There has been talk that the George Floyd case and subsequent protests and riots is a diversion or distraction. "What happened to Coronavirus?" is a meme I've seen floating around. A political distraction to Coronavirus and whatever else. But I don't see it that way. To me, it's one pandemic revealing another... and so on and so on. I think we will continue to see revealing of our country's ills... in very dramatic, disabling ways. To get our attention in a way we cannot ignore... that disrupts "normal life" in ways that impacts us all. Because nothing has broken us... enough. Yet. Systemic ills being revealed and breaking down HAS to happen before the true healing. I believe.

"I can't breathe". Right there. The devastating connection. And the metaphor. A black man pinned down... unable to breathe. A virus called Covid-19 attacking the respiratory system, rendering people unable to breathe. "I can't breathe" is a literal and physical manifestation of oppression... which is a huge and complex machine that needs to be dismantled. It's complex, yes. But there is one connecting force that stands out to me overall: a denial of and resistance to our INTERdependence. That we need each other to survive and thrive. We've got to SEE each other to BE with each other INTERdependently. I don't offer this as an answer or a fix to anything... just an observation that connects the dots for me. As an artist and a thinker and a feeler, this is how I process life. And how I express it. Not a replacement for any concrete steps to be taken to dismantle the destructive "isms" in our society (i.e. new laws, reparations and accountability)... but part of MY work is where my heart takes me in times like these. Shining light on the possible deeper meanings and broader scope of humanity's "conscious evolution".  

So my mind and heart often go to questions: like, why is interdependence such a threat? Enough to divide us over EVERYthing... even things that would seem to bring us together? If I believe that is at the heart of it all... our connection to each other... what is it in us as a society that wants to cling to unhealthy INdependence? Me-ness instead of we-ness? There must be a sense of safety in it... but IS it safety? If we are alive, we ALL have a heartbeat. That is the undeniable truth. We breathe, therefore we are alive. But ARE we? Are we really HERE? I'm talking awareness. Heart presence. If we can't acknowledge the value of every single heartbeat that is part of the collective heartbeat... well, we as humanity face extinction... literally and figuratively. We ALL suffer. We ALL cannot breathe. We must breathe together.

"Do we see the eyes... do we see the soul? If we have to break... how much more?"

A song is coming. Well... so much is coming. But from this artist, this is a part of "how I do". I have to create. I have to express. I am not helpless... and also, I kind of am. So I LISTEN. I try to SEE. And I pray for guidance. For myself. For us all. Because this is messy. We are going to stumble in our best efforts. But this isn't about making ourselves look good or feel better. It's also not about shaming and blaming ourselves. It's about being open to learning... and to listening to the oppressed voice. And right now, the black voice. Listening, listening, listening. 

Let us be guided by the deep, caring God-love that is underneath everything, whether we always see it or not. Just pouring "love and light" on everything may not cut it, but it also cannot be discounted. The energy of love is a very powerful thing. And taking time to BREATHE is powerful. And really seeing and knowing that with every breath, we are breathing together. And helping each other to breathe. THAT is powerful.   

I wrote a new song recently (with Eric)... as a mantra to myself, really... called "Lean Into It" (and maybe you need this mantra, too). It's been quite a year... tragedies and curve balls... for me, my family, friends... our country and planet. And then there are always those little everyday annoyances. I've learned that when I lean in, rather than fight and resist what IS (which takes so much energy), it allows me to flow into "the process"... to listen for the next right step. To be of service to myself and others. I know it's OK (and often necessary) to kick and and scream... to feel all the feels.... to vent. To even back off for a while. But then... "ya got to... lean in, lean into, lean into it..." There are gifts in the leaning in. 

Here's a little video from yesterday's debut of the song at New Thought Center for Spiritual Living in Lake Oswego, Oregon... my spiritual home. I so LOVE that I can throw a new song at these amazing musicians... kind of last minute... and they just make it happen. I LOVE the creativity. Enjoy!

'Tis the winter season. Well... it's February, so yeah, this is a fact. Cold, dark days that encourage us to hunker down and take cover under a warm, snuggly blanket. And then there is the symbolism of winter. As in "the winter of our discontent" and the "dark days of winter". Individually and collectively, it is a season where we are sitting with the darkness... trying to make sense of it all. Particularly, in this season of our nation's evolution, we are facing the most extreme case of conflicting moral vision. We are struggling to see the light as to where we are going... together. And... what I know... what I believe... is that the light, though maybe not visible at the time, always exists. We open our eyes to it and put our feet to the path. 

I love Plato's analogy:

"As goodness stands in the intelligible realm to intelligence and the things we know, so in the visible realm the sun stands to sight and the things we see."

Plato is naming the sun "goodness"... the sun being the foundation on which all other truth rests. The sun... "the good"... sheds light on knowledge so that our minds can see true reality. 

​The sun is POWER. And not just symbolically. It is a real, physical, ​​abundant, ​eternal source of energy for us and our planet.

​So... this song. "Invisible Sun" by The Police. Not just a cool song that we've always loved, but one that represents our deepest beliefs and values. And hope.  

​While I will continue my solo vocalist/songwriter ventures, there is such great power, reward, and joy in stepping up this collaboration with my soul mate, Eric. Montgomery Jones is not only a symbiotic union musically... moving forward, we will be sharing lots more of ourselves, combining music, message, and mission. Live events as well as video and online. This includes our involvement with solar... helping to "panel the planet". The beauty is in seeing everything connect! Our musical gifts aligning with our passion for love and joy in life... and the health and well-being of humanity and planet. 

Enjoy the video! More to come.... :-)

Blessings Always, 
​Lauri 

I sort of decided to give myself a bit of a Christmas break... like when I was a kid and had two weeks off of school. I can still remember the feeling of freedom and excitement... mmmm.... yes! So, the past couple of weeks have intentionally been less about getting stuff done and more about allowing some down time. And play time. Just enjoying... and also giving myself time to reflect as the year came to a close. 

For me, the end of the year is about releasing and letting go. Reminding myself of my core WHY in everything I do... and then reviewing the year as to what served that WHY and what didn't. Getting clear about that, the things that don't serve naturally fall away... and that makes room for even more of the stuff that matters. The trick is to keep my ego in check, otherwise I find myself wanting to hold on... feeling like I'm losing something... even feeling "less than". Or... feeling this urge to go after things I don't even really want deep down in my soul. Spirit knows even when I don't. That's the grace part. And that's what I'm learning to count on more and more. Ahhhh.... grace. It's my chosen word for 2018. :-)

This past week, I put together a lyric and photo slideshow video for one of my favorite songs and productions on my album "Walk Your Life". Yes, this was actually part of my down time. I did not have an agenda to do this... I was drawn to "What Falls Away" (my songs are reminders for ME, too!) because of its timely relevance and wanted to bring it to life with imagery. I have found I really, really enjoy creating these videos... I get completely immersed in the flow and artistry of images, words, and music... to the point where I lose all track of time. I love being in that space.

Anyway... I just wanted to share the video with you! Perhaps it will help you (as creating it helped me) move into the new year lighter, freer, and more empowered in your never-ending journey to the YOU only you can be.

Happy 2018! May it be a deeply rewarding year in all the ways that matter.

Blessings,
Lauri

I just wanted to share a little image video I just put together for a song from my new EP "Watch Love Rise". When I discovered the Sara Bareilles gem "Love is Christmas" a year ago and had a chance to perform it, it was like coming home. It expressed everything about Christmas and what it means to me in one little package of a song. I absolutely fell in love with it. 

In the hustle and bustle of the season (and everything else going on), allow yourself to take a breather. Find the joy... ​feel the joy... BE the joy amidst it all. Love is all there really is. And Love is Christmas... <3

With love,
Lauri

I got a "download" the other night. I was lying in bed... the light of the full moon keeping me awake (well, that and the thoughts and worries spinning in my head)... when I heard: "You are too strong". It sounds kind of judgy and critical, but I felt an odd sense of relief hearing that. It was gentle and caring... and felt like love.

I've been feeling an extra dose of anxiety lately... always a sign to check in with myself. To the deep inside part of me. To the spirit in me. Prolonged periods of anxiety usually signal to me that I am in my head too much... too ME-focused in a  "little me" kind of way. That it is ALL up to "little me" to make things happen.

So... I was going through yet more boxes still in storage since our move to the country two years ago (!) and came across a notebook from one of my first official "spiritual" classes nearly a decade ago... when I truly, consciously, intentionally committed to my spiritual path. There was a page on Grace that caught my attention. I really love the word "Grace".... just saying that word puts me more at ease and I can feel the literal pain in my neck and shoulders start to dissipate.

Anyway, reading the notes, I was reminded of the power of Grace... a power I've perhaps been neglecting lately. "Grace is the absolute highest form of luck, yet we don't create it", my notes said. "We recognize it and appreciate it rather than create it. It's always there, but we don't always allow it. Grace is listening for us to tune into it."

So maybe, when I heard "you are too strong", it was a gentle whisper from Grace saying "I am here... don't forget about me. Lean into me. Believe in me. There is weakness in your strength and strength in your weakness. Crack the window just a bit and let me in..."

And then the tears came... realizing how hard I can be on myself. Can you relate? :-) So much judgment... and worry. And fear. All the while creating more judgment and worry and fear. Sigh.

This is when I am so grateful for spiritual awareness... and more importantly, spiritual practice. Recognizing what's going on and allowing the spiritual principles and laws to do their thing.

Two and a half years ago I reduced my overhead, quit my "day job" and stepped into full-time self-employment... following my passion to bring love and healing to the world one song at a time. And what a journey it's been, really. :-) I have been blessed with opportunities to share my music and earn enough income to support my (materially) simplified lifestyle, staying open to growth and expansion as I strive to add value with my gifts and talents. But here's the thing about self-employment:  it has the word SELF in it. This is both exciting and liberating... AND can feel like... well... pressure. As in, my livelihood is ALL up to ME. Maybe I should start calling it Spirit-employed or LOVE-employed instead... even just to myself... to shift the energy. The SELF isn't really the employer anyway, in a spiritual sense... just the vehicle. There. Feeling better already. :-)  
 
The next morning, after hearing Grace's whisper,  I was sitting in meditation and quiet reflection and was led to the book "This Thing Called You" by Ernest Holmes. I randomly (yeah, right) ;-) opened to this:

"If you wish to know the truth about your business or your profession, know that it is an activity of GOOD. It is an activity of your partnership with the Infinite. The business of life is to be happy, active, and whole; to express the Divine Life with joy and in fulfillment".

And here is the clincher:

"Lift the load of personal responsibility by transferring it to the Law of Perfect Action. No matter what confronts you, what obstructions appear, or what undesirable situations exist in your experience, this Law can dissolve them".

I love the way this is worded because it's not about just giving it all to Spirit and sitting around waiting for things to happen. It's giving it to the Law of Perfect ACTION... and taking action myself as I am guided to. Grace (not luck) is when preparation meets opportunity. It's recognizing and trusting in the law and power of the Universe. That is spiritual practice. 

Love does provide. In the way that Love sees fit. When there is doubt (or if you forget... which is usually the case for me), here is a powerful affirmation from Ernest Holmes:

Spirit never rejects me.
I accept myself.
I know that I am one with all the good there is.
I am one with all the power there is.
I am one with all the peace there is.
There is nothing in me that can judge or be judged.

And one from Florence Scovel Shinn:

My supply is endless, inexhaustible, and immediate and comes to me under grace in perfect ways.

Ahhhhhh. Can you just feel the tension melting away? Just in time to enJOY this season of magic and miracles! <3

I'm going to leave you here with a LIVE version (with choir!) of "Love Will Provide" from my new EP. Take it in, sing along, let it fill you and "lift you up into a higher vibration". 

Namaste, friends... Peace and Blessings to you always!
​
Lauri

I just wanted to let you know that my video "Watch Love Rise" is a finalist in this year's emPower Posi Awards. An honor! The Posi Awards "celebrate the powerful music and extraordinary artists who are transforming lives and helping to create a world that works for everyone through the power of Posi-tive music". 

Here's the deal: The video category relies primarily on public / fan voting. It's a great way for ALL of the videos to get exposure... and also to introduce people to POSI music. 

So... would you be willing to rate my video on the POSI site? It's really simple: just click the yellow button below and you will be directed to the list of videos and instructions on voting. If you are not already a member of Empower Music you will need to enter your email address and create a password in order to vote. You can unsubscribe at any time. 

The list is in alphabetical order, so "Watch Love Rise" is toward the bottom. If you have the time, though, I encourage you to check out and rate ALL of the videos! A range of topics and styles... ALL beautifully positive and transformational.

It was exactly a year ago that I wrote this song... amidst the tumultuous 2016 presidential election. The year has gone quickly, but a lot has happened. "Trying times" is an understatement. But I have seen love rising... people coming together and standing up in voice and action. I believe more than ever that we are waking up. And that there is purpose to the growing pains. November is such a rich month. We are shedding what no longer serves and celebrating the harvest of love. Giving thanks for all that IS and all that can be.

Much love to you and yours! Happiest of Thanksgivings to all. <3

In Gratitude,
Lauri  

Hello, Friends! Just a quick note to formally announce the release of my first official music video! (prelude to the new album coming out early August). It's been a really fun, organic process creating this and I'm excited to share! A very special "Thank You" to Ann Hanlin, Eric Montgomery, and "Buddy the Country Canine" ;-) for helping to bring this inspiration to life in such a beautiful way. 

​"Likes" and comments on YouTube are greatly appreciated if you are so inspired. And please do share! Let's radiate this love energy and message far and wide!

​With Love & Gratitude,
​Lauri​

So... if you haven't gathered from my recent blogs and posts (!), I'm pretty enamored with the very inspired and organic way certain artistic pursuits have been evolving over these past several months. And when I say pursuits... it really feels like these "artistic ventures" have been pursuing me rather than me pursuing them. ​Maybe it's like that Rumi quote: "what you seek is seeking you". Whatever the case, it all makes me feel like I'm in the right place... at the right time... doing what I'm meant to be doing. Not "little me", but "bigger me", dancing and co-creating with divinity.

Well, OK... it's also just so much damn fun!!! There is that. :-) I mean, yeah, it's a lot of work, and takes considerable time and energy... but when things line up like magic and I'm in the midst of the creating, time stands still and there is no place I'd rather be. God, I love that feeling. I know you know what I mean... we all have times like that. And when life isn't feeling so magical (we all have those times, too), I appreciate the divine moments even more. And I look to those times to remind me and help me stay the course. And to stay focused on the WHY. If I can lift and open hearts with my music and presence... if I can help bring about even a slight shift in awareness that alters just one small step in someone's journey (rippling out to all of humanity)... then I am fulfilling that mission. And immersed in the joy of that. :-)

So, in addition to the new CD in the works... the collection of live recordings that transpired through "divine intervention"... there is a new music video that's just about ready for release. I've wanted to shoot a video since the release of "Walk Your Life"... and thought it would be a song from that album... but I just kept getting the hit, in light of the times we're in, to bring "Watch Love Rise" to life in this very visually experiential way.

Eric and I collaborated with a talented young film student, Ann Hanlin, who also lives out here in the woods of Battle Ground, Washington. We sat down one afternoon in late February to brainstorm possibilities. Given that our life out here... living in nature's paradise in our little vintage trailer... is a conscious choice to "focus on what matters" (in many ways), we wanted to bring that essence to life in the video. So, we decided to shoot local... in and around the trailer and on property around where Ann lives.

OK... so... trying to plan an outdoor video shoot in the Pacific NW in March is... well, it's a little crazy, lol. It was a particularly wet March... and with our varying and busy schedules, it seemed next to impossible that we'd find a day when we were all available AND the weather would cooperate. So we just scheduled a date. Took our chances. Checking the weather the days prior, it looked pretty dismal. Even the night before the shoot, the forecast was showing rain.

Miraculously, we woke up the morning of the shoot to sunshine pouring through the window. Not just no rain, but SUN... and BLUE SKY. It was so beautiful I could hardly stand it. It was the perfect metaphor for "Watch Love Rise". The sun rose to the occasion and I could FEEL the love and warmth of the Universe. That day was a reminder of the love that rises even in seemingly dark times... and maybe even because of them. There was hope in the air... the very fresh air after a long stretch of dark and wet. It couldn't have been a more perfect day to capture the essence of the song on video. Orbs and sun flares everywhere... embraced by the arms of the trees... showered by sun rays... framed in the beauty of nature as it "showed off" for the shoot. Spectacular. And SO much fun!

​So, we've spent these past couple of months editing and finessing all that glorious footage. I just wanted to share the clip and a little of the back story with you all. Can't wait to share the full video with you (and the new EP) very soon! The warmth and light of summer is the perfect time to do that. May love rise always in your hearts and in your lives... <3

Love & Blessings,
​Lauri