by Karin Becker, Teacher, Mullumbimby
Recently I went to an end of year celebration held by Universal Medicine. Throughout the year they provide talks on Esoteric Medicine and offer a number of excellent healing courses presented by Serge Benhayon.
This afternoon turned out to be very different. Universal Medicine students had put together a show consisting of a very unique mix of musicians, singers, dancers and comedians. As it seems, only a few artists ever had any formal training, but that did not stop anybody from being very creative and expressing from their totality.
It was very impressive to watch artists on a stage having such a clear level of inner stillness – who were not performing because they needed the audience approval for their own gratification and egotistic elevation. Instead they were choosing to express directly from their hearts while sharing from a sense of fullness within themselves, their experiences of life, love and the universe. The applause they received was more needed for the observers to show their appreciation than it was asked for by the artists.
So we were graced by awesome people with great music, wonderful voices, meaningful lyrics, very enjoyable playfulness and sharp and witty comedy.
The highlight for me was a chorus of men who had been practising with and were guided by Chris James, a local musician/singer who is well known internationally. Even though they only started singing together a short while ago, there was a feeling of strong gentleness and heartfelt connection within this group… something I have never experienced before observing a group of men doing any activity together.
It was not just a fleeting moment: they were able to stay in that with each other and kept expressing from this inner space of deep male warmth.
Being a woman, I have had many experiences of men being in a certain dominance one way or another. None of this energy was even remotely present in the group.
To be able to feel these men move together in an energy so extraordinary and new was remarkable, heart-warming and very enjoyable. It was a great pleasure for me to be on the receiving end.
The Truth about Universal Medicine 
Universal Medicine are inspiring a man’s revolution – #bringinggentlenessandtendernesstotheworld.
I know as a man I have a deep understanding to hold and care for another. Put a whole of gentle men together and you have a celebration of tenderness in activity.
Thank you Karin, I can understand the healing you received as a woman watching and listening to the male choir, a group of men connected to their gentleness – for me this is a very healing experience too after being so used to hardened men shut down from their true tender essence. It’s such a delight being around men surrendered to who they are!
“The applause they received was more needed for the observers to show their appreciation than it was asked for by the artists” – reminds me of back in the day when there were such things as court jesters, people who told the truth of what society was like to an open audience.. and the waves of confirming applause that echoed round the theatre as a result of their true wit.
It is very heart-warming to observe and be in the presence of men simply being together in appreciation of themselves and each other, enjoying their togetherness, without the need of competition or domination. It is amazing what can transpire when we allow love to be what leads us.
The gathering of any group of people to sing a truly healing song is a wonderful thing and a true joy for me in this life.
I agree Richard, as we absolutely need to bring music back to its true purpose, to serve as the healing art that is was intended for.
In the most recent celebration in November I saw a male choir, they’d gotten together maybe a week prior if that. Reading this I understand now that all that competition, bravado and peacock-style showing off really isn’t the true nature of a man. That tenderness is far more beautiful than those so assumed ‘manly’ behaviours.
As women and with any experience of dominance from a man or men, it is a true blessing and a healing to feel any man that is choosing to express as a true gentleman, someone with deep care and respect for themselves and all those around them.
Performing without the need for approval or gratification is very refreshing and inspiring on all levels. When the need aspect gets taken out, a person is more free to express and so are those then on the receiving end open to an opportunity for growth as well.
Why I love this blog is: it is spontaneous, real and sharing something we do not see or might not even have experienced before.. And that from this group of performers/musicians/artists, came a warmth that was not hard, tough or anything else – simply beautiful to hear this. I have been to a recent presentation, which might be a little different than singing – but still. There were a group of men reading a sermon (powerful message/text of truth) that are all based on the religion The Way of The Livingness, the incredible feeling that was there in the room – was the togetherness and tenderness of the men reading and respecting all of what was being shared and how this was expressed and shared with the whole group (live and by broadcast). This felt equal as an celebration as it the love that was shared – now that is worth celebrating, right?
When men show their amazing sensitivity for each other there is a deep holding of one another and it is beautiful to not only watch, but to be reminded that we all hold that sensitivity equally within us all.
“The applause they received was more needed for the observers to show their appreciation than it was asked for by the artists.” Wow Karin that is really something very unusual. It would be wonderful if more artist would express like that as it could change the base of a whole industry.
A community celebration of singing from the whole body to share the love in the inner-heart.
I agree Karin it was lovely to watch the men’s choir all supporting one another, no one being competitive or trying to out shine anyone else. They moved with grace and their sound was beautiful.
Beautifully said Karin, even though this was written 5 years ago I still recall this celebration and how moving it was to watch the men sing in unison with such tenderness and strength.
Just singing from the depths of who we are, needing nothing, just sharing the sheer enjoyment of self expression is a joy to feel and behold.
What a difference it is to watch and receive entertainment and feel blessed by being left alone in your seat and not imposed upon by the artists wanting recognition. Thus is the healing offered by Universal Medicine in all its presentations.
Sounds like a celebration of equality. I love to hear stories of Men being in their true power, not the kind that society and hollywood promotes, but the kind where they are solid within themselves and can appreciate that they are awesome, gentle and equal to all.
I love your appreciation for all the performers. It is quite unique to have so many different performances and not having to compare or judge which one is the best and seeing how every one of them brings something valuable in a different way.
To be on the receiving end of a man or a woman who does not dominate or impose in any way but presents with absolute stillness and total respect for another, is sadly not so common these days, however it is a blessing that inspires us and allows us to be free and then to do and be likewise with others, perhaps beginning a domino effect that might just bring back our natural and innate way of being back to the world again.
It’s pretty extraordinary when a group of men get together and can just be with each other without feeling inadequate or needing to show anyone up etc. When the equality is felt by the whole group, it’s just magical.
Maybe the best way to have true inspiration coming through is to just be without hours and hours of practice in the pursuit of getting it right.
I will have to find a way to see the male choir you talk about here, as you say, it is very rare to come across such a lack of dominance within a large group of men. The more we experience and witness things like this the more we know we too can be the change we want to see in the world, it simply has to start with us taking responsibility for what we say, do and think knowing that it all affects the all.
I remember distinctly when the Men’s choir came on stage, it moved me to tears, to feel the quality within and between these men was one of those unforgettable moments – it reflected to us something entirely gorgeous and hugely appreciated.
So true Karin, having experienced another amazing end of year concert by Universal Medicine students last night it is a beautiful celebration for everyone to appreciate and feel the loving connection between us all.
Loved what you shared here Karin, I too have so enjoyed the many heart warming performances coming from the students in the light and love of their beingness in such a joy filled way. When men can come together and express from their deep tenderness with each other it is indeed beautiful to behold.
To read your experience brings a deep appreciation to the beautiful performances and presentations that we get served almost every month, it is deeply supporting our development back to who we truly are.
Here here Karin, yes I loved the men’s choir too. To see men up there enjoying themselves and having fun without playing themselves down or trying to outdo each other was fantastic.
I am with you Karin, feeling the connection these men had and the openness in which they were with each other and then us as the crowd was extraordinary to witness but also extraordinarily familiar and normal. There was no mistaking that this is how we can all live and especially how men can naturally be like together.
Universal Medicine celebrations are exceptionally joyful, here you find people from all walks of life, expressing all in their unique ways, whether that is through singing, playing an instrument, clapping, dancing, etc. What is outstanding is that they collaborate their skills and don’t try to outdo each other or compete for the stage but share their joy whether they are performers, musicians or audience.
It is so very beautiful to see men sing in their tenderness, open and vulnerable together not needing any applause, because they are just themselves, enjoying the divine connection they chose to be in. A blessing to receive this.
It must be one of the first events I have ever witnessed where the artists hold nothing back and nothing against themselves for not necessarily being formally trained or learned. They just play and that’s what makes it even more enjoyable to watch and be part of.
Great point Karin, usually to encounter a group of men can be very intimidating or even frightening, especially if they go into a typical male pack energy as they then become very degrading and demeaning towards women. This does not happen when men come together in this context and it is very healing to feel and experience men that choose to be in their tenderness and gentleness.
There is something very special and worth taking note of in this, and in the student body in general. Never have I witnessed or experienced such close-knit, open-ness and collaboration, without perfection in and amongst what could be considered, total strangers. This is not what would be considered as normal in the world today and yet it appears to be the very basics in how Serge Benhayon presents, and we get to experience and witness how we can live, relate to, and be with each other. In work and in play.
Karin, I have enjoyed re-reading you blog and this time this sentence jumped out at me: “The applause they received was more needed for the observers to show their appreciation than it was asked for by the artists.” – this shows that when we ‘perform’ naturally so, there is no need for the approval of the audience, however the applause is there more to confirm the artist, and also the applause is an expression of thanks and appreciation that the audience can express – an expression which grows both parties tremendously.
To feel a man’s tenderness is indeed a blessing so beautiful to receive,
Thanks Karin, in particular for feeling and sharing the beautiful essence of men, living and even performing the truth of who they are and breaking the consciousness around men and the false bravado that keeps separation between men and women.
I feel very fortunate to have experienced these men singing. The tenderness and vulnerability which is so much a true strength should not be a unique thing but something all men and women get to experience, it will change the world.
When men come together in tenderness it is the most beautiful thing to see and feel. The more we encourage men to feel and express their tenderness the greater it is for all of humanity.
Although some time ago now, it still makes me smile deeply to remember these men singing together like they did… it was deeply beautiful and the warmth and tenderness they sang with embraced all that were there. Undoubtedly stunning to witness and an incredible pleasure to be a part of.
Celebration now has a very different meaning in my life. It used to be all about the hype and losing myself and really all about me, but what Universal Medicine delivers is the fact that celebration is about confirmation of what is already there, and it is about celebrating with everyone equally so. The music we have is very beautiful because it is non imposing, no big deal, just a way of people coming together. There is simply a joy that is no more or no less than any other day.
I so enjoy these celebrations at the end of Universal Medicine events. Not a drop of alcohol – just the joy and love that abounds and the music and dancing expresses our appreciation for all that has been presented.
The tenderness and warmth of these men is definitely unique, it offers me a space to let go of my guards and let trust back in. I deeply appreciate the willingness and the work of these men to live as who they truly are and express it without holding back. They are amazing.
That deep male warmth you mentioned is definitely a blessing to experience. I have found this when watching and interacting with groups of men from the student body, it is in complete contra to how men are raised to engage with one another and with women. It’s showing us all that men can be deeply tender and warm with each other and with all others.
‘The applause they received was more needed for the observers to show their appreciation than it was asked for by the artists.’ This is revolutionary. I know from my own experience as being a singer in a band that the applause is definitely something most performers use as a way to gauge how successful the performance was – if you have been accepted – and it not only does this but elevates you to being above, better than, or more than the members of the audience. It’s amazing to witness musicians deliver their music with no attachment to the response from the audience.
Yes Sally it is like a double appreciation. That is much to celebrate.
The Universal Medicine celebration events celebrate all of us – the joy, playfulness and love expands my heart everytime I feel this amazing connection of Brotherhood between everyone.
Every single concert or celebration with students of Universal Medicine is real celebration of community and brotherhood. We laugh, we dance, we joke, we enjoy gluten/dairy/sugar meals and non alcoholic drinks-and because nobody is competing it feels like being with family and friends and enjoying everything.
I like how you put it, Karin, “expressing from totality”. It make such a difference in performance!
You are absolutely correct elenalight. These celebrations are always a celebration of community and brotherhood, coming together as one and never holding back our joy and fun. This is what makes them so unique as there is no self investment in it, just a commitment to sharing our all with the all.
I remember seeing, hearing and feeling a performance like this (perhaps this one) at one of Universal Medicine’s events. I remember too being struck by the gorgeous tenderness in these men, and the love between them ~ no competition or games, just each of them singing from their hearts in appreciation for God and all that they are. We can get tricked as women through the course of our lives to hold back from men, as they may have hurt us in some way. This stops us from seeing and feeling the true love, delicateness and tenderness men actually naturally are in their own unique expression. Being open to men is key, as the cycle of holding back and separation between us all has continued long enough.
It in deed was a top of the line section of performers that played from a real sense of passion and enjoyment.
I would easily pay big bucks to see that at Suncorp stadium.
Exactly Leigh, I never had received any stirred up feelings or emotions or numbness from any music that was played. I completely agree with you. These concerts are about energetic integrity that is practised through mankind their livingness. All people who played music had full integrity and respect within themselves and so where playing from their inner-heart, without any imposition, only joy!
Beautiful said Karin, I recognize this too. Seemingly these end of year concerts by Universal Medicine rock incredibly. As I was absolutely blown away by the depth of the performance in 2011 in Australia. I never felt so at easy at a concert. I did not feel jelled and neither did I have pain in my ears after returning home. The imprint it had left for me was: a deep warmth, joy, familiarity and most importantly, a togetherness/harmony. It did not matter if you where performing or not, you were equally amazing. To me that is REAL PARTY.. REAL CELEBRATION!
This is the key Danna – that performing or not we are all equally amazing. Appreciating our different expressions and strengths is key to living in true harmony, as together we make the whole, and we can’t do that without each other.
I can remember the performance from the men too, I was gorgeous to see them in their tenderness and to see men so openly enjoying the connection with other men and being willing to bring out more of themselves and express- very cool.
‘Instead they were choosing to express directly from their hearts while sharing from a sense of fullness within themselves, their experiences of life, love and the universe.’ This is something we can all aspire to, not trying to perform but simply bringing the fullness that we are. This is a very relaxing affair for the person on stage as well as off stage.
While I was not at the celebration I can well understand why everyone present had such a good time. It is so unusual to see a group of people all enjoying each other’s company without feeling the need to compete and compare – no wonder those present felt the difference!
This was a very joyful and (as you said Karin) outstanding presentation especially the chorus of Men, whose singing it seemed we all loved and enjoyed. The fellowship and bonding between the men was truly evident. I loved every minute of it.
I have enjoyed many of the Universal Medicine end of year celebrations they are always outstanding and 2012 was no exception with the highlight of the evening being the same for me too Karen. From these men who came together as a choir, there was a feeling of tenderness and heartfelt connection within the group and they were not afraid to show there vulnerability and yet powerful selves to each other or to us all. It was a very beautiful and joyful experience for me to witness this depth of love and true brotherhood between a group of men.
That is incredible and so beautiful. I too have experienced one of these events, where I was melting, my heart just melt when I saw all these people express from their inner-stillness, joy and fullness.. There was no holding back, just simply joy and their essence was so brighty seen and felt. I love to confirm and applaud for them, not because they ‘did well’ but because they simple ‘be’.. How wonderful is that?
Thank you Karin for sharing your words ,I also go to many of the Universal Medicine celebrations and they are true celebrations without the many needed drugs associated with so called celebrations ,people come together to share the harmony , joy and love they live in ,they are themselves without needing any artificial stimulant to socialise. I am one of those men who sing and it is a joy to feel and be part of such a moment of tenderness to always have that as a marker of truth to live with .
I agree Katrin it was so lovely being on the receiving everyone’s expressions.
I have seen many of these celebrations now and each time the quality and depth of fun, playfulness, joy, stillness and absolute harmony just keeps getting stronger and deeper. It is like there is no end to just how much amazingness these celebrations can be!
Can you imagine that these celebrations we take home in our hearts and we will forever have a marker of truth, harmony, stilnes and joy – so that we can build this ‘celebration’ within our own life. Not that we need singing, dancing, comedy everyday – but from this imposeless , very freeing sphere , as shown and practiced by Universal Medicine and the student community – it is open for all to be part and experience the true joy we can life – that is maybe palpable very strongly in these celebrations – but are very excessable and showing us how to implement this quality in our own life. It is open to all.
Great point Danna. Celebration is something that is a living part of our living way, not just an event per se.
It is something I have learnt we can do every day.
Yes true Joshua, and also if one does not appreciate themselves , we are left unable to truly feel celebrationary every day – and so we seem to put our ‘pretending’ mask on at our birthday parties simply because we are not used to truly celebrate ourselves.
I love the celebrations we have, the music, the words and the playfulness of everyone. It is a celebration in the truest sense. Celebrating all of us as we equally celebrate with each other.
When I listen to men voices that are in their tenderness I always get immediately goosebumps. It has such an exquisite, powerful, holding sound…
I agree, the tender men expressing unimposingly together were especially beautiful to feel. A blessing to behold.
I have always been ‘shy on stage’ – rather avoiding it as much as possible, but seeing the end of year celebrations of the Universal Medicine events and the joy that is expressed and naturally so by all those on stage as well as off stage, has helped me realise that there are many areas where I have not allowed myself to explore ‘letting loose’ – in other words letting all of me out and just letting myself shine, not letting worries of qualifications or formal training or performance get in the way. Thank you Karin for sharing your experience and the inspirations that we all get from these celebrations.
End of year celebrations always offer so much, I love what you felt and described here Karin, as I can feel that these men, among others who presented, did so without holding back who they were. What a beautiful celebration of what all (both performers and audience members) are choosing for themselves daily.
Sounds like fun Karin! What I love about events like these put on by the community of Universal Medicine is that there is never any need for recognition. As you say, the audience applauded to expess their appreciation not because they felt an expectation. How different is that?!
Same for me mccannelizabeth, the celebration shared in Karin’s is a lovely way to complete a calendar year.
Thank you Karen, I have attended some of these awesome celebrations as well and it is just so much fun. So simple and also I love how it ends on time and that I always feel complete when it is finished, no empty feeling like I could have sometimes at other celebrations.
Agreed Karin ! It was a wonderful night. I especially loved the men in black choir as well… Such beauty and grace and super playful !
I really loved when you said this part about the performers Karin- ‘expressing from their totality’ what a great thing to achieve in ones life I reckon. To be all of who you are. It sounds amazing.
Karen if I would live around this area I would love to join such an invent – it felt so welcoming to be there . . .
Thank you for sharing Karen, it is always a joy to attend the celebration evenings with Universal Medicine and like Jennifer has said ‘to come together to celebrate who we all are as a community of all ages’. There’s nothing like the feeling of openness when we are all together celebrating ourselves and each other.
Thank you Karen. Universal Medicine celebrations are like no other. They are truly for all to come together to celebrate who we all are as a community of all ages (literally). They are a joy.
I absolutely agree Jennifer; “Universal Medicine celebrations are like no other.” So much joy and so much fun. Definitely looking forward to my next one!
Beautiful blog Karin, thank you for sharing! I also enjoy the end of year celebrations (and other events!) hosted by Universal Medicine – a total delight to attend and really connect with others – so refreshing to not be surrounded by alcohol too! The food is also divine!
A also attended this celebration and there was much to entertain us without any hooking energy – I did not feel drawn into the performances by a need from the artist, but rather I was left to myself to just enjoy. The men were indeed a highlight and actually brought me to tears because they were so beautiful and tender with each other and I realised in those loving moments that this is how men truly wish to be with each other. Gorgeous to behold.
It is a very unique experience to have musicians perform to express love, truth and harmony and share all the grandness they feel inside. To feel a group of men perform with such tender care for one another was heart melting.
Karin – I wish I could have been there as well because how and what you wrote about the celebration is very much inviting me. It must be wunderbar to be part of it and I am looking forward to be there one day . . .
Thank you Karin for sharing this. It is indeed unique and rare to find to have people perform for simply the joy of expressing and being together with no need for recognition or any self gain. What a blessing to have been on the receiving end.
Thank you Karin for sharing this beautiful reflection of how wonderfully confirming, inspiring and joyful the end of year celebrations are. I love how you have exquisitely expressed and honored how the powerful the performance of men’s choir was as I agree that ‘there was a feeling of strong gentleness and heartfelt connection within this group’, true brotherhood of gentlemen.
It says a lot about society that we see such men expressing in this way as something that even needs to be pointed out or acknowledged, rather than just being seen as something normal and ordinary, and hardly worthy of special note.
This is very true Adam. Well said.
These end of year celebrations always make me stop and feel the incredible joy a whole group of people can feel, without alcohol, drugs or drama. True celebration at last.
Yes sounds like a magically wonderful experience. I would have also enjoyed the men singing together Karin.
End of year celebration are always a hoot!
I love this comment Danielle about putting men in a box and I think as women we do tend to do this reacting from past experiences of hurt and disappointment and putting our expectations upon them. I am learning to let go of all this and feel the exquisite tenderness and vulnerability within men and stop seeing them as somehow ‘other’. The pioneering work of Serge Benhayon has brought me a whole new understanding and appreciation of men which continues to expand and for which I am deeply grateful.
Yes it’s interesting that we can say we appreciate men more now, but I am working to not even see them as ‘men’ – and instead see every situation as another person I am appreciating and being loving with, one who is just as deeply sensitive, delicate and sometimes awkward with life as I am.
I was shocked to realise that this blog detailing the concert was already more than two years old, I thought it was much more recent as the sense of it is so fresh within me. What really made the impact that day was the men’s choir singing in brotherhood, vulnerable and tender, it brought tears to my eyes.
Yes, indeed, the men’s choir was so wonderful. I remember it very clearly.
Karin we are moving towards a society where everything that everybody says, does and even thinks will be done considering everybody else all of the time. Which will transform absolutely everything. Every musical/comedy/dance performance will be like the one you described, an evolutionary step up for all.
I agree Tim and some of the acts really blew me away.
Karin, in your writing I felt the connection you had with the singers and comedians on stage which feels so vastly different to the dis-connection I feel from the musicians we see on our TV screens. What a contrast, I know where I would rather be.
Karin, from your blog I could feel the connection you had with the people on stage which is so rare and is a stark comparison to the lack of connection we feel when we see ‘pop stars’ performing who often feel dis-connected and lost. I have been to a couple of end of year celebrations and absolutely loved them.
Twas very fun and unique.
As you say, there is something unique in the Universal Medicine gatherings (unimposing energy, full expression, permission to be you, joy, etc.). Yet, the amazing thing is to know that anyone can enjoy these qualities if they choose to, because they are innate to all of us.
It is a great observation and one always felt at these events of people leaving there Egos outside as there is no need to prove anything or show off, just be who you are and enjoy it.
I should say the egos are mostly a thing of the past as when we connect to ourselves and realise we don’t need them anymore or the separation that they bring.
I love the end of year celebrations Universal Medicine puts on for everyone. The joy felt is like nothing I have ever experienced before.
I like your description of an artist who is not performing for personal glory, identification or recognition. That is very unique indeed and leaves the space clear for an audience to appreciate the real skill and beauty of what is being presented.