Stay gentle

Last Friday night, we went to Brandi Carlile concert in Chicago. I “met” Brandi in 2009, in my divorce condo, on a now-defunct music channel called Palladia. I told everyone about her voice and to keep her name in their head and heart. I predicted she would become huge as a musical artist and as a human doing good work in the world. I was right on both counts. (And the opening band for this tour is called The Head and The Heart, how fun is that?! I enjoyed their music and vibe as well.)

Anyway, this is our third time attending a Brandi concert. Brandi for sure loves playing rock star with the full band AND still loves the acoustic stuff, so to keep her in her roots even though she has hit the "big-time," each show on this arena tour includes requests from the audience. No small feat in a stadium of 12,000+ people and a catalog of music that spans 25 years.

Brandi follows her internal guidance and goes for it. Yet to not know what someone will request and fumble in front of thousands of people is scary, Brandi says. And ultimately pure joy. Amen. EVERY TIME I follow my heart, even when scared, has always led to deep joy. Really take that in.

Brandi and bandmates, the twins, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, have been together this whole time, know each other deeply, and never disappoint. One of the songs requested is called STAY GENTLE.  If you want to hear them, listen here. (They actually start getting it right at 1:40. Perfect imperfection.)

If you just want to read the sentiment, my whole point for this missive to you, here you go:

Stay gentle, keep the eyes of a child

Don't harden your heart or your hands

Know to find joy in the darkness is wise

Although they will think you don't understand

Don't let the world make you callous

Be ready to laugh

No one's forgotten about us

There is light on your path

Stay gentle, keep the eyes of a child

And wear your heart on your sleeve

Know to find joy in the darkness is wise

Although they will think you are naive

Don't let 'em lower your shoulders

Love 'em more while they try

Grow younger while you're growin' older

Be amazed by the sky

Darling, stay wild if you can (if you can)

The girl with the world in her hands (in her hands)T

he kingdom of Heaven belongs to a boy

While his worry belongs to a man

Stay gentle, stay gentle

The most powerful thing you can do

Oh, gentle, unbreakable you

Songwriters: Brandi Carlile / Phil Hanseroth / Tim Hanseroth

Side note: The first time we saw Brandi and band was at Peoria Civic Center in 2019, which holds maybe 2,000 people. At the end, she and the twins took the edge of the stage. Brandi played acoustic guitar and the three sang with NO MICS and let the harmony of their amazing voices fill the venue. If you want to see/hear them unplugged, go here.

This letter has gotten long and was not intended to be fan girly about Brandi. I simply feel inspiration. Pull up some fave musical artist that always touches your heart, makes you feel inspired, who makes you believe deeper in yourself. Listen to them as you dance around and read:

FOLLOW YOUR HEART even when you’re scared.

FOLLOW YOUR JOY – it has a ripple effect and is not frivolous. It is your soul blueprint. Honor that and you are honoring everyone and everything.

STAY GENTLE even if they think you are naïve.

We are not naive. We are indeed strong. Love and gentleness, baby. Love and gentleness is true strength. That is the new world.

With my whole heart, I love you. I am so grateful for this journey. Thank you for being here with me. Carry on, powerful you. Carry on.

In Service to Spirit.

Much love.

xxKelly

PS - I not only wear my heart on my sleeve; I wear it on the back of my neck too.