This weekend Sun Studio was honoured to host many artistic performances, ranging from spoken word and music by talented local performers to the authentic offerings by The Cookers, a Toronto based jazz combo.
I am deeply moved by the genuine sharing and offering of the gifts by all of these performers. When artists offer their gifts from the heart, our soul recognizes the truth in their offering. When the artist can allow the work to come through without being caught up in their own stories, their own drama of life, then it can speak to the soul of the listener.
I am deeply moved by the genuine sharing and offering of the gifts by all of these performers. When artists offer their gifts from the heart, our soul recognizes the truth in their offering. When the artist can allow the work to come through without being caught up in their own stories, their own drama of life, then it can speak to the soul of the listener.
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What I witnessed last night, as the Cookers showed up and shared their music with a small audience, was a Divine offering, a meditation, a deep, deep listening between the 5 players. The Master of Kundalini Yoga, Yogi Bhajan, often talked about this state of consciousness called Shuniya, where the ego is brought to complete stillness. A power exists there. We do not hassle or try to act.
Last night was a lesson in Shuniya to me.
The Cookers were willing to show up as their authentic selves without judgements and pre-conceived notions. They were willing to create music from a place of deep trust, to listen deeply to each other and to treat their rented and borrowed instruments with reverence and curiosity, bringing out the very best.
The Cookers treated the small audience with the same reverence as if we had been a large crowd in a well-known performance hall in the big city. They were as honoured as we were, to be able to deeply connect to each other and share their gift with the audience. I felt privileged to be part of this intimate sharing.
Last night was a lesson in Shuniya to me.
The Cookers were willing to show up as their authentic selves without judgements and pre-conceived notions. They were willing to create music from a place of deep trust, to listen deeply to each other and to treat their rented and borrowed instruments with reverence and curiosity, bringing out the very best.
The Cookers treated the small audience with the same reverence as if we had been a large crowd in a well-known performance hall in the big city. They were as honoured as we were, to be able to deeply connect to each other and share their gift with the audience. I felt privileged to be part of this intimate sharing.
 | There is a Buddhist story of the young musician who wanted to follow the great master's teachings and gave up his instrument as an act of devotion. The Buddha came to him and picked up the instrument and unwound the strings, "No! Beloved One. You cannot play it if it is too loose!" explained the young man. Whereupon the Buddha tightened them to the point of breaking. "My Teacher! That is far too tight and the instrument will suffer!" The Buddha handed the instrument to the musician. The young musician got the message loud and clear: (1) Take the middle path, and (2) You were given a gift and you were meant to play. |
What I witnessed this evening is what I understand to be yoga: Union between Mind, Body and Spirit. The Cookers showed us yoga, how to become one with our gift, with our body (instrument) and with each other.
May we all learn to recognize our gift and may we all learn to show up and share this gift in the authentic and honest way that the musicians and artists did this weekend.
Blessings,
Kiki
May we all learn to recognize our gift and may we all learn to show up and share this gift in the authentic and honest way that the musicians and artists did this weekend.
Blessings,
Kiki
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