The Finale: The Healing Energy From Singing Your Heart Out

It’s not the easy stuff that changes us.

It’s when we’re afraid we’ll fail, but we try anyway.

It’s when what we want is just out of reach and we have to leap.

It’s when we fall down—and when we get back up.

It’s that little space between curiosity and courage where we decide it’s time to stop dreaming—and do.

-Kate Bartolotta

breakthrough | Dianna Bonny Photography

I really don’t think I could have dreamed up a scarier experience for myself than singing in front of an audience, because, as I have mentioned in a previous post, until quite recently, I was terrified of speaking in front of people.

As I entered the theater four hours before the performance and scanned the empty seats, I had to laugh at myself and what I was about to embark upon. Oddly, I felt quite Zen about the whole thing.

Our performance was infused with a beautiful energy. There is something truly sacred about seven people revealing themselves in such a vulnerable way as singing. The night opened with a performance by renowned musician Karl Anthony. Anchoring the stage was a talented group of musicians and back-up singers — something one could only dream of singing in the midst of.

During our final rehearsal, our fearless leader Mick said something like this to the group: I want this to be the best experience possible for you, so I am asking you to come up here and be willing to share yourself in the biggest possible way. When you step up on stage, bring everything you have to the moment and leave it all up here.

Have you ever had the experience of  hearing the right thing at the right moment and it just pierces beneath the surface, radically shifting your perspective? That is what happened. I realized I could go up and fight with myself about it, or simply surrender.

When they announced my name, I said to myself, “Let’s do this Dianna” and walked up on stage free of all the mental chatter. It was like stepping into an alternate universe. I sang the song “Love is Alive” an old Gary Wright song, but the version I practiced with was a soulful Joan Osborne rendition. I rewrote a few of the lyrics to better suit me, but it was absolutely the best song ever to sing.

And let me tell you, I belted it out. I have never felt so utterly free and connected to myself as in that moment on stage. Singing was effortless, as though it was flowing through me. The song came from a place deep inside of me that softly beckoned, “Welcome home child.”

Dianna Bonny singing

Afterwards, people came up to me with tears in their eyes and thanked me, which was completely unexpected and endearing, rendering the experience incredibly worthwhile and real.

Mick said just before we went on, “You are giving the audience a gift by sharing your vulnerable self. I invite you to allow that exchange of energy.” I didn’t fully understand what he meant until people approached me.

Authentic self-expression, the kind that happens when we are radiating from our truth, releases a mystical energy. I understand now why I am so touched by certain musicians. I can feel them because they bring every part of themselves to the moment and offer it up to the world like a precious gift. Their vulnerability touches ours — the part of us that longs to be felt.

That night, I was part of that magic, but I hope to stay connected to that energy for the rest of my days.

Perhaps the biggest gift was watching the transformation of the six kindred spirits who dared take the journey with me. It graced me with an understanding that although we are all fighting our own battles, and they appear different, what lies beneath is the desire for connection and acceptance.

singing group | Dianna Bonny Photography

These masks we wear are a cumbersome burden that shield us from perceived pain, but in truth keep us from the very thing we desire. When you watch someone else begin to step out from behind their mask, even if only for a brief moment, one can’t help but see the possibilities for themselves.

Next to childbirth, this was the most amazing experience I’ve had in my life so far. It allowed me to touch the fire of my being and step away from being numb.

If you have the opportunity to partake in a workshop like this I can promise it will change you in ways beyond your imagination.

Wishing you healing and transformation.

-db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.

  9 comments for “The Finale: The Healing Energy From Singing Your Heart Out

  1. July 24, 2013 at 7:07 am

    Loved reading how it went. That’s really inspiring.

  2. July 24, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Well done!!! I’m glad that the experience was good for you. From what I’ve read by and about you, you are deserving of this. God’s Blessings!

    • Dianna Bonny
      July 24, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Thank you Mike! It was a grand experience and I appreciate your thoughts very much.

  3. July 24, 2013 at 11:03 am

    What a wonderful experience to allow yourself to have! I love that you were able to be fully present on stage, open to what the moment had to offer. There’s an old saying, “What doesn’t come from the heart doesn’t touch the heart.” Clearly you were coming from your heart because you touched that place in others.

    • Dianna Bonny
      July 24, 2013 at 1:15 pm

      I like that quote and it is very true. Thank you for being here and sharing. xx

  4. Cheryl
    July 24, 2013 at 11:55 am

    Dianna, Congratulations on a memorable and inspiring achievement in your life. I am certain you shared the depth of your soul to the audience. I am impressed but not surprised because you share your soul every time you write your blog.
    I can not wait to see your next coming out!

    • Dianna Bonny
      July 24, 2013 at 1:14 pm

      Thank you Cheryl. It was certainly a soul altering moment of beauty for me. It is my hope that in sharing my soul I can inspire others to do the same. I am so glad to have your support here. xx

  5. July 26, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Dianna, how incredibly beautiful! What a transformational experience – the pics say it all!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!

    • Dianna Bonny
      July 26, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Thanks for coming along 🙂 Will post the video as soon as I get it.

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