"When I Die" - Sweet Honey in the Rock 1992 album "in this land" available on Itunes

As a WTC survivor, this is the song i sang as i later made my way home, biking over the bridge (on the bike that saved my life), through the smoke, long after the bridge was officially shut down, it is the song i sang and continue to sing either outloud or in my head as i commute thru WTC and whenever i need my spirit lifted, to appreciate this divine life and to send prayers to those who lost their lives that day. "when i die, set my spirit free, let it fly, say when i die" While it is a mournful song, to me, it is also celebratory and singing it, loudly, strongly, simply feels good. 9/11 woke me up to the fact that life is unpredictable, and it may be short, so is the time to sing.

My second song, if i may, is "om namah shivayah" any version is good. donna delory has a beautiful one on the album "the lover and beloved" and is the version that i also sang as I made my home and to ground me in the surreal months post 9/11. There are many western interpretations of this chant, some others I like are by dave stringer, krishna das (from pilgrim heart album), jai uttal, or right now I am diggin benjy werthheimer versions. There is also a beautiful ravi shankar instrumental on "visions of peace" album, track "east greets east: namah shivayah."

There are many translations of this phrase, for me it is moving past illusion and ego, allowing truth and light and love to shine in and forth. put more simply 'letting my light shine,' living life well and purposefully, again 9/11 was a reminder of how important it is to do so today, not wait until retirement or 'until there is time,' to be happy and share happiness right here, right now for the benefit of self and for others.

Thank you for asking and thank you for the opportunity to share.

Chelsea