Episode #36: If You Want to Know My Issues, Listen to My Songs with Singer & Songwriter Karen Drucker

TITLE

If You Want to Know My Issues, Listen to My Songs with Singer & Songwriter Karen Drucker

GUEST

Karen Drucker

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Karen is a singer/songwriter with over 15 CDs, and she is also an author. She writes songs that heal and bless the soul! Karen talks about being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and how she is able to perform at huge concerts, travel to perform, and still honors her HSP needs. We talk about the creative process, and what inspires her lyrics. Karen jokes that if you want to know her issues, listen to her songs. Karen talks about her inner critic, named Zelda, and how Karen works with Zelda when Zelda shows up trying to protect her. Karen also sings a bit acapella, which made my eyes water.

HIGHLIGHTS

Before I knew about being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), I just always felt weird
When people would hear me say I was an HSP, they would just raise their eyebrow
As a Highly Sensitive Person, I am aware; I’m empathetic and I can meet people at a deeper level
Knowing the traits of being an HSP helped me to adapt
I always joke—if you want to know my issues, listen to my songs
My songs are writing to myself; it’s my therapy
If I’m not feeling worthy, or I’m stressed about time, I write a song and turn it into an affirmation
I think about what words would bring comfort and I write about it
I’m doing more work with people with health issues, cancer, people in recovery or dealing with their inner critic—let’s focus and sing about it
Music bypasses the bring and goes into the heart—literally. Oxytocin in released and it’s like having a musical meditation
The song Be Gentle was written when Karen was having a hard time and was beating up on herself. These are the lyrics–

I will be gentle with myself
I will be gentle with myself
And I will hold myself like a newborn baby child
I will be tender with my heart
I will be tender with my heart
And I will hold my heart like a newborn baby child
And I will only go as fast
As the slowest part of me feels safe to go
I will be easy on myself
I will be easy on myself
And I love myself like a new born baby child
And I will only go as fast
As the slowest part of me feels safe to go
I am gentle with myself
I am gentle with myself
And I hold myself like a new born baby child
And I rock myself like a newborn baby child
And I hold myself like a newborn baby child
And I love myself like a newborn baby child

Karen tends to write songs from all perspectives—when she is struggling; when she is grateful, etc.
Creativity is allowing yourself to be open. Karen said she is attuned towhat she hears in the world
Karen never anticipated writing a book, but she felt a calling to do it
We talk about how The Universe can conspire on your behalf, and what serendipity can look like
Karen talks about her inner critic, whose name is Zelda, who is there to attempt to protect Karen.
Whenever Karen is growing or stretching, Zelda gets stronger
Karen uses mindfulness, curiosity, acceptance and she embraces Zelda
Karen will tell Zelda, “I know you are there; I hear what you’re saying. This is MY truth today…”
Karen suggests recording on your phone all the wonderful things you want to say to yourself, and listen to it several times/day
We talk about why this can be difficult for people to do
We talk about the struggle when people expect you to show up a certain way, but you are feeling more tired or quiet. How do you navigate this authentically (or not)
Karen shares her birthday ritual and how she connects to herself on this special day

GUEST BIO

Very few people can say that they have been a singing mermaid, a singing casket, and was literally “elevator music” when she was hired to sing and play piano in a moving elevator. Meet Karen Drucker. Karen has recorded 15 CDs of her original inspirational music, and is the author of an inspirational book, “Let Go of the Shore: Stories and Songs That Set the Spirit Free.” Among her many accomplishments, she has been a professional comedienne, led her own band for corporate events, and has been the music director of New Thought Churches, as well as music director and “ music weaver” for many spiritual conferences and retreats. Karen has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Music for her work within the Religious Science Community, and a “Grace Note” award for her work within the Unity Movement. In following her passion, Karen sings, speaks and leads workshops at women’s retreats, mind-body & health conferences, and various churches around the country, as well as working with authors like Joan Borysenko, Alan Cohen, and many others. Karen Drucker has been called “a master of communicating presence and spirituality through music.” She loves making music, making a difference, and touching hearts.

PODCAST HOST

Patricia Young works with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) helping them in understanding their HSP traits, and turning their perceived shortcomings into superpowers. Patricia is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate the amazing gifts they have to offer. Patricia works globally online with HSPs providing coaching. Patricia also facilitates online courses for HSPs that focus on building community and developing skills (identifying your superpowers, boundaries, perfectionism, dealing with conflict, mindfulness, embracing emotions, creating a lifestyle that supports the HSP, communication and more).