For as far back as I can remember, my father gifted his children with music. He would say music delights the heart, educates, soothes the soul, empowers and honors who we are. That’s why today’s blog is going to take us on a musical journey. C’mon, let’s go!
Music Delights the Heart:
My musical journey began with the instrumental story called Peter and the Wolf, whereby a musical instrument represented every character in the story.
Bird Flute
Duck Oboe
Cat Clarinet
Grandfather Bassoon
Wolf Horns
Peter String section of orchestra
Rifle Shots Kettle drums/drums
As a child, my imagination soared into a grand illusion of these characters and this very extraordinary musical piece came alive in all my senses. Even today, I delight at the very thought of it.
https://home/wholisu6/dev.wholisticwomanretreats.com.youtube.com/watch?v=9ueGfjBKbiE
Next Stop, Music Educates:
For my 15th birthday, and to my extreme joy, my parents gave me a stereo system, which was a huge leap up in music appreciation from my tiny record player in a box (remember those?). Along with it, my dad gave me a Pete Seger album. However, that did not excite me as much since Pete was a folk singer and Aerosmith was all the rage at 15. Fast-forward many years later when one of our son’s favorite songs was “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” We would play it and have so much fun singing it and saying the word wimoweh. I later learned that song originated in South Africa by a man named Solomon Linda and wimoweh means “lion”. The song began in the ’30s, was redone by no other than Pete Seger in the ’50s, and in the ’60s became the #1 single in the hugely popular Disney film and Broadway show, The Lion King. Who knew?
To learn more about the history of this song, check out: http://performingsongwriter.com/lion-sleeps-tonight/
Then it was on to Music Soothes the Soul:
In August of 1991, my grandmother passed away. My father was in profound grief but unable to communicate what he was feeling in words, so he put it to music. He made a tape (we’re still in the ’80s) of twenty different renditions of Amazing Grace. It was glorious. It touched me so profoundly and allowed me to see into my father’s pain as well as mourn privately, yet not alone. I felt so understood and comforted. Here’s just one rendition as a way to pay it forward.
https://home/wholisu6/dev.wholisticwomanretreats.com.youtube.com/watch?v=iT88jBAoVIM
Every single year for more than a quarter of a century, Dad would make us kids a musical Christmas gift. As technology changed with the times, we moved from tapes to CDs, DVDs, then onto the iTunes playlist. He introduced us to many genres (Rock, Jazz, Country, Swing, Hip Hop, Folk, Reggae, Funk, Rap, Punk, etc.), an assortment of artists beginning with the Beatles but way too many to name, instruments, and much more. He called them his “Treasures from the Vault.” He used all of it to connect with us.
In 2011, Dad was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and progressive lung disease where the alveoli in the lungs become scarred and stiff, making it difficult to breathe and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream. To help him cope and have the best quality of life possible, I began to travel often to his home in Pittsburg. I also became a life coach at that time.
Now at Music Empowers:
That’s where I embarked on some lessons from a researcher/storyteller by the name of Brené Brown. I loved her work so much I now facilitate workshops regularly. In week two of the Daring Way workshop, Brené brings music into the lesson by way of an arena anthem. What is that you say? Think back to the Roman Coliseum days where the gladiators battled the beast. An anthem is any song, poem, or speech that speaks to you during those somewhat petrifying and daunting times in your life when you feel like you might be eaten alive. An upcoming test, speaking in public, showing up and being seen as the real you, and Dad’s illness all qualified. These are the times when you want to walk into the arena with your anthem blaring so loudly that showing up seems less scary and even rewarding!
Pick a song from which you feel uplifted, encouraged, and reminded of how truly brave and magnificent you are, and the authentic gifts you bring. Anything that empowers, then ROCK IT!!!
My arena song was Gloria Estefan’s “Reach”:
https://home/wholisu6/dev.wholisticwomanretreats.com.youtube.com/watch?v=XuRnNRHcN4A
Last stop for today, Music Honors Who We Are:
My dad was a Marine who loved his family and spoke to us often through music, as the words were not always available. Dad passed away peacefully in late September 2017. I like to think of him marching proudly to the Marine Corps hymn I heard so many times over the years, to his final resting place. Thank you, Dad, for your love of family, service to our country, and taking us on that powerful musical journey that stirred our emotions and kept us connected. Whether a carefully scored soundtrack, a healing hymn or an arena anthem, we will be forever grateful for the expressions of music you gifted us with.
As I reflect, I encourage each of you to think about your musical journey and the impact it has made on you and how you want to connect with others.
- How do you delight, educate, soothe, empower, and honor those in your life?
- What piece of music tugs at your heart?
- Who can you educate with your specific knowledge of an artist?
- When was the last time you took a soothing music break? Who was it with?
- What is your arena anthem?
- Do you remember the ceremony of someone you love being honored and how it felt?
I hope today’s blog encourages you to grow in your appreciation of the universal expression of music as you continue your journey with gratitude for this very exceptional gift.
Music speaks what cannot be expressed,
Soothes the mind and gives it rest,
Heals the heart and makes it whole,
Flows from heaven to the soul.
As a tribute to all the armed forces that serve and protect us all and our country:
https://home/wholisu6/dev.wholisticwomanretreats.com.youtube.com/watch?v=MoNj8qsptjA
Today’s author: Kat Middleton is a professional certified coach and the founder and CEO of Wholehearted Concepts, LLC. Kat is a Professional Energy Empowerment and Self-Acceptance Coach who specializes in helping clients personally and professionally that struggle with inner doubt, perfectionism and being way too hard on themselves. She is available for private one-on-one coaching as well as group workshops, seminars, and speaking events. Learn more about her at her website: www.wholeheartedconcepts.com