Alaric Lewis - Music Therapy

Music Therapy

Alaric Lewis, O.S.B.

Illustrated by R. W. Alley

Abbey Press

Foreword

If music be the food of love, play on, wrote William Shakespeare in Twelfth Night. And linking music with food and love is just another example of the Bards genius. Music, after alllike foodhas the ability to fill us, to satisfy those parts of our souls that hunger to express joy, longing, regret, sadness, sheer delight. And, like love, music has the ability to touch our hearts, to make us aware of people and places and events that have permanently imprinted themselves in our lives with melodies both sweet and sad.

This little book is written for anyone for whom music is a part of life. It offers reflections and guides to unlock the melodies that are part of lifes composition, and to celebrate those sounds with thanksgiving in our hearts and a tune on our lips.

So, whether were Pavarotti performing Puccini, or a soapy singer of shower show tunes; whether we want to mellow out with Mozart or samba with Santana; whether our pitch is precise and perfect or frustratingly flatnone of it matters. What matters is that to be really human is to appreciate music of all kinds; it ultimately helps us to know just how connected we all are. Play on, indeed!

1.

Birds sing, crickets chirp, children gigglesome of lifes most beautiful music comes from instruments such as these. Let the ears of your heart be open to lifes simple symphonies.

2.

A key element of any piece of music is its unique rhythm. We, too, possess our own unique rhythms that we feel deep in our hearts. Dont be afraid to march to your own beatyour music is just as beautiful as anyone elses!

3.

Although there exists in music the mournful sound of the cello, or the solemn resonance of a pipe organ, there is also the craziness of the kazoo, the whimsy of the slide whistle. Celebrate the quirkiness of lifes music, realizing that it too is an important part of the whole symphony.

4.

Not everyone may appreciate our style of music, and they may want to turn a deaf ear to us or even shut us up. If we strive to really listen to one another, however, we might just find that our music can sound pretty good together.

5.

There are times when it seems the world around us is nothing but a dissonant cacophony of painful noise. One act of kindness or beauty, however, can soar above the clamor like a sweet symphony.

6.

Some people can make the angels weep with joy at the sound of their singing; others can make them run for cover. Regardless of how melodic the voice, singing a little every day helps put us in touch with the great song of creation.

7.

Some music makes us sadly mindful of a loved one who is no longer with us. Even in the sadness, dont be afraid to hum along; for in so doing, we realize that their song continues in us.

8.

A babys contented coo and hair-raising cry come from the same place. Even though we might not always like the music life plays for us, we can appreciate that the instruments used are beautiful, indeed.

9.

Many mothers and fathers sing gentle lullabies to their children to help bring about the peacefulness of slumber. Know that God desires to sing to us of such peacethat we may be lost in Gods loving lullaby.

10.

Scattered throughout every piece of music are rests, little breaks from the sound to make us appreciate the song all the more. In the midst of lifes harried pace, recognize the sheer beauty of silence, and enjoy its rests.

11.

Some of languages most beautiful words are set to melodies that can so combine with the text that nothing short of inspiration occurs. Pick up an old hymnal or songbook and belt out a favorite, feeling the amazing grace of such sweet sounds.

12.

Sometimes the smallest violin can soar above a full orchestra, begging you to pay attention to its plaintive pleading. Listen to the little voices in your life, and know they have something to sing about too.

13.

Sometimes a single voice cant be heard over the din of a busy world. But if we join our voices together in song, odds are good that not only will we be heard, but the world might just stand up and take note.

14.

When distance separates friends from one another, music can bring them closer. Listen to an old song and think of good times with friends with whom you shared the music. You just might find they seem as close as the next beat.

15.

Sadness is a part of every life, and sometimes we need to experience it so that our joy may be more complete. Getting lost in a slow, reflective piece of music can help our hearts know that our sorrow is sometimes natural, and sharednot only with the composerbut with so many other listeners as well.

16.

Of course, staying sad for too long doesnt help anyone. Joyful musicfrom a rousing march to gentle laughterhelps complete the symphony, and makes us aware that dirges and songs of unbridled happiness use the same exact notes, just in different ways at different times.