Dear friend💜,
To feel it all… what a task, especially at this time of year. The mystical veil is so thin. There is so much potential to connect to the deep joy that intertwines us all, and at the same time to touch the deep sorrow that humanity and this earth are holding in this very moment. It is a season that expands into both the dark and the light, stretching us and calling us to slow down, to reflect, to rest, to heal, to love, to grieve, to remember.
This time feels like a collective slowing down, at least in the northern hemisphere. Here in Iowa this holiday season has been cloudy, dreary, rainy, and cold, without much snow.
But slowing down is hard. It is a difficult choice to sit in the dark stillness, to surrender, to listen to my body when it says, “I just can’t go on right now.” I wanted to visit my family, but I felt so tired and decided to stay home. I had to work through the immense amount of guilt that decision gave me, but my family understood and were supportive. Over the last week I have slept 10 to 11 hours most nights. I love to be productive, and I thought creativity would pour out of me when I cleared my schedule, but all that poured out was tears and a deep need to sleep. Maybe I am like a mama bear going into my cave. All I desire is to sleep, dream, and snuggle with those I love.
Our bodies possess so much wisdom that we don’t give them enough credit for. I am constantly using mine as a vehicle for manifesting my visions, when really it is a temple to be held and treasured. There is a big difference between treating my body like I do my Honda Pilot which needs new tires and has quite a few bumps and bruises versus treating it like an ancient cathedral. On my trip last May, I visited one of the oldest sanctuaries in Ireland that has been lovingly maintained for 10 centuries. There were layers upon layers of existence and restoration. Somehow it was still the original, and yet within it lived so many pieces that were new, combined with centuries of devoted caretaking by humans determined to keep it alive and whole.
Think about how much care, resources, and protection are given to the greatest works of art in this world. And yet each one of us is more precious than the Mona Lisa. I got to see the masterpiece up close about three years ago when I traveled with my aunt who was in a wheelchair. We got to wheel into an area in front of the normal viewing line:)
Can you imagine caring for yourself with the same dedication given to the upkeep and worldwide reverence of the Mona Lisa? That is hard for me.
Yet we are more precious than the greatest works of art because we hold the most brilliant light within us, a light that is only manifested through deep love and care. Once we commit to tending the light within, it cannot help but radiate outward through our voices, our families, our homes, our vocations, and our very lives because we are the light!
If you didn’t get a chance to watch my online concert, I would be honored if you wanted to check it out. Just click on the image below and it will take you to the livestream recording.
This month I also had the joy of making music with Keenya Jensen and Natalie Brown, adding my voice to the layers of musical magic that will become their recording project, The Medicine Album.
I was also honored to share my music, stories, and poetry for an hour with New Song Episcopal here in town. Halfway through the hour, I noticed some folks begin to take pictures. The light from a small stained glass window behind me had struck my head, and people were mesmerized by the colors dancing across me as I sang.
Seeing as how I am all about the Light—within us, surrounding us, and connecting us all—I did not find this to be a coincidence. For me, it felt like a sign that this year I am meant to get out into the world and share my voice and light with as many people as possible.
Have you ever made a vision board, or written down a powerful dream that lives deep inside you? It doesn’t matter how extravagant or ridiculous it may seem, or how you do it. I made this a year and a half ago (feel free to chuckle at my drawing).
Maybe it seems far-fetched. A little ridiculous, some might say. But I have clung to it. I have no idea how to get there, but every day I wake up, feel what is in my heart, and do what feels like the next right thing. The steps often feel minuscule, almost pathetic in size, but I have committed, and I am not going back.
Some days it feels like I am standing at the foothills of a mammoth mountain I’ve yet to climb. Other days, I feel like an eagle soaring high in the sky. I constantly have to contend with the voice in my head that says, “I am not good enough. I am not doing enough. I need to work harder,” and balance it with what my body and heart are telling me. And always, always rejoice in the small victories.
In December, I watched many artists share their Spotify year-end reviews with hundreds of thousands, even millions, of streams, and I started to feel down on myself. But then I looked at mine.
It maybe not a million streams, but my music was played in 103 different countries! My dream of singing with my soul for the world is coming to fruition—little by little, day by day.
I share all of this because on this New Year’s Day of fresh beginnings, my wish for you is that you might uncover a dream in your heart, however big or small, and commit to it. That commitment alone is more than half the battle. When you begin to honor the desires of your heart, find the courage to act on them, and push through the powerful voices of fear and doubt, new beginnings emerge.
This year, the shedding doesn’t have to be pounds. It can be the things that no longer serve the dreams of your heart. Maybe it will take years of preparation. Maybe it will lead you onto a scary mountain path with steep climbs and uncertain footing. I promise it will be worth it.
For me, this year is about getting out into the world and sharing my voice and light with as many people as possible.
I am deeply thankful to all of you who have journeyed with me this past year through this letter and through my studio as I have been building and releasing my album and my book. And this is where I ask for your help.
I would love to share my music with you in person—whether through a home concert, a church worship service, a community gathering you are part of, or something else entirely. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please reach out.
I also have a new website for the new year, and I hope you’ll take some time to explore it, see what I have to offer, and share it with others.
It truly doesn’t matter the size of the event, the budget, or the location. There is something powerful that happens when people gather with music and intention, and I hope to offer that kind of sacred space wherever I am invited.
May you rest in the dark as long as you need to, and let this be the year you honor the dream in your heart and take the next small, brave step toward it.
"Beckoning us
to leave behind
parcels unneeded
and gather
what cannot be grasped
with our hands
but only carried
in our hearts."
-from my poem Love
Know that I am sending lots and lots of light and love to you this day and always💜🔥,
Iowa Local Opportunities:
FOR THE NEW YEAR!
I am offering a new beginning voice class running
Jan. 22-Feb. 25th!
Sunday Feb. 15th: 5pm-Singing Playground Class
Sunday March 29th: 5pm-Singing Playground Class
Sunday April 26th: 5pm-Singing Playground Class
We had so much fun and learned so much from each other in our fall classes! Three classes offered this Spring!
The new year always brings new folks in, so if you haven't scheduled sessions yet, find the times that work for you now before they get filled up!
And as always, please reach out with any questions!
💜Mj
Ps. I am discontinuing the monthly Voices of Healing class for the present time, as I have not had quite enough interest but I will be launching in the next year my online community as well as offering workshops and retreats in-person throughout the area, so stay tuned and feel free to reach out if you are still interested in monthly gatherings!
