Human connection can be a healthy thing
But human connection isn’t always healthy. Especially if and when it takes you away from logic and reason. I’ve been studying the potential healing effects of music, lately. And unfortunately I see too many music therapists and researchers emphasizing the power of self. And most of them only give a slight nod to design, calling it “spirituality.”
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And that’s where human connection fails miserably.
Like in an article I just read that talked about jazz musicians improvising a tune instead of playing a composition. The research showed how “the activity deactivated the brain areas of self-monitoring and judgment activity.” And they thought this was a good thing, of course. But it’s not.
When you don’t self-monitor or exercise good judgment, you’re asking for more than you bargained for.
That same article talked about community drum circles, ukulele circles, and singing activities as ways to connect as a group through music. And they added, “Even if you feel low in energy, just being in the space where music is being created can enliven you.”
I agree with that. But then they added, “This takes your mind off fear, doubt, and worry: you can’t think while you’re playing music.”
And I agree with the first part about taking your mind off fear, doubt, and worry.
That’s an awesome side effect of listening to and playing music. But I disagree with the second part. Yes, you CAN think while you’re playing music.
I spent over a quarter of a century as a professional musician. Yeah, I actually made a living at it. And I can tell you, from all those years experience, I was thinking while playing songs. Most of the time my thoughts were focused on each song, how to vocalize it, and what to give the crowd next.
But often, I’d think about events of the day. Or what route I’d take on my drive to the next job. And even sometimes about what I gonna eat or who I’d talk to during my break.
It’s sad how deeply the idea of focusing on your emotions and feelings has permeated the arts. I’m not emotionless and unfeeling. But I know it’s so much more important to apply logic and reason to your life. At least if you want to actually solve problems. And not just acknowledge and feel them.
That’s why I’m focusing on the healing potential of music with a designed and eternal perspective.
Because there might be some others doing that, but if they’re out there, they’re being swamped by the new agey, humanist, self-empowered “gurus.”
I’m no guru from some whoo whoo who’s who.
But I DO know maybe a thing or two
Why music is so good for me and you.
It’s because God designed what it could do.
Stay tuned,
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