Chapter 7.13 Absorb Music

Absorb Music

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.

Aldous Huxley (1894-1963)        British Writer

My wife and I have put on a few parties over the years, and a couple of parties stick out in my mind at which our friends had the most fun.  At one, we had a line-dancing instructor who helped everyone learn to dance country-western style.  Even the stumblers got in to it, although a few mumblers kept the keg protected.

At another party, we hired a karaoke DJ who was able to get everybody to sing something, solo or in groups.  Incredible talent was intermingled with shower singers and some very off-key entertainers, most of whom ended up being the comics for the night. I have observed that people just love to sing and dance, especially in a group setting.  We need music for that.

Music is the universal language of mankind.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)       American Poet

Almost everybody has some kind of music that they enjoy. IPOD technology has made it easy to carry our own favorite tunes and style of music wherever we go.  The X-generation can’t just do their workouts or drive in their cars or work on their computers without having their tunes … their own personal selection of tunes

It seems to me that more of the X-gen kids are also exploring their gifts of musical talent.  Both of our children are fortunate to have the ability to create music, although my wife and I are slim in this category.  My daughter has sung in front of large crowds since she was five. My son plays guitar as if there are two guitars playing at once.  They both write their own lyrics and melodies, which provides them with a rewarding creative experience.  Musical talent is inherent to individuals, like math, art, or verbal skills.  Even with intense study, many of us could only make strings howl.

Why is enjoying your own music a key factor for humankind?  Every culture has music.  Every culture sings and dances to their music. Any celebration in a culture is usually centered around music and often, dancing. Dancing to the rhythm of a beat and releasing your tension can be a very therapeutic exercise.

“On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined”

Lord Byron (1788-1824)          English Romantic poet and satirist,

Music has been an important part of man’s existence well before the existence of the written word. Music has been a part of every culture that has ever existed. Perhaps the first music came from listening to the birds sing their songs. Man did not invent music … it was here already for us to enjoy and create. And why not? Music is a collective rodeo that rounds up positive energies.

Music … Makes the people … Come together….

“Music” 2006        Madonna

Music is used in many facets of human life. Music can be performed for the listening pleasure of the audience or for the pleasure of the performer himself. Music can be an identification of a society (consider tribal Africa or North American Indians), or it can be diverse for different classes of people in the same society (like the ‘refined’ music in old aristocratic England vs. the spirited music of the local pub).

Music is usually present in celebration. Almost all cultures include music in their festivals. If you’re going to dance, you need to have some sounds. Music is also a part of religion.  Whether singing the praise of your fathers, or aiding the relaxation of your mind and body, music has been included in many rituals.

Growing up in the “rock” generation, I always thought that I would be open to all new kinds of music.  Then came Rap. I struggled with Rap.  I couldn’t understand the words, and it seemed like there was only basic musicality.  Now, I actually think I’m starting to get it. Everyone has their own tunes.

“All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song”

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)        American Jazz Musician

It doesn’t really matter if you don’t like a particular kind of music anyway.  It’s just not a part of who you are.  You’re going to listen to the kind of music that brings you pleasure, that massages your soul, or that kicks your butt.  Music is tied to memories, usually good memories, and a song can help you live them again.

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”

Billy Joel            American Singer/Songwriter

You absorb your own type of beautiful music into your body and soul. It can generate a soothing relaxation, or it may get some part of your body uncontrollably trying to keep time. Music changes your vibrational levels. It can change your moods. It can make you happy or melancholy, romantic or relaxed. Your music is healing to your body and comforting to your mind. Music is …

Good, good, good … good vibrations …

Beach Boys 1966

Music is a pipeline to your soul. It is a connection between your physical being and your soul.  If you want to change your mood, or change your outlook, turn on your music. Music is probably another path to connecting with the Infinite. It will lead us to a higher plane … where we can discover who we are, and our role in humankind.

“Music will save the world”

Pablo Casals (1876-1973)         Catalan Cellist

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