When a woman in a certain African tribe knows she’s pregnant, she goes out into the wilderness with a few friends. Together they pray and meditate until they hear the baby’s unique song. As they attune to it, the women sing it aloud. Then they return to the tribe and teach it to everyone else.

When the child is born, the community gathers and sings the child’s song to them. When the child enters school, the villagers gather and sing the song. When the child passes through the initiation to adulthood, the people again come together and sing. At the altar of marriage, the person hears their song. Finally, when it’s time for the soul to pass from this world, the family and friends gather at the person’s bed, just as they did at their birth, and they sing the person to the next life.

There is one other occasion upon which the villagers sing to the child. If, at any time during the person’s life, they commit a crime or socially aberrant act, they’re called to the center of the village. There, the people in the community form a circle around the person and sing their song to them because… A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you’ve forgotten it yourself.

Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.

Your soul has its own song. Your unique energy and purpose are expressed through your talents, passions, and visions. When you’re in touch with your joy and act upon it, your heart feels full and your life is rewarding. When you’re disconnected from your passion, you feel empty, your life is frustrating, and you wonder what you’re doing here.

Yet even when you’re distracted by the fears and troubles of the world, your song still lives inside you. Its tune is etched upon your soul more deeply than any experience could be. As you move through difficulties, detours, or setbacks, your spirit guides you from within, urging you to carry on and emerge shining. In the face of a great challenge, your inner knowing comes forth in unprecedented power. All of your life lessons help you get back in touch with the music of your soul.

Others may try to influence you to sing their song rather than yours. If you do, you’ll become resentful and lose your voice. To regain it, get back in touch with your truth and act on it. Never deny your expression for another’s. You can harmonize with and support someone else, but don’t do it at the expense of your own happiness.

You best serve others by reminding them of their song. Judgment, punishment, and power plays don’t correct; they only drive human beings further from their joy and aggravate pain and self-defeating behavior. When someone is in distress or conflict, help them remember who they really are, and they’ll have no need to hurt others.

Authentic self-expression brings healing, release, and relief. Remember your song, and you’ll become magnetic and compelling… you’ll also find peace within yourself.

—Alan Cohen

Alan Cohen is the author of so many inspiring books and all of them can be found on Amazon.com. Just type his name into the Amazon search bar and pick one… they are all wonderful!