honoring
 


Introduction

Listening to Themes

Application

The Composer

Origins

Hosting

Sing It Forward

To Register

News/Press



spiral



The practice of SongCare was applied to the birthing process under the mentorship of Dr. Bethany Hays of True North Clinic in Falmouth, Maine (see BirthSongs), to elementary schools and eldercare facilities in Northern California, (setting their own poetry to music), as well as leading SoulVoice workshops for the public (recently filmed for 'Healing Quest', a PBS series) offering a new method for anyone to actualize their creative self-expression.

Michael also discovered and adapted the ancient power of chant for the English-speaking world, as both musical meditation and community engagement. His repertoire of chant, mostly in English, has been celebrated by people around the world (listen here). In 2005 he received a Chant of the Year award for 'Heart of the Mother', sung in the Vatican, at the College of Choral Directors of the Russian Orthodox Church, and at a festival of 50,000 in an Indian ashram.

His training for musicians and singers to develop their own healing song practice, Beyond Performance: Songleading from the Inside, continues to serve those who wish to use their art for service.

Through these various forms Michael has demonstrated the power of song as an effective and eloquent portal for delivering the reconciling message of soul acknowledgement to anyone, at any point on the life cycle.

His current focus includes recording, writing, teaching and sharing The Honoring onsite and via telesong sessions. He resides in Switzerland with his wife, contemplative psychotherapist Doris Laesser Stillwater.


Video Message from Michael

<<<PREVIOUS...NEXT>>>






I am so impressed with the combination of your musical skills and intuitive insights. The songs captured the essence of the moment and clearly aided our work in articulating a mission statement that reflected the deepest concerns for each of us. Thank you so much
for your gift to each of us
and to the Foundation.

N.S., participant




In your songs
and your playing
you expressed the warmth,
intimacy and shared love 
we were all feeling,
yet weren't quite able
to express.

It had been a difficult day,
and the healing that occurred
that night is still having effects.

I really appreciate having the CD to listen to. It came out so clear and beautiful. I think you have a special gift that could help many groups come back to their core,
to realize the significance
of their mission.

-M.W.
SongCircle participant
I so thoroughly enjoyed the Song Circle!  The experience last night was beyond description and was moving on so many different levels.

It truly was magical to watch Michael create a song portrait.

The fact that he could spontaneously compose such wonderful songs was amazing in itself– but then seeing and feeling the impact of those songs on both myself and the others around me was incredibly profound.  I was deeply touched!  

I went home last night and had the deepest and most peaceful sleep I can remember in a long time. I awoke this morning feeling rested, rejuvenated, and just at peace with the world.

J.B., SongCircle Participant, Indianapolis, IN


Like an alchemical
transmission of healing light, resulting in a profound shift
in the collective energy.

Before, we had been struggling with hurt feelings, unspoken discontent, misunderstandings, and alienation; after, the original connection to ourselves and our work was restored, we felt more of our unity behind the surface differences, even an intimate communion.

You served as a kind of midwife for the final draft of our mission statement. You were a kind of magician whose soulful music and empathic presence
turned dark and divisive energy into luminous and connected awareness while demonstrating a model of deep listening, especially to the subtle movements of the soul,
its secret longings,
within and behind the words each of us spoke.
I know I speak for everyone on the board when I say the evening was an incalculable blessing for all of us.

Toby Symington,
Executive Director
Lloyd Symington Foundation


Thank you so very much for 'my song'. And also for the songs of everyone else in the circle. For while my song seemed to fit, and was good encouragement/ advice, each song sent something to me, with two being deeply moving. So I recommend this for anyone seeking insight and encouragement. Plus your music can be enjoyed just for fun!


-Brad Ehmke,
SongCircle participant



"His unvarnished humanity and profoundly musical soul
truly make a difference to those in Michael's presence.
I highly recommend the power of his work to support anyone, including patients and staff in all kinds of health-care settings."

-Anna Fiasca, Music Thanatologist




As understanding increases of the power and intelligence in being present with each now moment, and of the strength of our collective spirit, it is only natural to use music as a pathway into the present.

Experiencing the radiance of your own presence as it is gently revealed in the words and music, your essential self witnessed in silent gratitude by others, it can be easier to remember what is most important and meaningful in this life.

.