The Power of Music
In my family of origin, there were six of us. Mom, dad, one sister, two brothers and me. We lived in a house that was 700 square feet. Two bedrooms, one bath. Tight quarters to say the least. Money was always short. Times always felt hard, at least to me. But we had one thing some of my friends didn’t have. We had music. And by that, I mean live music. In the living room. I had several uncles who played musical instruments, and eventually my two brothers and I learned to play the guitar. Our sister had a beautiful alto voice and could harmonize like an angel. So, while we lacked many material possessions, we were rich with music. A big family gathering always meant there would be live music.
And the music provided benefits we didn’t even recognize at the time. It certainly provided a sense of community, what with everyone joining in on some old hymn or folk song. And science now tells us that live music releases feel-good chemicals in our brains, lowers our blood pressure, and stimulates more consistent brain activity. Live music also gets people more totally involved, which often leads to a level of physical exercise, even if it’s just tapping a toe.
A quote attributed to Plato says this about music: “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”
What got me thinking about all of this in the recent passing of Dolly Parton. I have always been amazed by her life, her popularity, her resilience and the sheer joy she brought to this world through her music and her personality.
She didn’t have much growing up. But she had music. Maybe that was the key to her genius. Maybe she understood how music can impact folks.
I suggest we all make it a priority to get out to hear some live music, in the living room, the front porch, or at a favorite venue.
Ken Bailey is pastor of a Presbyterian church in small town Oklahoma. Most of his professional life was spent as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, working in a variety of clinical settings. In his role as therapist and minister, he has felt fortunate to walk with clients and parishioners through the seasons and struggles of life. More recently he has enjoyed being a part of the Exploracast team, connecting with folks in a completely different medium.
Married for 55 years to his high school sweetheart, he is the father of two adult children, and three grandchildren. He enjoys listening to and playing music, fly fishing for mountain trout, writing and taking naps.
Know Thyself
