A LOVE LETTER TO MUSIC (+VID): “What do I love about music?…. To begin with; everything!” OH YEAH! music is my thing! I could talk for DAYS about music!!! I’ve found few other things in life as powerful and moving as music. The best of all art forms IMO, music expresses the inexpressible. One of God’s ultra super great gifts to us! It’s “saved” my life more than a few times! Music is used for celebration, ritual, healing, entertainment, and so much more! Consider the depths and heights of what there is to discover beyond popular music too: cymatics, music of the spheres/musica universalis, healing frequencies, and more! They say that the universe hums at a B flat; and the earth at a D flat… I’m such a dork, that I once wrote a song called “Heaven and Earth”, using those chords. Frequencies (as we know) profoundly impact humanity - not just mood and emotions, but also other areas of our spiritual and/or physical health. And there’s music for any occasion; any mood or vibe. I actually am such a music dork/nerd/geek, I literally have so many different playlists: • :) • :( • Love Songs • Autobiographical • Odd Meter Songs • Special Occasions • Testosterone Playlist • Songs About Cars & Driving That’s a tiny slice of playlists that my spectrumish brain came up with. Sky’s the limit. And on the note of what Music can do for us, or to us: it is certainly a double edged sword, that can either enslave you, or liberate you… Can make you happy or sad… Can have healing frequencies, or nefarious frequencies. And, of course, lyrics is its own huge topic with various stripes of profound implication and application: -Identifying with lyrics -The power of agreement with lyrics -The power of suggestion from lyrics One is wise to proceed with caution, and treat with respect the power of music… And in particular: being wary of where we align our agreement. Interestingly, we can literally resonate and/or harmonize with it, or not… If you follow me. But if you’re not careful, too much sad and depressing music can make you sad and depressed… Too much angry metal can be liable to make some folks more jacked up… If the music is drenched in a spirit of lust and sexual provocation, or innuendo, and that spirit could get on you as well! Depends on one’s spiritual state, and constitution $ fortitude. I love my Coldplay, or David Gray, when I’m introspective or sad. My Metallica and Pantera, when I want a dose of testosterone, or doing some exercise. I love listening to jazz when it snows. I love my Bob Marley when I wanna be chill. I love mellow and calming instrumental music, when I’m battling anxiety. I love classical music when I’m in a cerebral state of mind. I love CCM when I want to be inspired and encouraged, or prayer/reflection. Somethings so powerful as music, calls for a proportionate respect of its power from the user/listener/musician. I started piano as a wee lad; guitar at 14yo. Later came bass and drums. Viola in 4th grade, trombone in 5th. Even sax for a year when I was 30yo. Played in many bands. HOB the most notable venue. There’s very precious few things that I’m more grateful for than music! Too many ‘favorite’ artists to list, but here’s some off the top of my head: Phish, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson, John Mayer, Sting, Rush, Jamiroquai, Tool, STP, SRV, Steely Dan, Sade, Umphrey’s McGee, Alter Bridge, Andy Hunter, Phil Keaggy, Kirk Franklin, TobyMac, DC Talk, Earthsuit, Burlap to Cashmere, Coldplay, Doors, Andy Hunter, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Dave Brubeck, Vince Guaraldi, Don Potter, Leonard Jones, Stephane Grapelli, Victor Wooten, Chris Cornell, Myles Kennedy, Trey Anastasio, Steve Vai, Frank Zappa…….. I could go on and on and on, but here’s a few keystone thoughts for now! In conclusion. as Frank Zappa said: “Music is the best.”