The Way of Song: A Guide to Freeing the Voice and Sounding the Spirit

By Shawna Carol

Book Overview

This title introduces the author's SpiritSong method, a system for using the voice to encourage one's creative, emotional, and spiritual growth, covering such topics as pitch and rhythm, singing with partners, creating a song cycle and more.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312310374
• ISBN13: 9780312310370
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Griffin
• Length: 174 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

For opening to your own freedom

SpiritSong is hands-down the most helpful practice in my life for freeing personal power. I'm not sure that I recognized how constrained my voice was, and yet, the practice of SpiritSong truly did free it, and it continues to deepen and mature that opening. Not only am I delighted to be singing more freely, but there are positive influences in all areas of my life. It's easier to express myself, to perceive with clarity, to follow my helpful inner signals, and to simply be and enjoy. I've found it a powerfully effective tool for personal growth, particularly with respect to being in touch with my authentic feelings and to processing the difficult ones. SpiritSong also does indeed connect me with my inner spirit. Being essentially a joyful practice, SpiritSong therefore facilitates a healthy self-awareness while having fun at the same time. I began singing in a group, and got the book a year later. The book was easy to read and a faithful and complete reflection of the practice as I learned it. I've never been a great one for following "programs" with consistency, and so the 8-week guide in the book isn't really my thing. However, Shawna's gentle encouragement, and her wisdom about the real foundations of discipline, have been instrumental to me in building my own regular practice. In the end, it turned out that the book did help me acquire a daily practice, just not quite in the way it outlines. This is a companion kind of book that becomes a good friend upon re-reading and has many uses. While brief, there are layers of wisdom woven into it that are interesting to ponder; I seem to find something new each time I read it. I began teaching my own SpiritSong groups this year after training with Shawna, and the book was a great support for me once I was on my own. Furthermore, it's a helpful coach that inspires me to keep singing, and keep digging for the many benefits that this marvelous practice can bring. The Way of Song teaches a fabulous and accessible tool for anyone who wants greater freedom, love and joy in their lives.

Inspiring guide to an inspiring process!

A clear and uplifting look at a process that is both moving and inspirational. Easy to read and yet profound, the author manages to provide an accessible way into a path for healing and personal expression that is potentially life-changing!

Sound meditation

I ordered this book from a book club, and I'm glad I did. The title was interesting enough, and then I read it and couldn't wait to start my Spirit Singing practice! I've always been very inhibited, but this book shows you how to break through the barriers and open up and you learn how to express yourself and let your true voice come through. I'm interested in singing, and even though this isn't a voice training program, it shows you how to let go and not be afraid to sing. I also am interested in writing, and she does have a chapter on using this practice to write your own music. If you ever read "The Artist's Way" this is like Morning pages with sound! I just wish it came with a CD.

Engaging and very powerful

The book gave me a new and deeper understanding of the role of sound and song in health and healing. It is an easy and engaging book to read with very simple and powerful exercises that I have enjoyed using.

Inspiring and transformative

I sat down for just a minute to see what this book was all about and two hours later was totally caught up in it. It's a wonderful weaving of experience, personal stories, and instruction on a truly transformative topic. This book provides a balanced combination of creative explanation and practical suggestions. Compelling to read and even more powerful when you follow the outlined practice. Just open up and begin the journey to your song.