Poetry, Music and Spirituality
abracad, · Categories: poetry, psychic development, self helpPoetry and music serve no practical purpose towards our survival as individuals or as a species. Despite this, both occupy a huge role in our lives.
"The pen is mightier than the sword", wrote Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Though physical weapons may yield physical submission, the heart and mind are only hardened into opposition direction by such primitive means. Sticks and stones may wound the flesh, but words have the power to penetrate the physical exterior and affect the immortal soul within. A mere word, positive or negative, has the power to inspire or destroy - be it from a girl/boy to whom we are attracted, a boss, or potentially influential client...
Poetry arranges words in patterns, and in so doing polarizes their power, focusing it to increased effect. There is an enormous amount of poetry, and probably much of it will have little effect on any particular reader. But somewhere among the universe of words we can all find something that resonates. Even if you've never read poetry before it can be a fruitful experience to spend the odd afternoon in your local library or bookstore perusing the poetry shelves.
Music is more accessible. It surrounds us courtesy the radio airwaves and (these days) the Internet. We're taught to both recognize and produce music from the nursery rhymes of the crib. It features throughout our schooldays, perhaps we may learn to play or sing. As young people we identify with particular subcultures centered around music. And as adults we amass a collection of musical recordings on vinyl, tape, CD and latterly in digital form.
There are different ways of appreciating music. It is often used as a soothing alternative to silence, enhancing our productivity on tasks menial or otherwise. As mentioned above it provides an identity while growing up, helping shape what we become. Music is used to escape the stress of daily life, and in religious worship.
Those with a musical or literary talent achieve material success and popular acclaim far beyond those who save and improve lives. But who can listen to a catchy/haunting melody and not find themselves repeating it inside their mind? We attend musical performances, buy (or otherwise obtain) musical recordings, and sing and play ourselves for no other reason that than the pleasure it brings. Dissemination of the written word is equally big business.
Words, expertly chosen and ordered, can move us emotionally and inspire acts of supreme sacrifice and significance. Beyond "mere" pleasure, music features in just about every major faith/religion. It serves as a means of both expressing our devotion and raising our consciousness towards some unseen, but undoubtedly real, higher reality.
In daily life we face firstly the need to survive, then the need to find satisfaction upon the material plane. But neither of these objectives feeds the hunger of the Spiritual being that is our very essence. That we need to seek, in abundance, fulfillment beyond mere survival and perpetuation is evidence enough that we are more than just flesh and blood.
The sheer volume and diversity of poetry and music produced by mankind stands as testament to its significance. It would take a lifetime and beyond to experience it all, but by opening one's mind to sample different genres we may find affinities in numerous directions.
In using poetry/music as a key to Spiritual development we need to actively appreciate its message. To do this we need to remove ourselves from external distractions and focus solely on the stimulus itself. It needs to be experienced repeatedly to obtain its full effect; a truly great work can be experienced endlessly and each time yield a little more.
But don't limit yourself to enjoying the creations of others, however moving they may be. Experience the satisfaction of creating your own words, music or both. Writing is a superb form of release. Just sit with pen & paper, or computer screen, and let yourself flow. You can always tidy it up later - if you want to. Sing aloud, to the radio, in the bath, whenever you feel moved. Start singing/humming/whistling alongside others and they'll often impulsively join in. Learn to play an instrument, whatever you can lay your hands on. No need for lessons - teach yourself. Don't seek concert standards; just let your inner self express itself outwardly.
Poetry and music are among the greatest tools we possess to lift ourselves momentarily to the higher realms. Open yourself to their powers and the joy they can bring to your life.
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Filed in: poetry, psychic development, self help
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