May I?

by Half Held

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Stephen McClurg
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jmarkcoleman
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    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Pensive, May I? - Instrumental, May I?, Kismet, Dismember my Name, Adaptation, and Forgive my Passion. , and , .

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1.
Understand 03:46
2.
Growth 04:02
3.
Self-Action 04:54
4.
Reflection 03:36
5.
Self-Love 04:20
6.
Relationships 03:37
7.
Yield 03:52
8.
Control 02:26

about

The question of “May I?” is one of permission. So, what happens when the person asking the question is the very same one answering it? It is not about if I am able, but more so: will I allow myself to do so?

‘May I explore habits which serve as self expression?’ is but one question that I originally asked myself in 2017 when I wrote forty-four of these meditations. The Metta Meditation, as I learned when I read ‘No Mud, No Lotus’ by Thich Nhat Hanh, is also one that asks permission. I was humbled to know that my practice was on the same path as others.

When I first wrote these questions, I shared them with my dear friend Kelly, who initially introduced me to what we described as self-work. I owe her a special thanks for her encouragement during that time period and for remaining to be the truest of friends. I also would like to thank Orpheus Deluxe, who kindly read and recorded the meditations, as well as Alaina for the cover art, and Tristan Whitehill for mastering these tracks. Ultimate thanks is to Andrea, for her eternal love and unwavering support.

Although all of them did not make it on this album, below are the original forty-four "May I?" meditations:

May I explore habits which serve as self expression?

May I endure the mundane to achieve a larger goal?

May I yield to lulls and give up industriousness?

May I be grateful for what unfolds without question?

May I focus on my own actions during difficulty?

May I keep myself as a friend to whom I give all?

May I practice rituals of self-care and self-love?

May I cradle my suffering with tenderness and love?

May I allot my time to those most deserving?

May I be honest with both myself and those I love?

May I be conscious of effort and how I invest it?

May I express thanks for the time of others?

May I willingly forgive myself as I do others?

May I retain my morning outlook during the day?

May I appropriately plan for setbacks which arise?

May I remember my intent in beginning projects?

May I find beauty in my actions and thoughts?

May I recognize there are larger forces at work?

May I improve on what is within my own control?

May I seek what is novel as a means of growth?

May I accept my own limits as protection?

May I have insight on revealing my emotions?

May I accept not all feel, speak, or see as I do?

May I recognize when an end has been reached?

May I set time aside for my own recovery?

May I address my obligations promptly?

May I be aware of my thoughtless actions?

May I focus on being prepared up arrival?

May I be logical when undertaking new tasks?

May I focus on steps that I can achieve in each task?

May I not blame others for my expectations of them?

May I make amends with myself first and foremost?

May I understand the larger picture of events?

May I have the courage to speak up when needed?

May I focus on my own self-preservation?

May I make a polite exit if I feel uncomfortable?

May I act in ways which align with my goals?

May I remember what it is I am responsible for?

May I have balance and equality in relationships?

May I maintain faith when it is most needed?

May I practice patience for what is to come?

May I allow others the time that they require?

May I know foundations are built brick by brick?

May I maintain my virtue and not forsake myself?

credits

released October 1, 2021

Readings by Orpheus Deluxe.
Cover art by Alaina Finuff.
Mixing by Anthony Yates.
Mastering by Tristan Whitehill.

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Half Held Montgomery, Alabama

Sounds as self-expression.

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