Music is deep soul food for me and for my family. It is a rich grounder and stabilizer for us all. There is a lot of research that also echoes my own heart. Music, beat and rhythm impact the most foundational part of the brain stem and help build and solidify us from this deep core of our being.
Once again this week music has given me a fresh point of reference. Our family CD player has not worked well for a while and somehow I have not taken the time to be refreshed by a variety of music played. I had a day at home and got the music playing again. I reached for some stabilizing Baroque as I worked away. It was reviving and soul filling for me, bringing back many memories of earlier times.
We have tried to incorporate music as part of the fabric of our family life in a variety of ways. Most of the kids have had piano lessons. For those joining us later in their lives we have been able to join group music classes. In the fragmentation and disorganization of their hearts, the music has been an important part of their healing. Just knowing that middle C does not change and is constant with B before and D after is somehow helpful in bringing order to chaotic lives.
A couple of children play the violin. The vibration of this string instrument brings its own energy healing and they always feel much happier and more integrated after playing. Our psychologist sometimes sends us home with bubbles to blow to help with our breathing. Similarly, our flute and trumpet player also feel so much better after playing. I think the diaphragmatic breathing and breath control bring another level of control and life to these kids.
Another son was very traumatized early in school. He and my husband took drum lessons together. I continue to love the beat of the drums! All the kids love picking up the African drums and feeling the beat.
Singing is also a great way to express and to feel deep vibration and soul heart. I work with kids and actually sing songs to my kids most of the day. I often continue that at home. Certainly a song can express a lot more than yelling ever did! I have looked out for choirs and places for all the kids to sing. Even for a term singing has been a great outlet. A Christmas choir several years ago brought a huge level of breakthrough and healing for one of our daughters. I sing along with the music on the car radio too, much to the dismay of my kids. Sometimes in my enjoyment of the beat I have no idea what I am singing. The kids keep me on track. Wonderful that they notice the words! We have had some great conversations unpacking those less than desirable lyrics that I was blasting out without thinking!
As I write, I am also laughing realistically as the cacophany of all kinds of music reverberates through those earphones and our car stereo. Not always integrating and healing! The violin, drums and trumpet are not always restful to have blasting off key either. Music brings back both good and bad memories for our kids too. Some music we avoid because of the harsh memories brought back.
Still, this week I have been reminded again of music's power and healing. Another way to connect and communicate. I am encouraged again to sing my youngest to sleep and to keep that CD player playing with a wide variety of music to enrich us all.
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