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03Mar, 2020

Incorporating Music Into Spiritual Practices

Posted by : Universal Life Church Ministry Comments Off on Incorporating Music Into Spiritual Practices
One of the reasons music is so powerful is because it can create a physical response.
If you are trying to find new ways to connect with your spiritual side, incorporating music is a wonderful idea.

Music is a powerful force. As far back as recorded history goes, humans have been using an array of methods to create song. Of course, people are not unique in this habit. From the chirpy tweets of birds to the haunting songs of whales deep in the sea, music can be found everywhere. Even a single blade of grass can have a song coaxed from it when the wind passes by in the right way. If you are trying to find new ways to connect with your spiritual side, incorporating music is a wonderful idea. 

There are a number of different ways to use the power of music to your advantage. Consider these suggestions to find a method that appeals to you.

Poetry in Motion

A beautiful way to use music to connect with your spiritual side is by writing a song. If you have no experience in this department, your first thought might be that this activity isn’t for you. Before you make this assumption, however, think about the core components of a song. First, you have the lyrics. Think of this as writing a poem. It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, just a few stylized sentences about whatever topic you wish. Next, you need a melody. To make life easy, you can start with emulating a tune you already know.

Take a simple melody from a nursery rhyme or pop song and put your poem to the tune. As you repeat the lyrics over and over, you may start to notice where you can make adjustments. Eventually, you’ll start to develop a more original melody to go with your words. This entire process can be therapeutic and calming to the soul. Don’t stress about whether or not you’re suited for songwriting. Just pick up a pen and some paper and write down whatever words you’re feeling. 

Move Your Body

One of the reasons music is so powerful is because it can create a physical response. In most cases, the reaction is to get up and dance. There are plenty of reasons to dance. Even if you have nowhere to move your body except your own bedroom, there are many benefits that come with dancing. When you move your body to music and lose yourself in the rhythms, you enter a state of clarity. You aren’t thinking about the song or following any dance steps, so your mind is free to experience the moment unfiltered.

Many people compare the art of dancing to a holy experience. Whether you are alone or in a group, home or at a club, finding a reason to dance can boost your spirits. Plus, studies have shown that dancing is actually a great workout and can benefit the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. What’s more, dancing triggers your brain to release uplifting hormones like serotonin, which can literally put you in a better mood. 

Use Your Brain

Creating a song or moving your body to dance are only some of the ways to use music in your spiritual journey. If you have a curious mind, you may want to explore music from a more academic perspective. Listen to some of your favorite songs and really dig into the meaning behind the lyrics or the various musical styles being utilized on an album. As you explore more about the topic, you may find yourself making all sorts of interesting connections about your own life. Put on a pair of headphones and have some fun with musical analysis.

Music can be an invaluable resource to those who are in need of a bit of a spiritual boost. If you are looking for better ways to connect with yourself, explore what music can offer. Discover a method that works for you, and see what benefits it can bring to your life.

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