No Ordinary Zen

My Playlist is a series of YouTube vids that stemmed from a 27 song playlist I made for a casual chill vibe. Each of the ten songs was chosen by shuffle. Here is what has appeared for your entertainment, and hopefully they will acknowledge your desire for some calm and still conscious Zen states.

These times have certainly made us all more aware of what it feels like to be in jail. The thing is, those who guard the prisoners are in truth also prisoners.

I love Asa, she is a divine being, her voice and her lyrics are so real, so full of love and honesty. Calling out the oppressor is a theme here. It gives me a lot of peace to honestly address the plight of humankind. Asa does this with melodies that are steeped in genius.

The Old Blind Dogs will forever be a favorite of mine, an old Celtic soul, who sees and knows the light, and the inevitability of shadow. It acknowledges that dark lurks, waiting to pounce...which is impossible if there is a big old spotlight shining on it. Reminding us to keep our eyes open, fearless in the realms of transparency.

Beirut...I just love their ironic and melancholic ukelele riffs. This song speaks of the inevitability of death, and the celebrations of the lives we live and dream of. Reminding us that our lives while temporary, are full of permanent imprints that serve the greater worlds for infinity.

Edward Sharpe and the magnetic zeros always makes me feel hyper aware, and kind of the opposite of meditative. The dreaminess of his voice and lyrics is what makes me feel calm, and happy even in the face of calamity.

The Cat Empire is my favorite band of all time...I love literally ALL of their music. This song reminds us of the true gifts of life. What more Zen state is there than gratitude? The line,

“he who sheds his sweat with me will be my friend eternally from this moment to the ending of the world”

reminds me that however small I feel, the work I do is meaningful, and even sacred. Despite all feelings of helplessness,

WE MATTER!!

So for all of you out there, and all of you gorgeous Vocal creators that are with heartfelt intent, broaching all subjects that need discussing, expanding, or just simply getting on them on the table. I love you. I am out here pouring my blood, sweat, and tears into every arrow of intent that I send out, for the enlightenment of our human family.

The Lumineers, this song calls to those who have retreated from love, to the very precipice of solitude. Yet Love finds its way into the song, the lyrics, the performers, and experiencers alike. Let love IN!

The Avett Brothers, never underestimate the power of the words I love you...try saying them to yourself everyday, I guarantee it will increase your zen quotient. Seriously. Try it.

Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms, because don’t we all truly wish for unity? For quiet peaceful days of tending and stewardship of the land we live, and rely on, and the people we love. I think more than 90% of us can agree war needs to die. It is not conducive to ZEN.

Walk off the Earth, because this is what I wish the violent oppressors of Earth would do. And what I wish we could all do, Sing them Away! I know that I personally would feel a lot more Zen if evil was contained somewhere off planet.😊

Big Wreck. Yup that describes humanity well, but Ian Thornleys edgy vocals and super intelligent lyrics always make me feel like despite difficulty there is so much more beauty to be experienced in this world.

Finding Zen in what amounts to an apocalypse is an endeavour that will require more than the ability to check out mentally. I love to meditate don’t get me wrong, I just have no intention of meditating my life away while human maniacs destroy life on earth. Our health, our freedom, and our massive potential to create heaven on Earth, needs some room to expand from under the anvil of fear. I hope these songs inspire your inner peaceful warriors.

Namaste.

To all Musicians everywhere, I am so thankful for the many ways you are still finding to ease our troubled minds with your beautiful contributions to all of us out here.

We are truly blessed

Sarah St.Erth