This reflection is dedicated in loving memory of my brother John
Edward Sorensen, a gentle kind soul who dances with light, born on April
17th.
“Music is what language would love to be if it could, you
know?” John O’ Donohue
What is it about music that is so difficult to define in words? Music’s fluid nature flows through and around barriers to touch the
core of our being. Music bypasses intellect and arrows straight for the heart. Yet, language
seems inadequate to capture the essence and fullness of our experience. Music
opens us to beauty. A beauty that can manifest as the sweetest joy or soul’s
deepest longing. Music has infinite possibilities, it blends and changes to create a wide spectrum of meaning with diverse interpretations.
I attended a 50th birthday celebration for a good
friend. A Mariachi band played lively
tunes. Bold trumpets bellowed in a crescendo of laughter that overflowed throughout the hall and onto the street. Before long, anticipatory excitement could no longer be contained; one
after another, people jumped up and began to dance. Later, that evening, the
mood shifted as the musicians serenaded us with Herb Alpert’s song, “Spanish
Eyes.” Tears flowed as I remembered how
much my dad had loved that song. Ah, music is such a universal and integral
part of human life. It can ground us in the moment, revitalize traditions,
herald momentous occasions, and enhances sacred ceremonies and rituals. Music influences
mood, creates nostalgia, adds gorgeous color to life, awakens our imagination, and fuses love's passion.
Yes, music does have this crazy power to energize us. It may begin with a subtle, involuntary tapping
of the toes. Next, the body begins to gently rock and fingers begin to snapping
to the beat. Finally, the legs take over and before the brain can stifle these
natural desires, we are up and moving on the dance floor. Inhibitions lost, people
sway to the melody, twirl and swirl with their partner. At Vermont
contra dances, young and old gather in community, moving in sync as sparks of light in intimate joy. 
Photo by Roger H. Katz, Vermont Photographer.
Funny, but it was not until mid-life that I developed an
appreciation for classical music.Then I fell helplessly in love with listening.
For the first year, I lost all interest in any other music genres. Songs with
words were only a distraction. Ah, but
the violin cried out with exquisite sensitivity and piano's notes, light as
feathers, would skip and run towards the highest peaks then delight in floating
back home.
Nature’s music offers a sense of peace. Amidst restlessness
we are drawn to the calm of a crackling fire, find joy in a bird’s solitary song, are mesmerized
by ocean waves, invigorated by river’s roar, quieted by rustling
leaves, reflective with summer crickets, enclosed by rain drumming rooftops, awakened
by distant church bells tolling, comforted with hush of nightfall and the
twinkling of stars. Music coaxes us to relax and de-stress, return to our
breath and reconnect with our source. “Music can be made by anyone, anything,
anywhere… so if this is your goal, remember first the sound of your soul – then
create it!” ~Empathism
Music is a bridge between heaven and earth. Music and
singing can lead us into deeper listening and meditative prayer. In the Christian
tradition, Taizé prayer
seeks to include people and traditions worldwide. Voices uplifted in song or in
the sounds of cadenced chanting become the instruments and conduits of
God’s infinite Love. Father Peter Hickman once said, “Singing is praying twice,” isn’t
that a lovely thought? “Open your heart and you will hear the lutes of the angels.”
~Rumi
Music is associated with amazing healing effects on the
body. In various studies, certain kinds of music have actually lowered blood
pressure and heart rate, calmed breathing and reduced cholesterol levels.
Research has shown that soothing music (such as classical, Eastern, harp, and
chant) can actually improve a person’s immune system (Kate Mucci.)
In Hinduism and some Eastern traditions, there
is the most sacred syllable of Aum. It is their belief that Aum is the primal sound that contains all other sounds of the universe. Aum symbolizes
the Oneness of God and the interconnectedness of all beings. The seed center of
all sound, the point of vision. There are two movements in life, a movement
towards and a movement away but at the center is union.
As humans, we all strive for a sense of wholeness, balance and harmony in our lives. Music offers us a lovely invitation. “The end of all good music is to affect the
soul.” ~Claudio Monteverdi
I offer this marvelous music video that was shared with me by Christina Gomes of Portugal.
~Liz Sorensen Wessel
Journal of Sacred Work 
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