Jammin’ in Jamaica: A playlist for world peace

I’m back from an incredible vacation in Jamaica, where the air feels cleaner, life isn’t such a rush and the grass seems a little bit “greener.” After a gorgeous week of ocean gazing, soul searching and absolute gratitude, I feel inspired. Inspired to spread love, tolerance, acceptance and peace.  I went with the intention of powering down my devices and leveling up my positive vibes and came home with a renewed sense of activism and responsibility.   Jamaica: Breathing life into me at every turn, reminding me to be a warrior and not a worrier and that “everyting is irie.”

With my ipod loaded with music, I practiced every morning on my patio overlooking the ocean.  I’ve always felt a connection to the water but waking up bright and early, to flow with her left me feeling so blessed- almost as though the ocean and  I shared a sort of intimacy.  It was magical! After, I’d head down to the beach feeling the waves of gratitude washing over me.  This life: it’s such a gift!

 

There’s so much going on in the world right now, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me scared. Looking out at the majesty of the ocean I realized it’s up to ME to change the world I’m in.   As yoga teaches us, we become stronger in times of crisis.  We must move through the fire and fear to get to the other side- it’s these challenges, obstacles and darkness that refine our true characteristics of love, leadership and light.

With my ear buds in and a rocking playlist, I thought about that.

Here’s some of the tunes and lyrics from my playlist that spoke to me (and of which, I sang out loud. Ask my hubby, it’s the truth.)

*Melissa Etheridge: I Need to Wake Up I am not an island, I am not alone, I am my intentions, Trapped here in this flesh and bone, And I need to move, I need to wake up, I need to change, I need to shake up, I need to speak out. Something’s got to break up, I’ve been asleep and I need to wake up. Now.
*Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror I’m gonna make a change, for once in my life, it’s gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference, gonna make it right . . . I’m starting with the man in
the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways and no message could have been any clearer, if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change.
*Bill Withers: Lean On Me Lean on me, when you’re not strong, And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on, For it won’t be long, ‘Til I’m gonna need, Somebody to lean on.
*Sly & The Family Stone: Everyday People Sometimes I’m right and I can be wrong, My own beliefs are in my song…I am no better and neither are you, We are the same whatever we do, I am everyday people. 
*NEEDTOBREATHE: More Heart, Less Attack The more you take the less you have ‘Cause it’s you in the mirror staring back, Quick to let go slow to react, Be more heart and less attack
*Steve Gold: There is So Much Magnificence in the Ocean There is so much magnificence,
Near the ocean, Waves are coming in, Waves are coming in, Halleluja
*Matisyahu: Sunshine Time to grow and be a man, Want to fly high like peter pan, No more never never land, So lose your backpack filled with sand, Come along and take my hand, We’ll walk together
*Jeremy Fisher: Come Fly Away I’m feeling restless but I’m tired, Don’t want to leave but I can’t stay, You and me need something more, It’s time to spread our wings and go
*Bob Marley: One Love One love, one heart, Let’s get together and feel all right. I’m pleading to mankind, Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right, Let’s get together and feel all right.

These lyrics may all be different, the sounds of the songs moving to a different rhythm or beat (kinda like mankind) and they all fueled a fire in me. Telling me: Who am I turn my head in a time where ordinary people can rise up and show the world a better way.  Sure it’s scary.  But I know I owe it to my kids, future generations and to myself, to speak up. To be an activist. To be the change.  Perhaps all this turmoil and angst is showing us the path to an even sunnier and beautiful tomorrow? Where our true colors, inside and out, shine like beams of light igniting a future of love and abundance for everyone.

Like my nail polish? It’s called “Something to Blog About” so I thought it was totally appropriate.
I obviously had Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” on my playlist too!