Affirmation Power

People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering. — St. Augustine

The ancient Greek aphorism “Know Thyself” was inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Uncovering who I really am has become the surprise of my life. After years of introspection, observation and self inquiry, I believe I’m beginning to realize who I really am. This is new to me, and it’s exciting!

A New Definition of Self Awareness

I’ve found that by the process of removing non-essentials from my awareness, deep forgiveness of myself and others, and long periods of silent meditation, I’ve learned that there is nothing but awareness, aware of itself. I know this sounds abstract, but we are spiritual in nature, and when we seek to know real truth about ourselves, words cannot easily convey meaning. After all, all life is subjective.

The Satisfaction of Cosmic Healing…What a Relief!

So what do I do with this newfound self awareness — that I am? First, this knowledge brings great relief. Maybe it’s just the beginning, but I feel like I have come to the end of my search. I no longer feel the need to read about spirituality, investigate, wonder, or ask myself why I am here. The universe has conspired to bring me to this simple point of existence and cosmic healing, and I’m now more surrendered to the process and loving it!

I have become aware of a sort of unity consciousness in wholeness. My identification with ego has loosened to such an extent that I no longer have a sense of my old identity. I am free to exist more fully inside my quiet mind, feeling joy, peace and surrendered to all that is in front of me, where the observer becomes the observed, free of expectation, judgment and attachment. Old concepts of worry, fear, and suffering all seem irrelevant in the face of my new eternal view. Even the idea of death seems like simply walking from one room to the next. Don’t get me wrong, even from this lofty perspective, where suffering seems to be non-existent, I am still able to view and be subjected to the cause and effects of life, and still capable of feeling pain and sorrow.

The Power of the Mind: More Consciousness = More Responsibility

With clarity comes greater responsibility. I notice my thoughts and desires become more instantly manifested. I have become a co-creator. As a result, I must be more attentive to my thoughts, desires and motivations. I must be ever vigilant to ensure that these thoughts and desires come from a God-centered motivation, rather than an ego-centered motivation. Awareness begets more awareness it seems.

Surely this transformational journey from an ego-centered awareness to a God-centered awareness must be why we’re all here. We are all bound for this glory, and I think more of us are stepping up to this realization with the help of authors like Eckhart Tolle and others. I believe that this knowledge will begin to exponentially gather critical mass, and result in a collective cleaning and refinement unparalleled in the history of the planet.

Ultimate Healing Through Highest Service

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.
– Carl Jung

By simply looking within, I believe that spiritual seekers do more for humanity than anyone in the world. When I look within, and honestly look at myself, I also learn about others. I realize that I share common struggles, likes, dislikes, wants, needs and desires. A great compassion comes over me. I can no longer find it reasonable to criticize, judge or form opinions about my friends, family and the world. This brings me yet to a quiet space within.

Think Outside the Box and Learn How to Build Your Self Esteem and Confidence

Perhaps a new definition for self esteem is an acknowledgement and understanding that we are Gods in a sea of Godness. We are the center of the universe. As Swami Rama Tirta states: “There is but one reality, and that reality is Myself”. To love ourselves first is how we learn to love. And forgiving ourselves is the highest priority, because love is at the heart of creation.

Being selfish is just the first step toward joy. We all seek to protect our joy, because we’re afraid to lose it. When we look closer, our true nature is nothing but joy. How can we lose something that is inherently ours?

What is Empowerment?

Empowerment is accepting that we are in our right place now. Growing at our own pace, flowing with the current, rather than swimming upstream, applying our God-given talents, awakening to our natural creative, and intuitive selves, can be a new beginning toward uncovering a brand new you. We are essentially individualized units of pure consciousness representing the Godness of our being. I hope we have the courage to grasp and acknowledge this fact. When we do, we can begin to take responsibility for it, and help humanity speed toward the greater understanding that we’re all in this together.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2008

Asheville based musicians Ken and Amy LaDeroute, of the band LaDeroute, are proud to announce the release of their latest album titled Soul Affirmation—Music For Better Outcomes. In 1980 the couple first met when Ken LaDeroute’s band was in search of the perfect singer. Amy LaDeroute’s powerful, soulful voice was an instant hit during her audition and this began a personal and musical relationship that toured the United States and Canada for fourteen years.

This musical duo has performed together in several different bands, with many renowned musicians and in a variety of musical genres over the last 28 years. With musical backgrounds in jazz, funk and rock, Soul Affirmation is the first album they have released as new age music artists under the band name LaDeroute. Inspired by years of meditation and study, LaDeroute’s goal is to pioneer a new genre of meditation music called Affirmation Music.

On Soul Affirmation listeners will hear beautifully written, positive daily affirmations sung by Amy LaDeroute’s unforgettable voice and complimented by Ken LaDeroute’s richly textured, musical compositions. The album features percussionist Carlos Fernandez , Asheville-based violinist Duncan Wickel, horn player Tom Shirah, cellist Elsbeth Van Tongeren and keyboardist Richard Shulman. Shulman has recorded 22 albums and currently composes healing and meditation music.

The album is produced by Ken LaDeroute and Grammy-nominated artist Kit Walker . Walker has performed as the the keyboardist for world music artist Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra. He appears on the Grammy-nominated album Mondo Rama. Walker also produced singer Deva Premal’s best-selling albums Love Is Space and Embrace.

Soul Affirmation is mixed by drummer and world music producer Ben Leinbach. Leinbach has recorded with Jai Uttal since 1993 and helped produce the Grammy-nominated Mondo Rama. Leinbach also recently finished mixing Deva Premal’s newest album The Moola Mantra. Rosser plays the Indian dotar on the album.

Soul Affirmation was a 4-year endeavor of LaDeroute and its release is the culmination of their heartfelt commitment, passion and vision. “Our intention is to share how inner reflection through a practice of meditation and affirmation music can help humans attain their highest potential and achieve Self realization,” states LaDeroute. For more information or to listen affirmation music online visit http://www.affirmationpower.com.

The soul is a mysterious, slippery concept. Many people talk about it, but few can precisely define it. I think of the soul as our bridge to the divine. Let me explain what I mean with a story.

I majored in religion in college, and I believed that I had come home. My course of study was both fascinating and inspirational. I made plans to pursue a Ph.D. in New Testament studies upon graduation.

During that first summer following my graduation from college, I read several books in preparation for my future studies. At one point, I read a commentary on the resurrection which casually pointed out that the gospels disagreed as to where the resurrection took place. After reading chapter 28 in Matthew and chapter 24 in Luke, I spent a sleepless night and withdrew from the graduate program the next morning. My beliefs were shaken, my dreams shattered. Two years later I enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Latin American studies.

The events surrounding my first academic job were exciting. For one thing, we purchased a new house. While unpacking and putting the house in order, Lyn asked me to either throw out my religion books or to take them to my office at school. The books had been packed in boxes following my graduation from college, and had not been touched since.

It was a close call, but I decided to take them to my office. A week prior to the beginning of my first semester as a college professor, I loaded the books into the car and unloaded them at the other end. My plan was to throw them on the shelves and get on with my day. There was so much to do to get ready for my first day of classes.

But that is not what happened. I began unopening the books at 9 a.m. in the morning. I dusted each book with care, devotion really, I reread pages with reverence and wonder, fussed over the arrangement of each book on the shelf, and had trouble parting with some of my favorite authors. My demeanor was filled with wonder, beauty, the goodness of life, even love.

The rapt attention and focus that occupied me as I undertook this task was interrupted at 3:30 p.m. when the telephone rang. I had promised a colleague a ride home, and he was calling about time. I asked for half an hour, and hung up the phone stunned. I had not left the office in six and a half hours.

The human brain constructs models of reality that define perception, which allows an individual to function in the world. These models organize and filter the reality we experience from among the infinite range of possible perceptions “out there.” As biological creatures with a will to survive, the brain constructs a model which reflects off of the body. This egocentric model defines the world not as things are, but as we are. It’s a guiding voice that pushes us to act and to see the world in terms of our own needs and desires.

The soul is a model of reality that reflects off of the divine, our bridge to God. As I unopened those boxes of books, my world was defined by reverence, beauty, goodness, and wonder. I recognized my soul because that is not how I usually see the world. Time stood still, an ordinary event was infused with meaning and mystery. As I reflect back on that experience, I recall other surprising experiences with the same message. There is another voice inside me that seeks to organize and guide my world in terms of authentic existence with a focus defined by love, beauty, goodness, and wonder.

The models of reality that direct our perception and guide our lives are complex and multifaceted. The ego pushes us to great achievement, and toward anger, resentment, envy, and distrust. The voice of soul is quieter, mysterious, surprising, and less insistence. God seems to want to protect our freedom as individuals. It’s a voice that pushes us toward uniqueness, intimacy with others, depth of experience, and purpose in life.

It is important to meet your soul. If you listen to it, a task that is not always easy to do, and organize your perception around it, your life will be filed with purpose and meaning. Your soul also puts you in touch with God, that gentle voice that wants you to fulfill your dreams, to live your life with purpose and meaning from a perspective that is loving, at peace with self and the world, compassionate, and with a reverence for all of life.

Rick Herrick, a retired university professor, is the author of The Case Against Evangelical Christianity.

Songwriters are special people. They boil down complex ideas, feelings, and lyric into short, powerful, audio-energy packets of wisdom. Songwriters deal with abstract sound energy, melody, and language. They are at the doorway of refinement and enlightenment. That’s why so many musicians begin to seek out spirituality, meditation and truth. Therefore, songwriters have a great responsibility toward humanity.

Look Within

First, it is our mandate to understand who we really are. Look within. At our innermost center of our Being, we are an individualized unit of pure consciousness, and joy is our predominant characteristic.

Lead with Heart

To make our world better, we have to start with our hearts. For too long, our minds have dominated our existence. Cunning, strategy, and “what’s in it for me” mindsets are destroying our world. We’re all in this together, so we must find a way to share our abundance. We can never go wrong if we let our hearts led the way. When you are writing a new song, be aware of your body. How does your creation make you feel? Is it inspiring? Does the song vibrate at a high frequency or resonance?

Songwriters have always expressed their hearts so eloquently. They are uniquely in touch with inspiration, creativity, imagination and intuition. Songwriters are the vehicles to bring awareness of the heart to all.

Soul Food

Look at music as food or nutrition. What kind of food do you want to serve? If we create lifeless, negative, low-vibration, hopeless and desperate sound energy, this will only serve to create more of the same. Use your personal power to redefine music, and use the incredible power of music for your highest good and the good of All That Is. Our world needs understanding, and healing, and words and music are the perfect tools to create better outcomes, inspire, and enlighten.

Ken and Amy LaDéroute are world/conscious musicians. They have toured extensively throughout Canada and the US bringing greater awareness and understanding of our Higher Selves through the use of meditation, music, writing, and community.

They have just completed their long-awaited new release called “Soul Affirmation” - Music for Better Outcomes. LaDéroute uses music and affirmations to create a new genre of music called affirmation music. “Soul Affirmation” is a groundbreaking record designed to create better outcomes for a new conscious society.

Pure knowingness exists for all to realize. Knowing is the light of Self reflected onto the mind. Seeing beyond the mind means getting in touch with Self. All is possible when Self becomes predominant. Awareness of Being reflects in all action, thought process and feeling. We truly know, “I am That”.

When life is a reflection of Pure Knowingness, all that emanates from this awareness is joy. Mind and ego are not irrelevant, but less dominant. Desire to become no longer exists, and this understanding reveals that you are already That, whole and complete. Identity falls away.

Introducing intention upon the mind brings forth manifestation, and this gift is available to all. Removal of mental modification and confusion bring wisdom. Desire for achieving balance becomes unnecessary. Feeling becomes the fire that ignites action.

Lightness of Being

Lightness of being is the dominant quality. Lightness and joy become your daily awareness. All that remains is order, acceptance and simplicity.

Enlightenment begins right where you are right now. The body knows. When all is perceived through and by the Self, nothing is unknowable. Being is why we are here. To be here means to be fully in the body. Why not be here more fully?
Mind Matters

The mind is forever modifying and fragmenting perception. It splits and modifies, and creates confusion. When the non-linear conditioned mind becomes confused by emotion, it becomes irrational. Sense becomes its guide. Desire is the fuel that ignites the mind’s redemption. Meditation is the antidote.

When the mind adopts a linear compulsion, it values order, method and structure. This vanity hardens into dogma and into an endless variety of strategies, schemes and ideologies, that threaten to overtake our hearts and souls. It turns in on itself, and we begin to falsely believe that we are the mind. It judges, and comes from lack. This arrogance, leads only to more circular thinking, and we base our valuable life intentions on false ego-driven desire. Suffering ensues.

Letting Go

Allowing and trusting, releases the mind of its need to control and protect. Paying attention and being the silent witness, awakens us to who we truly are. Being honest with ourselves, and looking deep within, purifies our perception. Silence washes and soothes our emotions, clears awareness and brings harmony to the body.

Know Thyself

The greatest evolution is to begin to see that we are already whole and complete. We are already enlightened. We are not the mind, nor are we the body. When we come to this understanding, and know our True Self, joy is all that remains.

I write affirmation music. What we think affects our reality. Meditate more. Be here more fully. And change our world, one unit of consciousness at a time.

All Blessings

There is nothing more constant than change. If we simply paid attention to all the subtle nuances and changes going on inside and around us, how could we ever become bored or restless?

If we clear away unnecessary thoughts, desires and belief systems, a new reality appears. When we release and surrender our treasured opinions, perceptions and compulsive thinking, we begin to feel our body, taste our food, and see the beauty of the world with new perspective.

If we could just be, without so much mind content, we would begin to trust and surrender. Our karma and destiny would be more willing to flow through us without the complexities of mind, desire and ego, confusing our existence.

It takes a lot of energy to think. It serves us well for our survival, but it is a hindrance toward understanding our true spiritual nature.

Be the silent witness. Walk with intention. Feel the right and then the left foot more consciously. Watch how you eat. Listen to music more intently. Be aware of your body and how it relates to others. Be present. After all, this is where enlightenment begins.

This is a step toward understanding the underlying Divine Presence that is Existence itself. Your identity no longer matters, and you realize that you are a part of All That Is. Life begins to live you, rather than you living life.

I have a song on our new CD “Soul Affirmation” — Music for Better Outcomes, called “Simply Be.” The first lines are: “ I’m in this moment now, and this is all I have, I choose to be here now, aware of who I am.” Perhaps true service to humanity is the cumulative effect that one simple life can have on the whole. I pray more people begin to understand who they really are, what it means to be alive, and to “Simply Be.”

Going deeply into Myself has been the greatest blessing in my life. Meditation clears away deep conditioned beliefs and memories.

Lately, I am losing my identity. And that’s a good thing. I catch myself looking at my body from a distance. It’s as though I am invisible. I have found that simply being is so joyful. The ego is finally diminishing and I’m beginning to see more clearly.

Meditation, or no mind content, brings an understanding of the Ground of Being. You realize your oneness with All That Is. You can have anything, and know anything. All is given to you, and you experience joy, all the time. Life begins to live you, rather than you living life.

This new knowi ngness or understanding requires nothing and non-doing. You simply introduce a desire, and it begins to come toward you. Surrender is the operating word. Sitting in silence is the cleaner of emotion, thought and desire. This blessing is there for everyone. Go to it often and realize your True Self.

I have a song on our new CD called “Soul Affirmation” — Music for Better Outcomes, called “My True Self.” It speaks about the many qualities of consciousness. The main one, which is our birthright, is Joy.

I have been a spiritual seeker all of my life. I took up meditation 25 years ago because I wanted to become enlightened. I wanted to know the mysteries of life. After reading countless books about enlightenment, I became a vegetarian and tried to control all aspects of my life with a desire to become the best I could be. I would spend long hours in meditation and self-inquiry. Throughout this process, I’ve discovered that enlightenment is about subtraction. Removing impressions, ego, desires, negative thinking, judgements, etc.. in order to allow the True Self to shine through.

Meditation and affirmations has helped me heal and forgive myself. This process has changed my life so completely, I wanted to share this understanding with others. By marrying my musical abilities along with the great power of affirmative statements, I decided that I would create a new genre of music called affirmation music. I thought that if I could create singing affirmations, mantras with repetitive verses sung over world rhythms and improvisational passages, they would affect the mind subliminally, and help re-write deep unconscious negative patterns, thereby freeing the mind and allowing communion with one’s Higher Self.

My Affirmations for the Soul Affirmation Music Project

• I choose to help people see themselves for whom they truly are.
• I seek to help people tap into their eternal nature and become anchored and secure within their Divine Natures.
• I will help people remove negative mental memories and conditioning, so they may adopt a life of pure intention.
• I seek to help people lighten their load, simplify their lives, and find true meaning by tapping into their inherent potentiality
• I teach others to meditate

Vision

The power of thought processes, the act of thinking, and the effects upon the human organism in connection with health and illness is well-documented. The belief is part of our folklore: clichés such as “healthy body, healthy mind” and “dying of a broken heart” express the mind-body connection.

I envision that the Soul Affirmation music CD will serve mental health, pastoral counseling, alternative healing arts communities, corporations, and the public at large, seeking to improve spiritual growth, morale, performance and productivity.

Journey

This album was a struggle. Three years, a lot of money and hard work went into creating these 10 simple songs. I spent countless hours recording, editing, writing, mixing and arranging. When money got tight, I could think of a million reasons why I shouldn’t continue on with the project. There were many moments when I wanted to throw in the towel.

On the other hand, I love all aspects of writing and creating music. With these affirmation lyrics, I went to great lengths to ensure that each word was exactly what I intended.

I hope you enjoy the music, the musicians, the production and more importantly, the message and intent behind the music.

My wife wouldn’t let me have a microwave oven. We have been vegetarians for 25 years, and she detests the idea of re-ordering the molecules in our food.

Being the quintessential man, rather than make a stovetop lunch and deal with the prospect of dirty dishes and pans, I usually defer to a simple bowl of cereal. So, I recently longed for the quick hot pocket, or a piping hot veggie dog, lovingly nuked in a microwave oven. I could be back to work in a flash.

We jokingly talked about my desire for a microwave. She said I could have one, but I would have to keep it in the basement. I mused that my bed might end up there as well.

Yesterday, while enjoying a walk, I said to my wife, let’s take a shortcut through the parking lot. I noticed a large green dumpster, and for some reason, I peered through the dumpster door. There, in its original box, was a shiny black microwave! I reached in and lifted the microwave box up through the portal.

I brought home my prize, sat it up on my tool bench, took it apart, fixed the broken door and plugged it in. The microwave lit up, whirred, and heated up without a hitch. I cleaned it, polished it, sat it up on our counter, and heated my first veggie dog. I burned the inside of my mouth, but the pain was worth it. Nuked food here we come!

I teach meditation. Lately, I notice that I’m losing my identity. I have entered into a realm where I no longer think too much, I just am. I live in almost complete surrender. That’s not to say that I don’t have ambitions or goals, I just live more in the moment without thoughts or judgments. I can introduce a thought, let it go, and watch as life takes care of the details.

My many years of meditation have washed clean my emotional, mental, sub and super-conscious awareness. In this ego and desire less state, all that remains, is my True Self. In this blessed state, I co-create. I am one with All That Is.

I see Truth in beauty, and I see myself for who I am, an Individualize Unit of Pure Consciousness, localized, alert, aware of this moment completely, aware of my body, and the beautiful life inside it. I am vital, clear and conscious. I manifest easily, and effortlessly. Life lives me, rather than me living life.

I have just finished writing, and producing a new CD called “Soul Affirmation.” I have created a new genre of music for what I what I call a “New Conscious Society” called Affirmation Music—Music for Better Outcomes. I have a song on the disk called “It Constantly Comes to Me.” I am thankful for this moment and All that Constantly Comes To Me, especially microwave ovens.