Song Without Borders/ Sing It Forward

(continued)

At the heart of the Ceremony are spontaneously created songs, each responding to one individual's request for healing, empowerment, right relationship and/or awakening. 

All who are present, whatever size assembly, are invited to join in the newly-created refrains, adding their voice to the fulfillment of these requests.   Participants are often profoundly moved as they experience a sense of connection, seeing someone else as truly not separate from themselves.

A ceremony may include as many as 12 individual song recipients over a span of three hours. Shorter versions are possible.   Following the ceremony, the recording of these new songs is delivered to all as an MP3 file, along with lyric transcriptions of the songs, further reinforcing and anchoring the experience.

Venues: Communities healing from conflict; intercultural or newly-merged organizations; at-risk groups.

If you are connected with an organization or community which either wishes to support/underwrite these programs, or wishes to be visited by these programs, contact us.


Tax-deductible donations for either of these programs may be sent to: Companion Arts, PO Box 1067, Larkspur, CA 94977

or by credit card by calling Deborah Clark at
Skylark Financial Services, (415) 927-4202.

Companion Arts is a 501 (c)3 California Educational Nonprofit

<<<PREVIOUS NEXT>>>

Experience
The Honoring
in two formats:


OnSite

TeleSong

 

Lyric booklet is transcribed from each SongCircle, including words of all songs which Michael spontaneously composes.

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



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




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


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


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.