We were gathered outside, sitting on benches and blankets. I sat next to three people playing guitar, harmonium, and banjo, and I helped lead the singing. With those instruments, you might be surprised to learn that we were leading people in quiet, reflective song. But we were, and the instrumentalists made it possible in such a beautiful way.
We were singing Taizé choruses. There is an ecumenical monastery in Taizé, France, known for its music, which includes short, repetitive choruses. “By night we hasten in darkness to search for living water”… or “Come and fill our hearts with your peace”… or “Stay here with me, remain here with me, watch and pray.” This is what we shared together last night.
Before we began, my friend Cole spoke about the vision for the evening and what we would be experiencing. They said, “When we sing together, we begin to breathe together. And when we breathe together, our hearts start to beat in sync.” Then they added, “Welcome to attunement.”
I imagine that sometimes, even without singing, we move into this kind of attunement with others without ever realizing it. But I also imagine that within the systems and realities that so often isolate us, we do not experience this nearly enough.
“Welcome to attunement.”
We may need to find ways to prioritize this. And we may benefit from noticing it when it is already underway.
Smuggling Grace 