Affirmations

This work was commissioned by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon, Artistic Director and Jenny Wong, Associate Artistic Director. The World Premiere was given at Walt Disney Concert Hall on January 28, 2024.

Programme Note:

The scripture says that “Power and life are in the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) Simply put, we are what we believe and speak about ourselves. The text that I chose for this piece are affirmations that I recite daily. Declaring these words about myself has impacted my life and mental well-being greatly. So when I received this commission, there was no question as to what text I would use. My hope is that those who hear the work will be encouraged to speak well of themselves and to believe the best about who they are.  

-Carlos Simon, 2023

Text:

I AM...
I am well, I am strong. I am cheerful.x2

I am willing to let go of any thoughts of negativity.
I love and approve of myself; I am at peace with myself.

I am free from all pain, illness and suffering.
I am free from thoughts of guilt, shame; hate and defeat.

I am FREE

SPOKEN
I love and approve of myself; I am at peace with myself.
I welcome the experience of joy in my life.
I move forward with confidence and grace.
I welcome the experience of happiness in my life.
I am willing to release any hatred I am holding.
I am willing to release any judgements I am holding.
I take responsibility for own emotions.
I am willing to release the desire to examine the faults of others. I am willing to release any hatred I am holding.
I am willing to release any judgements I am holding.