Be Still and Breathe

“Be Still and Breathe” is a meditative gathering song intended to help congregants listen to and honor their own feelings, whether they’re difficult or joyous. With its lyrics “Be still and breathe” and “Be still and be,” it encourages being peaceful and present with one’s current experience, without resistance or judgment. It is a centering song.

Loretta K. Notareschi (she/her) is a composer, professor of music at Regis University, and faculty member of The Walden School Creative Musicians Retreat. With her music, she seeks to foster compassion, connection, and meaning. She is a member of First Universalist Church of Denver, where she sings in the choir. Her work spans diverse ensembles and has been performed internationally, from small churches to Carnegie Hall. For more information on her compositions, visit www.lorettanotareschi.com.

Gabe Perbieri (he/him) is a vocalist, pianist, conductor, and UU Music Director. He is an avid songleader, featured in congregations and in conferences of the larger denomination, such as General Assembly, DRUUMM Village, and Finding Our Way Home. Another of his contributions to the denomination is the co-creation and facilitation of the course “Music and Culture” by the UUA. Gabe was also a member of the original Song Selection Team for Sing Out Love. 

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