Gentle Love
My dearest friend is in town, and we managed to squeeze in four beautiful hours together while she’s here. (Thank you to her family for being willing to share.) We spent every minute of those four hours talking, and while she was at my house this morning I felt myself become palpably lighter. Her name is Amy, and she is my touchstone.
I can tell Amy anything and everything, and she always reacts, asks questions and makes suggestions as if I am the wisest, strongest, best version of myself I could possibly imagine. She shows me parts of myself I didn’t know were there, and when faced with my fears, weaknesses, mistakes and vulnerabilities she always responds with so much love and respect that I leave our conversations able to extend that same love and respect to myself. She never doubts me, though she doesn’t sugar coat things or pretend I’m right if I’m wrong. She just allows for the idea that I can be wrong and also lovable, strong and smart; that mistakes and weakness are part of life and don’t make me any less worthy.
Amy is the kind of friend who shows me that empathy, acceptance and love are the path to growth. The way she treats me helps me be a better person. I am almost always able to see the faults in my behaviour or to notice when I’m veering off my best path. Having someone to share that with, who doesn’t chastise or judge or try to correct me, who instead shows me mercy and so, so much kindness, strengthens me to get back to who I need to be. She doesn’t need to tell me to be better; the respect she shows me helps me strive to be better all on my own.
Amy’s friendship was the inspiration for the song Gentle Love, so I strapped on my guitar five minutes ago to share that song with you as part of this little love note.
May we all show one another gentle love, always.
xo
Shannon
Upcoming Shows
June 22, 3-5pm - Song and Spoken Word Circle
We’re back at Dwellissimo (Walton St., Port Hope) with another song/poetry/story/spoken word circle. Last time a dozen of us enjoyed a cozy, candlelit afternoon during an ice storm, but there’s certainly room for more folks to join the fun. Completely unplugged, bring your guitar, djembe, chapbook or whatever you need to join in. There’s also plenty of space and comfy chairs for folks who just want to watch. I’d love to know if you’re planning to come!
July 16 from 3-6pm
Come find me making music at the Cobourg Public Library Book and Bake Sale. Then buy some goodies to support our local library!
July 19
I am hosting a Campfire Songcircle at Westben. It’s a free event prior to Matt Andersen’s show. For details and to RSVP click here.
Featured Song - Gentle Love
I feel crazy, I need you to tell me I’m fine
I’m so tired all the time
Cause it keeps running and running circles through my mind
I need you here, I need you now
I need the kind of advice that only you know how to give
I need your face here in my home
Why don’t you hop on a plane and come and give me some of your
Gentle love
I’m not saying I can’t do this alone
I’m just thinking, maybe I should pick up the phone
Because we’re better together and you make any place feel like home
Help me be centred, anchored
Help me be less anxious, scattered
You always know what matters
Help me remember myself
Help me be patient though I’m going off the deep end
Bring me back, bring me back.
I need you here, I need you now
I need to see myself the way that you do somehow
I need your arms wrapped in a hug
I’d hop a bus, a boat, a plane, a train
To get me close to your gentle love
A beautiful tribute!