Opening Chant - A Meditation Song

Many years ago, The Opening Chant was given to me as a assignment to sing daily for a hundred days. I still do it because no matter how crazy things are, it sets my voice and mood for the day. Never the same way twice, this practice yields benefits that are consistent and guaranteed - and it only takes five minutes - whether in the morning shower or wherever you wish. Here's how. Start with a deep breath, quiet the brain, hum a comfortable note to start with and begin to sing the words. Breathe with the words and go wherever it goes. Quiet or loud, volume doesn't matter. Be open to new phrasing as you allow breath to lead instead of thought - like purposely breaking trail into new territory. Notice how far your breath goes until it wants or needs more air. Let your breath become the wind designated to carry you through the song, and follow without vocal affect. Keep it simple. Avoid attempts to make it more interesting by jazzing it up (vibrato, ornaments, vocal calisthenics, fancy schmanzy) -  it interferes. Imagine being a bird. Sing naturally. Be sincere with the lyrics, mean it, make them yours.  Enjoy.

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Opening Up Chant
Traditional
 
Dm
I am opening up in deep surrender
                                                       Am    Dm
To the luminous love light of the One  (repeat)
             Gm   Dm
   I am opening
              Am   Dm
     I am opening
                Gm   Dm
       I am opening
                  C     Dm
         I am opening
 
 
Dm
I am opening up in deep surrender
                                                        Am    Dm
To the numinous darkness of my shadow  (repeat)
            Gm   Dm
   I am opening
              Am   Dm
     I am opening
                Gm   Dm
       I am opening
                   C     Dm
         I am opening
 
 
Dm                  
I am opening up in deep surrender
                                                         Am    Dm
To the powerful wholeness of myself   (repeat)
             Gm   Dm
   I am opening
               Am   Dm
     I am opening
                 Gm   Dm
       I am opening
                   C     Dm
         I am opening