saturn finger), held while chanting TA.
It is believed that the connection of the thumb and middle finger give us patience, wisdom and purity.
The connection of the two is said to increase the ether or space element within the body, creating positive effects on our thoughts and intuition. It is also believed to detoxify the body through elimination and relieve a variety of congestions.
Surya Mudra – (Ravi Mudra & Prithvi Vardahk)
Na Mudra (hand movement)
The connection of the tip of the thumb and the tip of the ring finger (the Uranus or Sun finger), held while chanting NA.
It is believed that the connection of the thumb and ring finger brings us vitality and aliveness.
The connection of the two is said to increase the earth element within the body while at the same time decreasing the fire element. This creates positive effects on our bodily tissues such as bones, muscles, tendons and inner organs. It is said to increase endurance, strength and vitality.
Buddhi Mudra – (Jal Vardhak)
Ma Mudra
The connection of the tip of the thumb and the tip of the pinky finger (the Mercury finger), held while chanting MA.
It is believed that the connection of the thumb and pinky finger aids clear communication.
The connection of the two is said to reduce the water element within the body. This helps to reduce challenges of excessive hormones, and water retention. It decreases watery eyes, runny noses and loose bowels.
Research also shows that by using the Hand mudras in conjunction with the sounds improves blood flow to areas in the brain that control motor sensory and memory.
Lyrics:
SA TA NA MA
© Heather Houston
01/2021
All rights reserved
Moon bathing magic. Simple, quiet, gentle, easy to learn. To be sung quietly, as a lullaby.
Lyrics:
Bathed in moonlight,
Soft breeze
Quiet night
Melody:
Don chit dit di deet don don don
Don chit dit di deet don
Low Harmony:
Dom dom dom dom
Dom dom dom dom
High Harmony:
Oooooo
© Heather Houston
02/2021
All rights reserved
Wind By Heather Houston
This beautiful chant swept through me one magical Spring day in my little garden paradise. The melody captivated my spirit, and before I knew it I was in the house recording what I heard and eight different harmony parts emerged. It’s a super rough cut, but I’m delighted to share. My voice, in the raw, completely spontaneous, no edits, no re-dos… just the spirit of the wind singing through me…
You are welcome to sing and share, please do not record.
Lyrics:
Wind purify me
Help me to see
the way to my freedom
© Heather Houston
all rights reserved
A powerful affirmation to get us through these challenging times. Simple, fun, and uplifting!
Please sing and share!
Lyrics:
I believe in the power of love
I believe we will rise above
© Heather Houston
all rights reserved
Bring Me Little Water Sylvie
by Lead Belly
When performing this song, Lead Belly would often tell his audiences that the song was about his uncle Bob Ledbetter, who worked out on the fields plowing the soil. When he got thirsty, he would call for his wife, Sylvie, to bring him some water.
This song is in the public domain.
Lyrics:
Bring me little water Sylvie
Bring me little water now
Bring me little water Sylvie
Every little once in a while
Bring it in a bucket Sylvie
Bring it in a bucket now
Bring it in a bucket every once in a while
Silvie come a running
Bucket in my hand
I will bring a little water
Fast as I can
Bring me little water Sylvie
Bring me little water now
Bring me little water Sylvie
Every little once in a while
Can’t you see me coming
Can’t you see me now
I will bring a little water
Every once in a while
Take Me To The Edge by Heather Houston
This one flowed through after our first community singing retreat at Esalen. I was on my way to the song leader after-party, and it jumped in. Rhythmically challenging and fun to do with a group of more advanced singers. Funky, groovy, soulful.
Please sing and share. Please do not record.
Lyrics:
Take me to the edge
Of the world
Take me to the edge of the sea
Take me to the edge
of my resistance
Where I meet the one who’s longing to be free!
© Heather Houston
all rights reserved
Shosholoza From Zimbabwe
“Shosholoza” is an Nguni song that was sung by the mixed tribes of miners mining gold in South Africa. It is a mix of Zulu and Ndebele words and can have various other South African languages thrown in depending on the singers. It was sung by African workers that were working in the South African mines in a call and response style. As the miners sang, their spirits were lifted.
The lyrics of the song refer to the steam trains that used to carry migrant miners from Zimbabwe to South Africa. But as the melody suggests, the song is really about hope. Literally, Shosholoza means “go forward” in the Ndebele language. In the late 20th century, anti-apartheid activists found the song inspiring and used it to keep up their hopes. Then, when apartheid fell, the song became a vehicle for national reconciliation. As depicted in the movie “Invictus,” South Africans of all backgrounds joined together in singing Shosholoza in willing their team to victory in the 1995 rugby World Cup. Today, Shosholoza is an unofficial South African national anthem and reminds us that change is possible.
So fun to sing!!!
This song is in the public domain.
Lyrics:
Shosholoza
Kulezo ntaba
Stimbela siphubme South Africa
Wen’ uyabaleka
Kulezo ntaba
Stimbela siphubme South Africa
Translation:
Go forward
You are meandering on those mountains
The train is from South Africa
You accelerate
you accelerate
on those mountains
The train is from South Africa
Inspired by a retreat led by Cheryl Strayed and Elizabeth Gilbert at 1440 Multiversity entitled “Brave Magic.” I had the absolute honor of leading a song circle of 75 people and this chant came through for them.
You are welcome to sing and share this song. Recording is not permitted.
Lyrics:
I am opening to the mystery
Allowing creativity to flow
And there is brave magic in my heart
And I will keep tending to that spark
© Heather Houston
All rights reserved
Chant to Oshun – Traditional Yoruba chant
Taught to me by Alba Lirio
Recorded with permission
In devotion to the Yoruba Goddess of the fresh waters, an expression of sweetness, sensuality, femininity, beauty, love, and overflowing joy. A favorite in our Sisters in Harmony circles.
Lyrics:
Ay ye ye, ay ye ye Ma Mai Oshun x2
Ay ye ye Ma Mai Oshun, Ay ye ye Oshun mare x2
This song is in the public domain
