Blog : August Writing Prompt - SING (August 5, 2022)

 

I gasped when I saw the focus this month: SING! Indulge me for a moment, and I'll tell you why.

Yesterday morning I hopped a plane (after several rescues from my daughter who came back to the airport twice and then stayed for the final thumbs up--Covid papers; Overweight luggage; MANY SIGHS from me). I landed in Guatemala City and connected with my driver, Sergio. After he helped me get loaded in, he asked through a translation app on his phone if the music was okay. It was instrumental--just piano, jazz. Absolutely it is okay with me!

We began to drive and my mind slowed down. These are hymns, I thought. Eventually I said out loud, "I know these songs!" I sang along with one verse and chorus from the back seat.

I learned that Sergio's father-in-law is a pastor in Mexico: Vision Tierra Santa (Vision of the Holy Land). Sergio is a Christian and also plays piano. "Jazz? Like this? You play this?" We fumbled around with translations and it seems to me that yes, a little bit, he plays jazz--but mostly Christian worship. He lived in Mexico for 20 years but grew up in Guatemala. He has been back for 3 months. I asked if it felt like home. He said it does.

I think about "home" a lot. Anyone who knows me at this point in my life knows that I feel wonderfully launched into an adventure AND horribly displaced.

Recently I spent several weeks in a place I lived over 30 years ago. It's where my life took a detour (and I thought it was a leap into destiny). When I left that place, I sang. Music was my life then. When I wasn't teaching it, I was "performing" . . . but I don't like that word. I was offering myself via music to help unite people primarily with God. While I was there, I was at the church my uncle started long decades ago. I imagined myself singing on that stage. It was the same as I imagine myself on any stage of the future . . . I sing my first song to honor God: "How Great Thou Art." I always say it is the song I will sing when I am ready to be visible again. I have not been visible for at least two decades (but God is bringing me out).

Yesterday that song came through the playlist during the long journey from Guatemala City to San Marcos La Laguna. I sang it. I sang the whole thing. I sang through tears at the end. The realization that the vision I had years ago about no longer being invisible--me writing in the glass cube on top of a building--was the reason why I was making this trip hit me! I am building that glass cube on top of a building as my writer's retreat and home when I am in San Marcos! And I sang "How Great Thou Art" in the back seat of a car on the way here. Wow.

I Hope You Sing!
You may not sing in the literal sense, but I'm sure there's something that makes your heart sing. My hope and prayer for you is that you give yourself the room to express whatever that is in your life. As a reminder, this year's theme is "breathe," and this month's focus is "sing." Grab a prompt and let your heart sing! Don't set a timer. Just relax and let yourself revel in the moments.

1. What makes your heart sing? Why?
2. Tell about a time when you released your voice (literally or figuratively) and felt great.
3. Write a poem about singing . . . could be serious or funny. See where it goes!
4. Use my backseat moment and write a story with an unexpected ending. 
5. Sing the first line that comes to your head, then write about it. But I want you to really sing it first--out loud!

Level Two Reflection
Considering what you just wrote, answer these questions (use any or all to explore your inner self after writing):

 

1. Opposites: What does not make your heart sing? Why?
2. What shuts down your voice? Why?
3. If you could sing one song for the world to hear, what would it be? Why?

Food for Thought and Action Step

What if you don't feel like you have a voice in life right now? What if you are in a place of silence? Those places happen. I think they are necessary on the journey. Give yourself grace. If you're not singing or soaring right now, write about silence. Better yet, BE silent. Be really silent and see what happens. Set the timer for 15 minutes accompanied by instrumental music that moves you. Don't say anything. Don't write anything. Don't do anything. Just breathe and be. THEN write. Keep this to yourself. I don't want you to censor your own voice! Even if you only have a tiny moment, I'm willing to bet it is a seed of power for the future.

Get your paper, pen, or computer and get ready to:

SING

Ready . . . set . . . write!

PS. If you would like to have a matching notebook for each month and theme (or just your favorites), click here to see the collection.