On the Valentine's weekend in the Los Angeles area, Neale Donald Walsch focalized an extraordinary gathering of individuals who not only were moved by his "notes" transcribing his "conversations," but who want to take the next step in getting this material out into the world.

As always, music played an important part in a Conversations with God public event. Neale's life experience affords him not only a great deal of sensitivity to sound, but a professional's stage presence and theatrically trained voice. I find myself transported by the tone inflection and rhythm of his voice. He uses space - and silence - in such a profound way.

I remember when Neale and I re-connected at the American Booksellers Convention in 1996, right before his first book exploded onto the bestseller lists. He felt somehow very familiar, yet I couldn't specify the time or place. Neale sensed that, and clarified the déjà vu. Indeed, he and I had spent several hours together way back around 1982, sitting in his kitchen, discussing possible futures of our work in the world. He had been following my career - and now I could return the favor.

We've had the opportunity to perform several times at conferences as I provided a spontaneous soundtrack to his guided meditations, or to a reading from his delightful children's book, The Little Soul and the Sun.

To be honest, I don't remember anything I played during these times. I am so tuned in to the vibe that I also don't really hear the words - but when I hear the recording, it sounds magical! These are moments that energize me for months.

At this Weekend of Empowerment, several other wonderful musicians were invited to contribute. You may be familiar with Jimmy Twyman, often known as "the Peace Troubadour." He is the author of Emissary of Light: Adventures with the Secret Peacemakers. His mission includes singing his special songs and "Peace Prayers" from many spiritual traditions in Bosnia, Iraq and Northern Ireland. Coincidentally, immediately afterwards, peace broke out in each area.

In addition to his voice and solo guitar songs, he performs with a special electronic device that allows him to add layer upon layer, rather than singing to a pre-arranged Karaoke track. He starts with percussion - and builds to a breathtaking climax that sounds like a chorus of angels is right there on stage with him. (And they are!) If he is performing near you, treat yourself to the experience.

Also on the bill were Kathy Bolton and Rob Eaton, who performed solo and as a duo, featuring inspirational lyrics and sing-alongs in a gentle folk style.

Lastly, Peter Kater arrived to add his exquisite piano stylings. Peter is one of the few pianists I enjoy listening to, both in person and on his recordings. Check his albums out if you haven't heard them yet.

Interestingly, each of us introduced our time on stage with an expression of the spiritual basis of our music. So it was not without a bit of cosmic irony that not one but two interviews with George Winston, folk pianist extraordinaire, were published recently, in which he goes to great lengths to distance himself from anything remotely resembling spirituality or intention in his music.

Over the years, I've discussed the role of intention in music many times. The more sensitive we become, the more resonant we are to this factor. As you listen to music in your collection, you may choose to allow yourself to "feel" the effects of factors other than the notes themselves. You may find it changes how you listen - if not what you listen to as well.

Until next time, stay tuned - and enjoy the symphony of Spring.

Steven Halpern is an award-winning composer, recording artist and sound healer of over 60 albums. For over 25 years, he has been an impassioned advocate of the healing powers of music for health, healing and spiritual growth. He has just established the Steven Halpern Foundation to help bring SOUND HEALING to a much wider audience in hospices, hospitals and schools. Steven invites you to join the outreach at www.stevenhalpernfoundtn.com. For more information on his music, visit him at his website at www.stevenhalpern.com or call 800 909 0707 for a freenewsletter and catalog.