Well, on this last day of October I’ll soon be heading up north for Sedona Game Night, a cherished time of gathering to break bread, laugh, exercise my brain, and connect with like-minded and like-hearted womenfolk. I know most of them from the days when I lived in Sedona, but from time-to-time, I am introduced to new folks. My soul really gets fed from this gathering, and from being in the energy, beauty, and nature of Red Rock Country. I lived there for six years and it is just about five years since I relocated to the Phoenix area! Especially since I go there regularly and always spend time with friends, it still feels like home and feeds my soul.

However, on a daily basis, music is what truly feeds my soul. Even when I was a devout atheist and somewhat unconscious being, music was nourishing the divine spark within me through listening and singing. Singing was not only a great release of energy, but a connection to a deeper part of me and Source. It kept me from feeling so alone and isolated in my family of origin and my childhood environment.

I joined choruses and other singing groups whenever I could, allowing me to shine my light a bit, get jazzed by that feeling when harmonizing with others (you know what I mean), be of service, and get people to see and know a piece of my authentic self, something my family showed little interest in. As a 3^rd grader, the school chorus met before classes began, and I would walk alone under the early dark winter morning sky just to get to rehearsal. Singing in those days was definitely my lifeline!

Throughout all these revolutions around the sun since my childhood and my awakening to a conscious spiritual path and belief in Spirit (The Great Mystery or any label you want to use), singing has remained such a nourishing source for my soul, such a part of me, an inseparable part. I must agree with what Friedrich Nietzsche said: “Life without music is no life at all.”

On another note (no pun intended), October 12th marked the 23rd anniversary John Denver died when the small experimental aircraft he was piloting plunged into Monterey Bay. He was only 53 years old, and one of my favorite singers and songwriters. "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is a song written by him, Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert. It is considered to be John's signature song, and is widely regarded as one of his best songs of all time, although I have so many other favorites including All This Joy. John Denver was devoted to the environment and wildlife; the video below was recorded two years before his death at his 1995 live concert benefiting the Wildlife Conservation Society.

In my humble opinion, there are so many wonderful quotes about music and one’s soul. So instead of having to choose one, I selected several to share with you, some offering more food for thought than others.

Music and spirituality are intricately related, with spirituality often being the inspiration for the creation of music, and music so often creating the desired atmosphere for a spiritual occasion.

While spirituality is not necessarily experienced through religion, many people use religion as a conduit for their everyday spirituality. The Smithsonian Institution website showcases objects that help demonstrate the relationship between music and many of the world's largest religions. 

Objects include a shofar made before 1838, one of the earliest known musical instruments, and used in biblical times to signal important events; the sheet music for the song "The Lord Is My Shepherd (23rd Psalm)" written and composed by John B. Marsh and published in 1898; and, an African wood harp with hide that symbolizes the body and voice of Nyingwan Mbege, or Sister of God, who communicates between the living and the dead.

This year, due to COVID-19, musical groups are looking for ways to sing and play together while following social distancing recommendations. Bryce and Kathryn Denney tried Zoom/Skype with virtual choirs, and while that was better than nothing, of course it couldn't compare to making music together live. 

With the Driveway Choir project, the Denneys found a safe way to sing together live, with no latency (no delay between the time a request is initiated and the response is given). See what they came up and hear some wonderful music!

Joyce S. Kaye, MSW

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