This is the first in a series I’ve been wanting to create for about a year now. Ironically, it all started with another song from the same era, which will appear in a future post. But as we know from a spiritual perspective, there are no coincidences.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, we learned of Quincy Jones’ passing. Of all the songs we know and love from him, one in particular, “Just Once,” has always been a favorite of mine from the rich era of the ‘80s. I can remember exactly where and with whom when I first heard that song in 1981. At during that era, it helped me through some tough moments—breakups and makeups with my boyfriend at the time. I vividly recall him writing the lyrics to me in a letter—back when people still wrote letters—and I probably wrote them back to him too.
But the deeper reason for this post, and why I felt called to create this series, is this: When we hear familiar songs and allow ourselves to be swept away in thoughts of the people, places, and feelings of the past, we can end up staying there. Those feelings are no less important, but hopefully, we’ve been able to grow beyond them and move into the present. In that way, spirit nudged me toward this journey—much like my guides do when I’m on a bike ride.
One day, “On the Wings of Love” came on my playlist, which again felt like no coincidence. I hadn’t been listening to anything from that era or even that station feature in Spotify, but there it was—random (or not so random)—and it clicked. “I get it now,” I thought. “Okay, I’ll do this.”
The “this” is to encourage my students in class—and you, reading this now—to take those familiar songs and sing them to yourself. Feel that transformation. It’s a profound way to reconnect with who we truly are, and I highly encourage you to try it and stick with it. But more than that, take those same songs and sing the lyrics, thinking about to whom you pray. That, I believe, is some of the most transformative work we can do—and it’s what spirit encouraged me to share with others, through this series, in my classes and however I can.
So, this past Monday, November 4th, I taught my regular yoga class. We were all in the collective mindset of the upcoming election, Quincy had just passed, and the song I chose for Savasana was “Just Once.” I asked my students to reflect on how music takes us places, how it connects us to each other and to something greater than ourselves. Music has the power to unite us. Whether we’re swaying to a song or holding up lighters or cell phones, we come together as one. This is the key—oneness and unity—and music helps get us there. Just like in yoga, where we come together as a kula—a community of like-minded souls, all breathing and practicing together. I encouraged us to reflect on this unity, knowing that, but without saying it out loud that morning so as not to allow politics to interfere with the sanctity of our class, no matter the outcome of the election, half the country would feel disconnected from the other. I simply said, “Music, like yoga, reminds us that we are one.”
Two days later, I was teaching again, and I created an entirely different flow for class. Same playlist, but designed to move us in and out of balance, taking us through discomfort to help us find equilibrium. I encouraged my students to find grounding no matter what. To use their breath to create calm in the midst of chaos—because that’s what life is about. We can’t control what happens around us, but we always have control over how we respond within.
While the purpose of these blog posts is to inspire a deeper connection with ourselves and with Spirit—using familiar songs to guide us inward and then connect us with Source—the focus today is this: I asked my students to reflect on the memories the song brought up for them, then to sing it to themselves, feel the emotion, and then send it out into the world around us and to feel that.
Profound, indeed, Quincy Jones. These words, especially post-election, can be transformative if we allow them to be. And bless you and may you rest in peace as well, sweet James Ingram for the gift of your voice. I now invite you to take a deep breath, read the lyrics, or listen to the song—or both. Reflect on our world—not just here in the U.S., but across the entire planet and all its beings. Come back at the end to read a bit more from me…
I did my best
But I guess my best wasn't good enough'
Cause here we are back where we were before
Seems nothing ever changes
We're back to being strangers
Wondering if we oughta stay
Or head on out the door
Just once
Can we figure out what we keep doing wrong?
Why we never last for very long
What are we doing wrong?
Just once
Can we find a way to finally make it right?
To make the magic last for more than just one night
We could just get to it
I know we could break through it
I gave my all
But I think my all may have been too much
Lord knows we're not getting anywhere
Seems we're always blowing
Whatever we got going
And it seems at times with all we've got
We haven't got a prayer
Just once
Can we figure out what we keep doing wrong?
Why the good times never last for long
Where are we going wrong?
Just once
Can we find a way to finally make it right?
To make the magic last for more than just one nightI
know we could break through it
If we could just get to it just once
I want to understand
Why it always come back to goodbye
Why can't we get ourselves in hand?
And admit to one another
We're no good without each other
Take the best and make it better
Find a way to stay together
Just once
Can we find a way to finally make it right?
Whoa
To make the magic last for more than just one night
I know we could break through it
If we could just get to it just once
We could get to it
Just once
Then, when you’re ready, take a moment today—and any day—perhaps as a mantra or prayer for us all, reflect on these words: “Why can't we get ourselves in hand? And admit to one another, We're no good without each other, Take the best and make it better, Find a way to stay together.”
Let them guide you back to your center and inspire you to operate from a place of unity and connection.
Namaste, and thank you for reading, reflecting, and singing.
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