Gratitude Made Way for Joy

Gratitude made way for joy
When I let go of my story
Then you found me singing in the dark
Transforming suffering into art

Freedom, freedom, freedom
Arises from expression

Loneliness made way for love
When I realized that I am enough
And we sat beneath the towering trees
Remembering how it feels to breathe

Freedom, freedom, freedom
Arises from compassion

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha*
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

Freedom, freedom, freedom
Arises from connection

Gratitude made way for joy

Gratitude made way for joy

Gratitude made way for joy

And I'm singing here because of you

*Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha is one of the many mantas of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is the master of wisdom and knowledge. He is the remover of obstacles, and guardian of beauty, prosperity, grace and compassion.


About the Song:

What does it mean to feel pure joy? How does it feel? What makes it authentic?

About a month ago I gave myself permission to welcome authentic joy into all aspects of my life. It's been a journey of peeling back layers of fear, anger, and sadness to get to this place, but things are moving in beautiful ways. I've been going back and working to heal my inner child, so that her joy can meet me now and be shared with others. Gratitude has been the doorway. I can't begin to express the immense gratitude I feel for the people who have and are showing up to hold me through the creative process of sharing my voice. Together we are transforming the human condition of suffering into all encompassing gratitude, compassion, and joy. This song is for you.

Note: This recording was made on my cell phone and is quite vulnerable and raw. A studio-version of the song will be coming soon. 

Shadow Light

I’ve been searching for light in the shadows

I’ve been traveling the world just to feel it spin

I’ve witnessed pure joy

And I’ve witnessed deep suffering

I’ve felt so numb I just want to stand still

But I practice my will

Let it move

Just let it move on through

In the power of expression

We find the connection

To live our truth

I’ve been trying to learn how to face this sadness

I’ve been trying to learn how to feel this grief

From moments of love

To moments of loneliness

I surrender in gratitude for being

In the process of healing

Let it move

Just let it move on through

In the power of expression

We find the connection

To live our truth

Anger will turn to advocacy

Sorrow will turn to bliss

There’s no reason to fear my love

All arises from the darkness

When everything’s spinning around round round

Everything’s spinning around

As everything’s spinning around round round

Our light is found 

When everything’s spinning around round round

Everything’s spinning around

As everything’s spinning around round round

Our light is found 

Let it move

Just let it move on through

In the power of expression

We find the connection

To live our truth

If I can love your shadow

I can love all of you

I am here to witness

What you’re living through

Cuz I’ve been searching for light

I’ve been searching for light 

I've been searching for light 

In the shadows

About the song: 
This song was written by Emily Hall in August 2019. It was inspired by the practice of healing dance (5 Rhythms) and the power of letting emotions move. After the dance, a friend shared that "the opposite of depression is expression." This song was written to honor the process of moving through all emotions in order to express one's truth. 

Official studio recording coming soon!