I am reminded of the many times in my life when I have felt pain of some sort. Whether it be in my body, emotional, or spiritual. I would bring sound to the place where I was hurting and the pain would dissipate. Sound Heals! When I was a sick baby or an angry child, I released my pain with sound. From a toothache to an operation, sound put me into a meditative space and acted like a anesthetic. As a depressed teenager, singing songs, sound helped me to process my emotions, as a woman, sound was a release of ecstasy and laughter. The sound of tuning forks help me become more present. Chanting, drumming, my shroody box, all these sounds help me get in touch with my spirituality. Music has the ability to change moods, heal physical ailments and raise spiritual awareness. Even planets make sounds! Sound is one of the most powerful tools in the universe.
We are all connected!
In 1993 I made a CD and soon after an Agent read some reviews about me and put me on tour in Europe. I thought I had made it to the big time.
After the tour was over, I realized that being a musician on the road was not all that glamorous. I continued to perform, staying closer to home and raised my children. I felt I needed to experience performing in that way before I could move in another direction. I continued to perform but I felt something was missing. I wanted community, Spiritual connection, Healing. I love to touch people in a way that brings a deeper connection with ourselves and with one another. As a performer on stage I knew how to reach people but I felt separate. I was looking for a way I could reach people and be part of a larger circle.
While visiting a friend at Esalen Institute, I was on my way to a writing class , when I heard beautiful sounds coming from a distance. I followed the sounds and found myself in the garden, overlooking the ocean. There were two woman and a man improvising with their voices. It was beautiful. It was Beautiful! I listened for a while and asked if I may join in. They smiled and said enthusiastically Yes! I felt my spirits rise, That empty feeling in my gut disappear and a feeling of complete joy wash over me. I felt bliss! I love singing with other people. Without thought of what note comes next. The notes and sounds come from a higher place within myself. A silence within my self. I imagine the people I sing with have a similar experience. They said they were taking a workshop with a man named David Darling and maybe he'd let me sit in. I followed them back to the room and asked David if it would be all right for me to listen for a while. He was so kind , accepting and generous. He motioned for me to come closer and encouraged me to participate. I know I was guided to that garden and to David's workshop. He is an amazing cellist, a wonderful teacher and a beautiful human being. I've gone back to David's workshops several times since then.
David's open heart and accepting nature allowed me to feel safe and learn to open my heart and let it be okay to feel vulnerable. What a blessing!
David inspired me and one year later I created (link) "Finding Your Voice Workshops.
I found my first connection at TAMA -DO Academy of Sound Color and Movement. I studied at Tama-Do for 2 years and learned about Chi Gong, Vibrational Medicine and the medicinal uses of tuning forks and energy work.
I found what I felt was missing from my life as a performer, a higher purpose for my music.
Two years later I had the opportunity to take study with Bobby McFerrin, a master of improvisational music! I learned a lot about the art of improvisational singing and making sounds using vowels, consonants not to mention every part of my body!
In 2006 I graduated CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies) in a year long certification program on Healing with Sound, Voice and Music.
I studied with many well known practitioner's in the field of Vibrational Medicine, Sound Healing and Sound Therapy, which deepened my practice.
The more I work on my own self awareness, the deeper my work becomes and the more I can facilitate movement in my clients, opening hearts and facilitating self empowerment.
As I write these pages I am reminded of the stories of my life, and the songs I've written that tell my tale. I am touched by the struggles I have witnessed and the healing I have received through difficult times.
Life is a process in which we learn to love all aspects of ourselves, become more aware of who we are, where we've come from and a clearer picture as to where I'm going.
May you be free from suffering.
Valerie
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