Music speaks
where words fail...
"Music is the language of emotions…”
It's as if it has its own language…and when you hear it, your body reacts.
Music.
I listen to music every day, whether it is classical on WPR or a variety of genres (80’s rock, country, gospel, etc) on Spotify.
I grew up with music being a part of my life in one form or another. I took piano lessons for several years and was lucky enough to inherit my grandmother’s piano to practice on.
My father played classical music on the radio on our drives to and from elementary school or sometimes when we went grocery shopping.
My mother played her Big Band music and her country records on the stereo (what a beautiful piece of furniture) while she baked or cleaned the house. Johnny Cash, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Judy Garland…I know many of those songs by heart.
As a teenager, I had my own stereo system with powerful speakers (my parents could hear them out in our barn in the evenings…) and I loved to play my favorite records and dance around the house.
Music can also be a powerful form of therapy and I wrote about that in my essay entitled Music Therapy back in July of 2023.
This past week I was listening to the Wisconsin Public Radio Classical Music Day celebration, which had two hours of performances, including the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Rufus King International High School Chorus and the Florentine Opera.
I was enthralled by a particular operatic performance which I have heard many times over the years. Listening to it made me stop what I was doing and feel the moment.
By “feeling” I mean both my body and my mind connected to this piece of music, and the performance of it, in a visceral way…It is hard to explain but I think this feeling embodies what music provides us.
The piece that moved me can be found in my Music Moments section below and it took some research to find it but I am so glad I did.
Put simply, music is what feelings sound like.
What a remarkable gift music provides…Now we just need to take the time each day to enjoy it…in all its beauty…in all its forms…
What do you think?
My support comes from my subscribers and I really appreciate it. If you enjoy what the Kindness Boomerang newsletter provides, please feel free to share this link on your social media. Subscriptions can be either free or paid. It’s a simple process of sharing your email address. Thanks for your support!
For information about why I started this newsletter, please go to the about section.
Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:
This week’s Smile video…
Every year, this anonymous, wealthy businessman travels the country during the holidays, giving away about $100,000 in $100 bills. The money goes to random strangers and people he seeks out, knowing their need. This month, he chose to travel to western North Carolina to give to those still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Steve Hartman has more in "On the Road."
#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove
Facebook Memories…
One feature of Facebook I love is the Memories section. This week I had a memory revolving around a classic movie I watched and my reaction to it. I think I need to watch that movie again!
What I am watching…
It may sound a bit silly but there is something very calming about watching old episodes of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.
I spent a few evenings this week rediscovering the joy that this special man’s programming brought to millions, including myself during my childhood. And, of course, I found myself singing when he walked in at the beginning and out at the end…
If you want to take a break from the chaotic world around us, check out an episode. I think you will be glad you did!
Poetry ponderings…
Mind/Body connections…
This 20 minute flow invites you to move and breathe in a gentle and intuitive manner. Listen to your body, take good care of your heart, and enjoy!
Comedy Lift…
I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. Here’s tenor Jonas Kaufmann with the BBC Symphony Orchestra singing Nessun Dorma from 'Turandot'...Enjoy!
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….