Healing and Connecting through Music
by Peter Simon, Emily Otremba, and Hafsa Rehan
Image Description: Photo of a record player playing a record on a hard wood floor.
“Music is an outburst of the soul.”
This was once said by English composer Frederick Delius and a sentiment that has been the topic of many conversations here at Solidago. We all relate to music on a fiercely deep level which instantly connects us to one another.
An unexpected connection we found is our common desire to listen to sad songs. Whether we actively seek these songs as a means to express the difficult emotions we find challenging to put into words or connect to the haunting melodies that have been composed-- these songs touch our souls.
We have also noticed during our meetings when we discuss heavy topics, we all find it necessary to honor our feelings, then lighten the mood with upbeat music. Several times, we have played a happy song after discussing something emotional. Each of us taking in the music the way we desire. Maybe by singing and dancing or by sitting there with our eyes closed listening to the lyrics and feeling the rhythm of the beat. Either way, we are connecting to the artist, each other, and ourselves in a way that feeds our soul.
We feel these examples showcase how listening to music is an occupation-- an important hobby and something that is extremely meaningful to us-- possibly for you too.
Out of habit, we may initially think that music is only an occupation if a person sings or plays an instrument-- when we are physically involved in the creation of sounds. However, we want to challenge that notion and feel listening to music, finding new artists, creating playlists, and sharing music with friends are all just as much of an occupation. Places that we reach for when we need a little help-- a community.
How have songs been present in your life?
A few songs that make Team Solidago happy include:
Supply and Demand- Amos Lee
All Around the World (La La La)- A Touch of Class
Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Sunshine- Matisyahu
Girl on Fire- Alicia Keys
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)- Whitney Houston
We want to further our connection to you through music, so please feel free to comment below what songs make you happy or add them to the Spotify playlist we created. We intentionally made the playlist collaborative, so if you have a Spotify account, you can add your happy songs to this list. We do please ask that the songs added are appropriate so people of all ages can enjoy either individually or jointly. Our hope is that it can be a space for the community to lean on for when we need an extra pep in our step, we want to dance the night away, or as a soundtrack to a moment.
Team Solidago Happy Playlist Link:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4GIasdHiJ7f37U20c9ljC7?si=fd59e849be33481c
Happy listening and connecting!
