The Joyous Things In Your Own Soul

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On cool September Toronto night, around 11:00pm, I walked out of the shop for the last time. After two months of being treated disrespectfully by a few key people in charge, my mind was made up to quit…no notice and certainly no great need to justify this move to anyone. Though the rush of having made this decision brought elation, there was also a foreboding sense of dread that I would never find a way to really enjoy what I do and take care of my bills at the same time. A few days later with no money in the bank and next month’s rent due, I grabbed my guitar and headed for the subway to go take care of a friend’s mother for the weekend. After a hearty meal, I told her the story of what had happened at the shop. We had a few laughs at the ridiculousness of how seriously people take themselves. Later that night I sang a few songs and after she went to bed, new lyrics and melody took shape out of my desire to conquer my worries.

Over the weeks and months that followed, I felt the urge to sing this song over and over. It filled me with strength and hope that my path is ever opening up and that my heart will always lead me in the right direction. Meditation brought peace, and this song kept reminding me that it was ok not to want what everybody else wants. During this time a wonderful workplace appeared in my life along with a bright and beautiful new friend. Opportunities opened themselves all around. The pain of a two-month experience had blossomed into a song with rich and enduring life lessons.

This song still empowers me in hard moments and reminds me that we are free to carve out our own definition of life. “Ancient Secrets of Success” has taught me that success is measured by “your level of understanding of who you are.” Whenever pain and anxiety comes, it’s usually a sign that I’ve slipped into someone else’s vision of life.

Here’s the song:

When the world has got you down

and there's sadness all around
and they’re telling you that you’re too slow
and make you think you’ll never know what they know
But what do they know anyway…

Everybody wants to teach
about the stars they want to reach
But there’s something burning in your heart
that sets your life apart
from where others go

Who will you follow
to shine in your light
When are you going to get it right?
And when that moment finally comes along
Will it find you singing your own song?
Oh will you fly with angel wings
to embrace the joyous things in your own soul?
Who will you follow
Who will you follow with all your heart?

People are scared to become real
So they mask just what they feel
And the moment that you might catch on
is the moment they rely upon to hold you down
Keep you from coming ‘round to the truth
that you know
The truth that threatens status quo.

Who will you follow
To shine in your light?
When are you going to get it right?
And when that moment finally comes along
Will it find you singing your own song?
Oh will you fly with angel wings
to embrace the joyous things in your own soul?
Who will you follow
Who will you follow with all your heart?

Enjoy “Earth Hour”. Peace.

Ganga

PhotoArt: “Your Own Soul”
Lyrics: “Your Own Soul”