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Tonight I rediscovered on old favorite, almost like an old friend. The song Ella’s Song by the group Sweet Honey In The Rock was a rock I leaned on for support, climbed up on for perspective and carried inside as a source of strength for several years in the late 80s. It is one of the most beautiful and inspiring songs I know and finding it again online, after so many years without hearing it, made me very happy.

Ella’s Song

We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

Until the killing of black men, black mothers’ sons
Is as important as the killing of white men, white mothers’ sons

We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

That which touches me most is that I had a chance to work with people
Passing on to others that which was passed on to me

We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

To me young people come first, they have the courage where we fail
And if I can but shed some light as they carry us through the gale

We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

The older I get the better I know that the secret of my going on
Is when the reins are in the hands of the young, who dare to run against the storm

We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

Not needing to clutch for power, not needing the light just to shine on me
I need to be one in the number as we stand against tyranny

We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

Struggling myself don’t mean a whole lot, I’ve come to realize
That teaching others to stand up and fight is the only way my struggle survives

We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

I’m a woman who speaks in a voice and I must be heard
At times I can be quite difficult, I’ll bow to no man’s word

We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

Lyrics and music by Bernice Johnson Reagon
Sung by Sweet Honey in the Rock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tG1dNJh2rw

I was searching the internet somewhat randomly, drifting in the way the Situationists liked to drift aimlessly about their Paris, open to whatever might arise. At some point, I got onto a thread about immanence and transcendence and happened upon this quote and the explanation that follows:

“God Siva is Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality.” – Gurudeva Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

Rishi Thondunathan

June 17, 2020  · “God Siva is Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality.” That is our affirmation in English. It summarizes the beliefs and doctrines of the Saivite Hindu religion. Immanent means “present throughout.” Transcendent means “beyond.” By repeating this affirmation, we assert that God is both manifest and unmanifest. He is present throughout the world and He also transcends it. He is personal Divine Love and impersonal Reality. We repeat “God Siva is Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality” when going to sleep and again while awakening. This statement brings us close to Siva and prepares us for the day. In Tamil it is Anbe Siva mayam, Satyame Parasivam. In the Sanskrit language it is Premaiva Sivamaya, Satyam eva Parasivah. In French it is Dieu Siva est Amour Omniprésent et Réalité Transcendante.
We can use it like a mantra and recite it 108 times. We can write it down 108 or 1,008 times as a sadhana. Repeating this affirmation, we impress our mind with the ultimate truths of our religion sothat these memories give us strength in times of distress, worldliness or anxiety. It reminds us that God’s immanent love protects and guides us. Through the day, it lifts our mind into useful thoughts and keeps us from harm’s way. Reciting this affirmation draws us into Siva consciousness. Other religions also have affirmations of faith. For example, Christians have the Apostle’s Creed and Muslims have the Shahada. Followers treasure their affirmations, repeating them often individually or as a group. (path to Siva)

Charlie Chaplin’s quote about individuality, first published a year before I was born, is a helpful reminder when I am feeling claustrophobic, cramped or constrained, as has been the case more frequently in the wake of Covid-19. Yesterday, I listened as two friends talked at length about self-acceptance. Today, I feel that before I can either accept or reject myself, I need do some more remembering. I need to remember who I am, as an individual. I need to look in the mirror.