Dear Friends,
In this continuing and unprecedented time of disruption and uncertainty, we wanted to share some of our favorite music with you. Music has been known for centuries to be a healing balm for the heart and soul in times of need, just as it can be uplifting and joyous in times of celebration. A 2014 article from Psychology Today discusses, “Does Music Have Healing Powers?” and yes, we know it does.
Calming, Inspiring, Uplifting
I asked our board members and volunteers to send me their favorite pieces which they find calming and inspiring or uplifting, and below are the offerings I received. We hope you find them to be enjoyable, healing and supportive to you and possibly anyone sharing space with you.
We are still here for you and others
In the meantime, remember that EOLCCA is still here for you or any friend or family member who might currently need support facing end-of-life decisions. Lately, in addition to spending a lot more time on the phone with our clients seeking EOL support, we have been helping people understand how to lay out their end-of-life wishes with an Advance Directive (Assigning Healthcare Proxy and Living Will). Here is a link to our website to find information about these matters. Please call or email if we can be of assistance in any way.
To please, enjoy some of our favorite healing music, perhaps while filling out or updating your Advance Directive! We wish you and your loved ones peace, hope and health.
Our music selections
- James Taylor – “You’ve Got A Friend”
- David Lanz – “Cristofori’s Dream
- Bill Withers – “Lovely Day”
- Masayo Honjo (Harp Melody)
- Kirtana – “Ramana’s Song”
- Mozart Clarinet Concerto in a Major K. 622 Adagio
- Peter, Paul & Mary – “Blowing in the Wind”
- Adiemus (Adiemus – Songs of Sanctuary)
- Garrick Ohlsson – F. Chopin “Ballade in G minor, Op. 23”
- James Taylor – “You Can Close Your Eyes”
- Bill Withers – “Lean on Me”
- Rotterdam Orchestra: Ode to Joy
- The Youngbloods – “Get Together”
Two last things:
While not music, one of my favorite poets, Mary Oliver, crafts words that sound like music and so I wanted to share an interview with her by Krista Tippets from On Being “Poetry for Tumultuous Times”. It is a delightful interview and sure to warm your heart.
When you load the page, you have to scroll down a bit and find the interview with Ms. Oliver.
Interview with Krista Tippets at: onbeing.org
Poem
And another poem to end with, and blessings to all…
For the Interim Time
When near the end of day, life has drained
Out of light, and it is too soon
For the mind of night to have darkened things,
No place looks like itself, loss of outline
Makes everything look strangely in-between,
Unsure of what has been, or what might come.
In this wan light, even trees seem groundless.
In a while it will be night, but nothing
Here seems TO believe the relief of dark.
You are in this time of the interim
Where everything seems withheld.
The path you took to get here has washed out;
The way forward is still concealed from you.
“The old is not old enough to have died away
The new is still too young to be born.”
You cannot lay claim to anything;
In this place of dusk,
Your eyes are blurred;
And there is no mirror.
Everyone else has lost sight of your heart
And you can see nowhere to put your trust;
You know you have to make your own way through.
As far as you can, hold your confidence.
Do not allow your confusion to squander
This call which is loosening
Your roots in false ground,
That you might come free
From all you have outgrown.
What is being transfigured here is your mind,
And it is difficult and slow to become new.
The more faithfully you can endure here,
The more refined your heart will become
For your arrival in the new dawn.
From To Bless the Space Between Us” by John O’Donohue
There is a beautiful song suitable for any adult called: It Is Well With My Soul.
Thanks for sharing Deb!
do you have a book club?
Interesting thought, but no, not at this time. 🙂