in Living Hope
What was your creative process in curating this playlist?
When curating the playlist for Surrender, I did my best to emotionally and mentally return to the feeling of desperation that compelled me to begin the Practice of Surrender in the first place. I remember the impact of one song, in particular, which I would sing out loud during this time. I recall singing this song, not only to physically comfort myself, but to connect with emotions that I had been unable to process up to that point. This allowed me to grow in my understanding and compassion for myself as well as those around me. This is all to say, I know firsthand the power of the right song at the right time.
There is a significant presence of Christian music in the playlist. Was that intentional?
While there is a strong presence of Christian music in this particular playlist, it was not done intentionally. It just so happens that, within Christian teaching/music, there is an understanding of the need to surrender to a higher will and the richness in life that comes about as a result. Learning that there is an individual path for us all, and that it may not look like the one we desire in our head, is a valuable lesson no matter what your faith might be.
What role does music play in your Practice?
Music is a vital part of my Practice. As I mentioned before, I receive physical comfort from the act of singing, and I have been able to access emotions that may otherwise be blocked to me. I find that music has the power to bypass the conscious mind and connect with a genuine space within us. It is that connection I am hoping to help facilitate for others — the space where they feel that it is okay to just feel. It is vulnerability but so much more. It is trust. It is acceptance. Ultimately, it is Surrender.
What do you hope this playlist inspires for the listener?
It was my goal with this playlist to help create a space that offers listeners a safe environment to explore their own vulnerability and to find connection with something outside of themselves.
Relating to the pain, the joys, the tears or the laughter of others is a surefire way to experience authentic connection. In turn, when connecting with other people in a genuine way, I find that the door opens to connecting with something greater still — call it what you will.
Want to download the Living Hope Surrender playlist? Check it out here.