By Ramona M. Wis “Better breathing means a better and healthier life.” B.K.S. Iyengar Singers are professional breathers. We take what is a normal part of our human functioning and turn it into a specialized art. But have we perfected breath for the art of wellness, as well as singing? I have been singing for a long time, […]
Leadership
The Conductor as Yogi: Be well
By Ramona M. Wis “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” Julian of Norwich (1342-1416), Christian mystic I have loved these words since I first heard them in Joan Szymko’s “Vivos Voco” for women’s voices. I began using this phrase in March as my email sign […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Tapas (or “The best way out is always through”)
By Ramona M. Wis I have to admit, I am feeling the heat. Virtual rehearsal planning. Technology. Pandemic updates. Constant communication. Summer heat. Conductors are tough folks—we know what it’s like to feel the heat and find ways to get through it. Though “no pain, no gain” is usually considered an athlete’s mantra, musicians live this, as well. Usually the […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Still the Mind Chatter
By Ramona M. Wis Last week, we looked at the importance of “making space” if we want something new, presumably better, to enter our lives. By releasing pursuits, ideas, or habits that no longer serve us, we make space to move forward to new opportunities, insight, or energy. To some degree, this release requires detaching from the […]
The Conductor as Yogi: From Holding Space to Making Space
By Ramona M. Wis The first time I heard the phrase “holding space” was from a colleague describing her experience with someone going through a tough time. “I just held space for her,” she said. It was a phrase I was not familiar with but soon started seeing everywhere (or maybe it was just “blue car syndrome,” […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Living Our Namaste
By Ramona M. Wis If you have ever been to a yoga class, you know that it closes by bringing one’s hands to heart center and saying “Namaste.” It’s a perfect way to end a time of shared space and practice but more than that, it’s a reminder to take what we experience on the mat, off the […]