COUNSELOR'S CORNER: The musical magical moments of life

By Fred Cavaiani This past weekend I had the honor of conducting a workshop for Church Ministers of Music. I did this workshop with a man who has been working in Music Ministry all his life. It was quite an experience watching experts in music talk, share and sing together. During this profound day I was deeply inspired by these talented men and women who live and breathe music. We shared, laughed, sang and cried together. There is a sensitivity among musicians that is deeply honest and emotional. They seem to have an awareness of feelings, emotions and spiritual depth that is deep and profound. Music is part of everyone's life. Each of us has a song that we remember that has remained in our unconscious for years. Music is really the sacred oil in life that helps us look deeper at every moment and become more hopeful in our relationships. Music helps us experience life, love and God in a deeper manner. We are mesmerized by pleasant sounds and words. Instrumental music and vocal music lift us to a higher plane. Those who play an instrument and those who sing are wonderful gifts to all of us. They teach us to be more sensitive and receptive to life and love. Appreciate the music in your life. It will continue to lift you to a deeper experience of life. This deeper experience will bring you closer to God. It will bring you closer to love. It will also allow you to appreciate life with a more grateful attitude. Music is always with us. People who attend any particular Church often remain because the music in the church unconsciously keeps them coming back to discover God. With good music and good singing a mood is created that creates a milieu for us where we become open to something deeper. In the workshop that I presented last Thursday, my associate, Cliff Wilkins, wisely decided that this group needed to do some singing. He got a hymnal from the chapel, came back to the meeting room where we were gathered, and started this talented group singing with four different people singing a couple of lines from the song and then we all chimed in. It was so spontaneous and moving that tears rolled down my cheeks. I have finally realized why I was crying: I was so grateful to be part of such a mystical moment. It was like a few minutes of being immersed in pure beauty in which I felt bathed in beauty and love and gentle, pure singing. It was a moment of pure receptivity to something powerful and loving. Music touches all of us in a profound way. We watch American Idol because the contestants touch something deep inside of us. Those who go the farthest seem to have the ability to touch us in a more personal way than the other contestants. Music is life. What is the music in your life that powerfully moves you? Listen to it more. Take time to let music affect you whenever you hear it. I learned a song in high school that I have sung to each of my children and grandchildren. It has always relaxed as I sing it to them. The song moved me in high school because while at the school we sang it every day during May and it instilled good feelings. Music and meditation seem to be closely connected. In silent listening to gentle, reflective music we can be lifted to a higher plane of awareness. Our bodies can relax and our minds can stop rushing. I will never forget this day of working with Music Ministers with their musical gifts and open emotions. What a gift they were. They reminded me of the power of music and the importance of allowing more music in my life. ---------- Fred Cavaiani is a licensed marriage counselor and psychologist with a private practice in Troy. He is the founder of Marriage Growth Center, a consultant for the Detroit Medical Center, and conducts numerous programs for groups throughout Southeast Michigan. His column in the Legal News runs every other Tuesday. He can be reached at (248)362-3340. His e-mail address is: Fredcavi@yahoo.com and his website is fredthecounselor.com. Published: Tue, May 8, 2012