...the sound of music

What is it about music that connects so deeply with our soul?

As babies or as parents the natural instinct is to be soothed or to soothe. A whole host of traditional lullabies exist to calm a fretful baby; Nursery toys that have songs on repeat often accompanied by magical lights, the lyrical rocking that carers resort to while singing or humming to placate the wails and tears.

Cultures that are nearer to nature also still have a real sense of connection with the rhythm of life. Chores are often completed along with a chant or dance - perhaps pounding grain underfoot or with a fufu pounder. As manual chores have disappeared from western life we have also lost the ability to connect with music in the same way. As a tool to keep us in time or to keep us inspired.

In western society music is purely about enjoyment, we each identify with a style or sound that resonates with who we are. Rather than feeling the rhythm of music as an internal motivator, music becomes an external signpost. It helps us identify with others who have a similar sense of style. It’s more about external than internal.

This thought came to me as a result of a friend’s mention of meeting with a Nun this weekend…

Musicals have always been my favourite genre of film – my earliest choices being The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz. I either wanted to be Dorothy with her red glittery shoes singing “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” or Nun/Governess Maria singing “These are a few of my favourite things”.

There is something about the honesty and emotion conveyed in words expressed through song that connects with my heart.

Biblically music has always important. Perhaps as the majority of society was unable to read, learning was shared through music and lyrics. Music and words have also always enabled individuals to express emotions in a way that the spoken word alone cannot do. It is something about the rhythm and mood created that connects deeply with the heart of who we are.

In the bible the songs in the book of Psalms particularly enable the writers to express sorrow, thanksgiving, praise and joy. The combination of voices in a harmonious gospel choir uplifts the soul and Tzaize chants bring a sense of focus while allowing our spirit to encounter God in a real and open way.

In The Sound of Music, music is brought back into the hearts and home of the Von Trapp family and their romps through the hills and mountains inspire all who watch the film to sing and find joy in the smallest things. Like raindrops on roses …with a renewed zest for life.

So, the sound of music has made me consider my focus, where my zest for life lies and what my favourite things are.

What are your favourite things? Are you living with a rhythm to your life that connects with your heart and soul?  And if not…why not?