REVIEW OF SUZETTE STANDRING: WRITERS MEDITATION CD
By Helaine Daniels, Ed.D.
Special Lecturer at Providence College
Former Director of International Student Programs and
Director of the Master in Public Policy Program for Harvard University
I aspire to write my story. But how do I do it? How does one find that safe, secure space where one can open up the memories?
I have just spent the past two hours with my earphones in my ears, my computer on my lap, my feet and legs elevated on a cushioned stool, enveloped in my trusty Snuggie blanket, soaking in Suzette Standring: A Writer’s Meditation CD. And, I now feel good…and even more than good, I feel capable.
I have had so many exquisite experiences in my life, literally around this whole world. I really wish to share these stunning events.
I made a promise so long ago, as the exquisite activities started to unfold in my life, that I would record, document, and share them. My first motivation was a selfish one. I made a promise to myself to write about what was happening to me and around me (in my travels in 58 countries) in order to extend the sensations -- of newness, difference, eeriness, passion, fellowship, good feelings -- for much longer, to make them last.
The second motivation was/is to show my appreciation for the magnificence of other lives and cultures that have embraced me and impacted me so deeply. I truly feel an obligation to record and share. How else can I demonstrate my gratefulness?
And while, as a child growing up playing among the corn stalks, tomato vines, okra, string beans, collard greens, chickens, pigs, and a cow in my grandparents’ backyard in Union, South Carolina, I had many dreams because I am, by nature, a dreamer, I have had great difficulty over the past THREE LONG YEARS trying to translate/transfer my memories to the written word.
I can write stuff for others. On my various jobs over the years, I have written more than fifty successfully funded proposals. I’ve written manuals, instructions, guidelines, loads of news articles, and newsletters. Yet what about my promise to capture the essence of new cultures, mores, and ways of life (and their impact on me) that had opened themselves to me and nurtured me?
Then, last year I met Suzette Martinez Standring at the baby shower of a mutual friend. Suzette told me that I could do it. But, more than that Suzette offered to help me (show me how).
Last week, Suzette gave me her new CD, A Writer’s Meditation. I listened to it immediately and really liked it. However, it took me another whole week to slow myself down enough to allow the exercises on the CD to have their intended effect.
Today, I gave myself the luxury of selfness, of indulging in my thoughts only, alone. My vehicle was Suzette’s voice and the music and rhythms that accompany her instructions on the CD. And it (they) worked.
On the CD, Suzette’s voice reaches out and envelops the listener. She teaches us how to be completely present in the moment. She takes us step by step through the stages and feelings of relaxation. She facilitates our finding that ‘safe space’ where our deeply embedded memories and emotions feel comfortable coming to the surface.
The music and background sounds (birds chirping, oceans splashing) on the CD are perfect for inner reflection enabling one to descend into a “safe writing space” centered, secure, and capable.
Suzette’s voice engenders a feeling of comfort and safety. She is believable. As I breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly, a good feeling enveloped me and I imagined that my relaxed corpus was a bronze, glowing academy award, all mine and ready to do my bidding. And, I started to write.
Thank you, Suzette Martinez Standring!
