by Christina Pivarnik and Sanford Baran
Christina Pivarnik: It’s always a joy to be together! The images and music we just saw and heard are thanks to Gary Courtland-Miles—first his song called, “Love is Forever,” written and performed by him. And the second one we just heard with video, “Cosmic Cycles—An Homage to the Most High,” the music was also written and performed by him to accompany the video called “Cosmic Cycles.” He sought to describe the sounds of the creation of the universe of what is known as the Big Bang. The piece celebrates God’s magnificent creation and is a fitting beginning for our hour together sharing in the spirit of creativity and artistry.
As a body of angels on earth, we know how to let true artistry flow through us, giving form to the Creator within. We give voice to the Beloved in words spoken, written, sung or with our hands playing music, painting, sculpting or our bodies dancing. We cook delicious, healthy meals, decorate our homes (especially at this time of year!) and welcome others into our sacred space. We craft beautiful pieces out of wood, clay, feathers, or any fascinating material that lets life’s artistry come forth.
We create because we love the One who dwells and there is nothing we’d rather do. There is precious spiritual substance generated as we share together in this hour and in every moment. The creative flow of spiritual expression is unceasing and it binds us together in the spirit of love. This is natural at the “crossover point” we so often speak of: the sacred space of attunement shared and the holy place where the Lord’s artistry has a clear channel to be communicated through the arts.
Collectively, we rise up. We let the human elements lift into the substance of our spiritual expression, singing, dancing, and speaking joyfully. Our true identity is the Creator, the Artist. The One I am produces exquisite art in all aspects of our lives, letting heavenly magic touch those in our worlds and encompass this blessed earth.
It’s a joy to express the character, nobility and beauty of true art. The greatest level of artistry is in the invisible realms of consciousness where we work vibrationally. Our work then begins to take the shape and form of whatever our art might be: a painting, poem, piece of music, or a conversation.
There are a few in our number here who have offered to share their artistry today in ways that are unique to each of them. I’m thankful for each one and especially appreciative of Sanford Baran, who has provided ideas, support for the vision to do this, and the technical ability to bring these offerings to us. He’s going to say a few words after the artists offer their beautiful talents. So, to begin, let’s start with our multi-talented friend Sanford himself.
He took up classical piano in his fifties, looking for a new creative outlet and indulging his lifetime love of classical music. He’s been studying ever since, honing his skill and musicality. As a fun diversion he decided to learn jazz piano. We have the great joy now to hear Sanford playing a tune called If I Had You, accompanied on bass by his jazz teacher Paul Cotugno.
Watch Sanford and Paul’s presentation
I first heard about Luanne Somers’s book, The Rainbow Trail, from John Gray a year or so ago. He thought I would enjoy it and he was absolutely right! I loved it and couldn’t put it down. Luanne, whose pen name is Sarah Ann Parker, weaves a captivating story about a young woman who has faced the very worst of human nature. Kate, the protagonist, heads into exile to escape and try to find a new life. The excerpt Luanne is about to share relates the dramatic spiritual awakening she experiences in a storm in the mountains.
For a while now, I’ve sensed the musicality that seems to bubble from Nancy Lynn in our Tone of Life Zoom gatherings. I thought it would be lovely to have her share that with us. What she sent to me was so exquisitely unexpected, it simply blew me away! I thought she’d sing and play guitar, but no—she plays the most surprising of instruments with tangible harmonies that seem to permeate one’s entire being. I invite you to be filled with this delicate and profound sound.
Since I was a teen, I’ve admired and respected the outstanding work of Chris Foster, from his journalistic work as a reporter, to authoring books and as a poet. He has the sensitivity and ability to articulate exactly the right thing at the right time, sharing his immense heart and clear spirit. The poem he’s about to share with us exemplifies this beautifully.
The Chopin waltz Alex Bootzin is about to play is special to him since he’s performed it in concerts over the years as an encore. It was published posthumously and has been given the title Les Adieu or The Farewell. It was apparently written to honor someone with whom Chopin had a relationship, but then ended. It’s gracious and elegant, containing lively elements of the dance, although it’s designed to be listened to rather than danced to.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved the ocean, the sea, and I have always loved to dance. My husband Jim and I put this next piece together to share with you.
Watch Christina and Jim’s presentation
Sanford Baran: Thank you Christina. This last segment so beautifully captures the qualities of grace, elegance and ethereal movement so characteristic of your spirit. We’ve known each other for many years and your very nature has always struck me as dancelike, a leaping upon the mountains, a skipping upon the hills. Kudos also to Jim. Much appreciation for his artistic eye and magnificent videography. A most wonderful collaboration between the two of you.
It’s been delightful to participate in this gathering of artists, all of us. We can acknowledge that our primary responsibility given that we have been made in the image and likeness of the Creator is to very naturally participate in the creative process. In doing this we sometimes are involved in the outward radiant aspect of creation and it’s equally important we play our parts in the responsive returning component of the cycle as well. This morning, kudos to the various presenters who have sounded a creative pulse outward but also much appreciation to each one present, resonating with and amplifying the artistic current.
We easily and fluidly move back and forth between the radiant and responsive aspects of the cycle. I think of these two aspects as one. And it turns out that as we venture more into the radiant aspect of the process, our capacity to discern, resonate and offer a responsive tone significantly expands. Likewise, the more we play our part in the responsive aspect of the cycle the greater our capacity to sound an outward radiant tone ourselves. It all works together to perfection.
Each of us is born a creator. How marvelous to begin to realize our full potential in this regard, certainly in our day-to-day circumstances but also as we more directly touch the artistic spirit on a morning such as this. I can say for myself that dabbling in the realm of the artistic quenches something deep within my soul. It never ceases to amaze me the creative possibilities just waiting to come forth.
Christina Pivarnik: Thank you, Sanford, and to all the artists who shared your unique beauty today. We clothe the current, the tone of life, in so many ways, offering exquisite, magnificent creativity unique to each one. The greatest artistry is in the invisible levels of consciousness, of heaven, and as artists we allow that vibrational beauty to be born here on earth. In other words, it’s not about the art form, it’s the Creator’s artistry that moves through us and into form.
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Christina Pivarnik: There are many people present with us today who could also easily have offered something as well. We have additional published authors, musicians who play a wide variety of instruments, painters, photographers, sculptors, singers, poets and so many more. We’re all artists of the spirit of the Creator in some form or another.
We each create the experience of heavenly, spiritual substance all around us—the art of living. That sounds familiar, doesn’t it?! Thank you all for being present today and for the artists who shared their beautiful work with us. Enjoy this lovely season.