Since I moved to Iowa City, Iowa in August 2022, much of the past several months has been establishing new routines. Even something as simple as where to go grocery shopping has taken some figuring out. With a new position comes new policies, procedures, and working relationships. Then there is emerging out of lockdown. Even […]
Others
Raise Your Voice: March Magic
This is the eighth post in a series: https://choralnet.org/archives/666904 How is it March already? My students are giving their second trimester concert today and after that we will begin our themed music for our end of the year fundraiser. Our theme is Ocean Conservation. We’ll likely be performing lots of “water” songs, like “The Water […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Holding Space
“Holding space” is the practice of allowing room for someone to release their thoughts, concerns, or fears without judging them or feeling the need to offer advice or fix the situation. This is a valuable skill in our professional and personal relationships, a way of honoring and showing compassion for others so they feel heard […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Root to Rise
“Root to rise” is a fundamental cue in a yoga class. Also phrased as “ground down to lift up,” it reminds us that before we can fully extend or expand, we have to be firmly rooted. We have to be grounded before we can grow, or we will find ourselves wobbling or limiting our potential […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Self-Care
“Self-care is never a selfish act — it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.” Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak Self-care has always been at the core of ancient traditions which evolved to help us seek and maintain balance in body, […]
The Conductor as Yogi: The Bigger Picture
Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God, But only he who sees, takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries. Elizabeth Barrett Browning I recently came across this quote and had an immediate, visceral response. Brilliant! So insightful. Leave it to Elizabeth to knock it out of […]