Celtic Lamentations

In December I heard an interview with harpist/singer Aine Minogue on NPR about her new CD Celtic Lamentations. The death of her father inspired her to examine musical responses to the experiences of loss and grief, eventually resulting in her new collection of songs. While she focused on music of her Celtic heritage, Minogue loked at other traditions as well. In her research she discovered that most traditional cultures devote a year to grieving over the loss of a loved one, in sharp contrast to typical shallow American culture, which expects us to "get over it" as soon as possible. When I heard this, I realized that I need to give myself more time. It makes sense because a full year allows you to experience your loss during all of the seasonal changes. Minogue says, "Ultimately, every loss is also a new invitation to be fully alive."
Here's a lovely verse included in the liner notes for the CD.

Pueblo Blessing
Hold on to what is good
even if it is a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe
even if it is a tree which stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do
even if is is a long way from here.
Hold on to life
even when it is easier letting go.
Hold on to my hand
even when I have gone away from you.

Peace to everyone--Lynn