*“Shadow of your Wings” by Peter Koenig*

Dear friends and family,

I have about five drafts of this email saved in my files. Each one addresses that monstrosity of legislation that just passed and all its truly evil consequences in a (hopefully?) uplifting theological way.

One draft is based on how Jesus teaches us to be a Christ by telling us “All this you shall do and more.” Another versionpulls from the scripture where he says to his disciples that they are no longer master and servant, but friends.

One potential newsletter is based on the ancient Indian masters who say that the more difficult the world gets, the more we understand that only Spirit is real. And I have about 20 half-formed newsletters on addressing the insane karma of everything happening on the planet right now.

But all of that sidesteps a truth that needs to be named first.

I am so afraid I can barely even talk about it. Sometimes I can sarcastically joke about it for like 3 minutes with very close friends but then I have to change the subject. Sometimes I go sit by the creek nearby just to remind myself that the dragonflies are still there.

Sometimes I look around the rooms of my enormous new house and find myself imagining where we would hide a family. I sign up for notifications for the Denver Party for Socialism and Liberation and wonder if that means they will use it to imprison me one day. Hell, even writing the milquetoast stuff in this newsletter right now has me afraid that I’m condeming myself and maybe my readers too.

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Part of being an Earth citizen in service to Life is good clean energy; clear thoughts, courageous heart, healthy body in whatever its form and ability. It’s why I do this work.

Some of you are clairvoyant clients, some have joined my courses and workshops, some have received (and given!) healings. However we’ve met, I know you're committed to Life itself and I want to support you in the ways I'm trained to do.

To that end, I’m offering returning clients discounted healing sessions through August 31st.

55-minute sessions are $135 (normally $165)
30-minute sessions are $65 (normally $85)
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If you’re a returning client or student respond to this email for links to book your session.

In other words, there’s a lot of fear going around.

And for very good reason. But as I’ve learned from wise teachers, fear is never justified. In fact, the longer I stay in fear the less likely I am to be of any help at all. My wise friend Katie B reminded me recently that getting into action, any action at all, can help break the cycle of paralysis and put me back into the flow of this life, for which I apparently intentionally incarnated.

So I ask myself, what is mine to do here. I’m reminded of the Book of Esther (ok, so maybe I do have some scripture after all ) in which, uniquely, G-d’s name is not mentioned even once.

It is Esther, and Esther alone who calls up her courage and acts to save her people. There is this one verse in particular where her cousin Mordechai is convincing her to act and says, “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” I was turned onto this scripture by another fear-facing minister, Nadia Bolz-Weber, who also said something along the lines of…

“When I sing, I’m never afraid.”

In fact, she’s currently doing a singing tour called Red State Revival, where she says, “I want to gather with you, laugh with you, and sing with you…In other words, I do not want to be afraid and I do not want to be alone.” All of which gave me an idea. It’s a simple equation really:

I am afraid + singing with others = freedom from fear and courage to act

And the bonus equation might look like:

fear + song + really good food = empowered, well-fed, spiritually nourished revolutionaries

I have no idea how this will all end but I do know that whatever I do to keep my spirits lifted along this terrible path will help immeasurably. To that end, I’m offering some singing workshops (more below) because I also want to sing with you and I also do not want to be alone…and I simply cannot sit in fear any longer.

What comes after that? I don’t know, but at least we’ll be singing as we go, perhaps even with a really delicious potluck to feed our souls and our friends.

SING ANYWAY! FINDING COURAGE THROUGH SONG

You don’t have to be a “good” singer to be a powerful one. Join us for Sing Anyway: Finding Courage Through Song, a 2-hour singing workshop for anyone who feels the call to sing—especially those who’ve been told they shouldn’t and especially those who've discovered they can! Together, we’ll explore the deep spiritual roots of song as a tool for healing and courage.

SIGN UP NOW

This workshop is for people who sing in the shower, hum when they’re heartbroken, or long to lift their voice but have been silenced by shame or fear. No experience necessary. Your facilitator will lead you in guided vocal exercises, heart-centered group singing, and time for reflection. We’ll remember what our ancestors knew: that singing doesn’t have to be perfect to be holy. You'll leave with more singing confidence and at least 3 simple songs to carry with you into the world.

August 18th 6-8pm at Columbine UU Church
September 11th 6-8pm at First Unitarian Church of Denver

Whether your voice is loud, quiet, wobbly, or wild—it belongs here. Bring your voice and your willingness to be moved. Let’s sing our way back to courage—together.

Cost: $25 general public, $12 Church Members, no one turned away for lack of funds

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Artwork? Top image by Peter Koenig.

Found a missing link? I’m basically running this whole operation solo so if you find something off, please let me know! I so appreciate it.

When I Sing I’m Not Afraid