Song and Silence

Every day it seems that there’s a new political issue, a new upset. Some leaders encourage and embolden others to insult and harm people, often for no apparent reason. Perhaps I just don't understand their strategy since much of what’s happening seems illogical, almost nonsensical.

It's a far cry from what I was taught as a child about caring for others, loving others as we love ourselves.

But I digress, since this blog/vlog is meant to provide ways for us to connect with the Holy. Today, I invite you into a musical practice, since listening to or participating in music can help us to stay emotionally regulated. To not give into fear as we live in this 2025 sea of uncertainty.

Anyone can sing, even if they don’t believe that they can. Unfortunately, some of us have been shamed for our lack of musical abilities. It is my hope that anyone who has received harmful messages about their musicality will still be open to singing as a spiritual practice. My deaf mother was in her sixties before she began singing in her non-tonal voice. But then she sang hymns joyfully at church for nearly 30 more years.

Singing, like any other prayer-from is for anyone whose heart feels invited to pray in this way.

Music has been described as the window to the soul. When I sing or witness people singing and playing their various instruments, it is easy to feel and see the truth of this. Music somehow can connect us with the Sacred, with God.

Various musical forms can inspire us, calm us, bring us to deep joy and sorrow, and can even excite or annoy us. But the focus of this week’s blog is on a song-based spiritual practice. Today’s invitation is to the practice of song and silent meditation.

Singing can bring healing to our bodies—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Its vibrational sounds move into our bodies, bringing deep inner resonance within. And music that involves repetition of words and/or phrases can bring rhythm to our breathing. These healing benefits can assist us to bring love, loving presence to this troubled world.

In the video below, guest musician Kathleen Rowlands demonstrates a repetitive song and leads us into a brief period of silence. The music is a Gaelic Chant, (see words below) by Sara Thomsen. The silence allows the music to penetrate deeper inside us.

Kathleen and I invite you to sing along as you feel so moved.

You may want to play the video several times.

Perhaps the first time it’s played, you sing simply for the joy of it.

The second time you might sing the chant as an intentional prayer.

And in a third time you may choose to pay attention to what the music does to your body, your emotions, your soul.

Afterwards, you might journal about your experience.

Spiritual Practice: Song and Silence

A Gaelic Chant, Abbey Monk version by Sara Thomsen, (for a sample or to purchase: https://abbeyofthearts.bandcamp.com/track/deep-peace)

Deep peace of the rolling waves to you.

Deep peace of the silent stars

Deep peace of the blowing air to you.

Deep peace of the quiet earth.