Has this ever happened to you? You heard a song earlier in the day, and now it's running through your head repeatedly. You sing it. You hum it. The harder you try not to think about it, the more you think about it. It's stuck. Known as "earworms," some experts say the song represents thoughts we're trying to suppress, and others claim that earworms are simply a way to keep the brain busy when it's idling [source: University of Cincinnati].
As we move into the holiday season, I'm stuck on "Tis A Gift To Be Simple." It's a beautiful song and the lyrics represent exactly how I'm feeling these days. I've downsized to a cozy, little home that houses only those items we love and use every single day. I've released work that no longer represents me. I am enjoying time with family, friends and long-lost hobbies. And I'm loving the simplicity. That's why the song, composed by Elder Joseph while at a Shaker community in Maine, are stuck in my head:
- 'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
- 'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
- And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
- 'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
- When true simplicity is gain'd,
- To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
- To turn, turn will be our delight,
- Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.
Several Shaker manuscripts indicate that this is a "dancing song" and references to "turning" in the last two lines are dance instructions. Whatever the intent, take a listen to a few of my favorite renditions. Maybe they'll inspire you to keep it simple this holiday season.
- Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: http://bit.ly/rMPyNC
- The King's Singers: http://bit.ly/w1eHpX
- Jewel: http://bit.ly/vC8DgH
I'm off to visit Main Street for a simple gift for a special someone. ♥ shhh...

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

