Yoga Song about Gratitude: Farthest shore, by David Wilcox

Yoga + Music = Bliss

For my first song post I have chosen Farthest Shore by David Wilcox. Don't you ever sometimes just want to use every negative experience you've ever had and turn them into something great for yourself and the world? When I first wrote this post a few years ago I thought it was the perfect way to reconnect with love and gratitude as I reflected on what the East coast had gone through with hurricane Sandy. Now, with so much more devastation to add to the list; mass shootings, turmoil overseas, and politics converted to "entertainment" for lack of a better word, there's never been a better time to tap once again into a place of love. What's this got to do with gratitude? 

Well, what if we truly had nothing? No more i-phones, computers, pictures, electrical power, or possessions of any kind? Are we ready to trust the experiences and the love inside of us to carry on? Can we look into each experience as a lesson and a shift to something greater? More amazingly, would your answer be different after a yoga practice?

I have found that yoga helps us focus on the love & gratitude piece in times of suffering and confusion. There are such great things to discover about ourselves at the end of a practice, and for me, music intensifies the entire experience. 

Yogi moves: As far as poses go, for this one it’s sun salutations. As the body begins to heat up I go deeper into the meaning of this song. Fire yourself up with gratitude and let it flow all down your arms and legs. I’m telling you, it may even evoke a tear or two. That means you’re right on!

PS. you get extra credit if you can work a swan dive in right when he says, “let me dive into the water”.

So here you have it: Farthest Shore by David Wilcox with lyrics included!

We were there in the woods by the water
We left our packs up against that willow tree
We dove right in, keeping just what we were born with
Our Memories, Knowledge and Dreams
As I swam away from our possessions
I imagined that they were gone forever more
And for once I was glad that all I treasured
Would still be with me as I reached other shore.
So... Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
And when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need
After the blaze burned our cabin down to ashes
Where we'd slept warm, now the sky lets in the rain
I found the strings, frets and rusted latches
But I will never hear that old guitar again
These four walls are only in my memory
Where these stone steps rise to nothing in the air
So one last look and I'm headed for the river
To wash my hands and try to say this prayer
So... Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
And when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need
When my time to live this life is over
I'll tip my hat when I think about that swim
And of all the things that make a life worth living
That only come to those who dive right in
So... Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
And when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need
All I need.....
Let me dive into the water...
It's all I need

Would love to hear about your personal experiences with music & yoga in these posts and if by chance I have successfully converted you into a music/yoga nerd.

Namaste musical yogis!
Move freely, listen deeply, & stay inspired, (and don’t forget to eat clean!!!)

xo Karen

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