Thomas Ashley-Farrand in “Healing Mantras,” writes that “Ram… is the seed sound for the manipura, or solar plexus chakra. Tremendous healing energy lies dormant at that chakra. Mantra can help you get at that energy. This mantra begins to awaken and activate the entire chakra. It specifically prepares the chakra to be able to handle the inflow of kundalini energy that gives the chakra its power.”
Ashley-Farrand breaks down Rama into its two syllables and describes their influence. “Ra is associated with the solar current that runs down the right side of our bodies. Ma is associated with the lunar current that runs down the left side of our bodies…. By repeating Rama… Rama… Rama over and over again, you begin to balance the two currents and their activity so that they can work with the higher stages of energy that will eventually come up the spine…. Om Ram Ramaya Namaha begins to clear the two currents with a slight emphasis on the right or solar side, which is needed in this age of darkness…
Gopala, from the CD, Chants
Gopala is a favorite chant of many as it celebrates the unabashed joy and frivolity of the child. It is an homage to the child, Krishna, who, while playing in the field with his mother, who is churning butter, grabs some butter and runs away to consume the delight, all the while laughing without a care in the world.
We are born in the frequency of the child and, sadly, due to the weight of this dimension, forget the keys to the kingdom that are within us at birth. Happily, they are only misplaced. The journey of life leads us back to the treasure chest. The sooner we reclaim the child within and embrace the playful innocence of life in this dimension, the sooner we can lift the treasures from the chest and immerse ourselves in the delight of life on earth.
This chant reminds us of the power of play, the wisdom of seeing through the eyes of the child, and the celebration that life invites with each breath. Typically, the chant accompanies a frivolous dance of spinning and rising and falling, speeding up with each cycle. Laugh, my child, and reclaim the keys to innocence.
Cradle Me is a precious and powerful chant that soothes the soul of the traveler, no matter the age. It was written as a meditation song for a Sunday morning Unity Service. I used to drive 30 miles to the church, often using the time to create a short reoetitive song that was thematically relelvant that could be used that morning at the service. I would listen for an idea, usually based upon the talk of the day, and then build it as the miles and the beach sailed by. Once at the church I would work the idea into music and presentation
I have written hundreds of such songs through the years to meet the vibrational needs of the topic.
Cradle Me addresses an inner longing we have to be valued. In the arms of that value, we often surrender and allow the truth of our being be nourished. All humans look for sustenance though love and acceptance. Asking God for this is actually a great idea.Use this song to feed your inner child self. Saturate him/her with the love deserved.
This song is great for promoting surrender. A powerful exercise is to have the song sung as the group lifts one up and cradles and gently swings them back and forth as a child. It is a short time before one is transformed to a precious place of trust, balance, flow, and surrender.
Here in the Heart is another intentional song/chant written for a Sunday service at Unity of San Luis Obispo, CA. Driving along the coast on my way to the service I am blessed with a stunning ever changing panorama of the Pacific Ocean and how it meets the Pacific Plate. I would hold it up to any coastal scene in the world. Every time it feeds me regardless of the form: sunshine, fog, clouds, or rain. I have written so many songs along that coast because it easily puts me in touch with the deeper creative element of me that is, indeed, a sacred expression of the Great Spirit uniquely through me.
To be lovingly held in the heart of God is a safe, nurturing place that holds no equal. It is the very place from whence I have come…and will always reside. Knowing I am held in esteem and valued by the very creative force washes away doubt, salves the wounds of living, and invites me into celebration. I have all I need. The forms of living are only opportunities that open me to remembering more of the Truth of my Being.
Without self-imposed limits I am free to be a full participant in this dimension of life. Its very magnificence reflects the love I carry for the me I Am. A beautiful dance that sings simply of the Glory .