Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if we engaged in more purposeful music? Sure, the pop industry has its place, but it doesn’t seem to revolve around music consciousness or even healing with music. That’s not to say that some pop songs haven’t lent themselves to healing for some folks, only that the musicians were hardly thinking I’m going to write a pop song that heals others.
I was once a folk-rock musician and while I was heavily into the social messaging of my songs, I wasn’t aware of how the rhythms, melodies, and text affected other people by either raising or lowering their frequency. I had yet to learn about quantum physics and although I did study metaphysics, none of that had to do with sound.
I have encountered sound healers (some famous now) who started out as rock musicians. And I just thought that for younger folks, rock music provided the start of a journey into music consciousness, but let’s not forget about all the obstacles the ego placed in the way, like gnarled branches blocking a hiker’s path–not to mention the boulders of arrogance and greed as musicians desperately sought validation from the outside world in the form of fans and record contract.
The ancients hardly cared about those trappings when it came to working with organized sound. In fact, their musical training involved alchemy and shamanism often. They learned about the power of seed sounds (mainly vowels) and in some traditions, the initiates into various music tradition began their study of sound through silence. They weren’t permitted to speak and they developed superior listening skills.
Sadly, we hardly have that height of awareness when it comes to music these days. I’ve seen new age shops fill the room with crystals (which broadcast frequencies) then play disturbing music (hard rock or goth rock) in the background. And you would think the new age folks would get this bit of wisdom. I’ve also walked into new age shops who do get it and play high frequency music in shops that have crystals. I know which shop I’ll buy my gemstones.
There is no excuse for ignorance when it comes to the power of organized sound, also known as music. There are plenty of books on the topic anyone can easily check out from a library. PBS has aired specials on the topic and many musicians (mainly from world, classical and jazz) have come on board the music awareness train. And if books aren’t your thing, watch how urban wildlife and domestic animals respond to music in their environment–that should give you a clue.
This week, begin your journey into greater music awareness by starting a music diary. When you listen to a particular piece of music or song, write down your emotional, physical, and spiritual responses to the music. Keep doing this and you’ll change your music diet quickly, unless of course, the music you currently listen to nourishes your mind, body, and spirit.
Metaphysics 4 Everyday Living 