Song is a vital social technology for belonging and connection. As part of my eco-chaplaincy program with Upaya Zen Center, I studied the impact of song as a practice that supports individual spiritual practice as well as community well-being, resilience, and connection.

I created a mini-album of four songs to be shared freely as part of Earth-honoring community gatherings, and a booklet for community leaders who want to begin to integrate song into their work, yet may not be sure how to begin.

Thanks for sharing attribution to Linds West Roberts when sharing these songs. And if you are able, financial donations are appreciated to support the creation of more music via Venmo.

These songs are inspired by the beauty of our incredible planet, and climate grief for humanity’s devastating impacts. These are embodied prayers offered to accompany us as individuals and communities capable of transformational change.

Lay Me Down – 

This singing prayer arrived during a four day fast in the desert of Payahuunadu outside of Big Pine, California. The natural world reminds us to rest, to go to the rivers and forests to renew ourselves.

Planting Seeds – 

This song reminds us that with every action, word, and breath we are planting and tending the metaphorical “seeds” inside us — seeds for peace, hope, love, and social change. Originally the song used the language of “tilling” the Earth but we have since adapted it to “tending” the Earth to honor the ways humans have worked harmoniously with lands for generations rather than the modern-day agricultural practices that often engage with land in destructive or exploitative ways.

This Whole World – 

This song arrived on the eve of the 2024 US Presidential Election, as a recognition and longing for love for all of our bodies and places. As a “zipper” song, you can trade out words to suit the context, places, and people where you are singing.

I Love the Sound of the Rain – 

This song offers a joyful, grateful overflow for the wonders of the natural world. With a group, one or more leaders can sing the verses, or the whole group could repeat the chorus without the verses.

Gratitude

So many conversations and songs were woven into this project. With thanks to to Roshi Joan Halifax and our Upaya Zen Center faculty, staff, residents, and chaplaincy students.

With gratitude to Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village meditation community who bring these teachings with such tender fierceness into the West.

WIth love to my mom and sister for always being willing to make up a song together. To our blood ancestors who carried songs and stories across the sea–may you find rest and reparation in the songs we sing.

To my wonderful friends on this wild path. A dance of heartfelt thanks on behalf of my InterPlay mentors and playmates.

A wild howl to my wilderness guide teachers and companions at the School of Lost Borders and Wild Mountain.

A wordless hum of thanks to this beautiful, wild, and ever-changing planet who holds me so well in all my shapes. And to our Indigenous kin and teachers who continue to use their voices to advocate on behalf of life.