“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.”
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I might suggest a couple of other things to feed the creative spark: write a poem; take a photograph; and, if you’re musically inclined, play or write a little song.
I’ve been reminded this week of the power of music. The right music at the right time can touch something deep within. It can help us identify and express that which we struggle to put into words. Its soothing melody has the ability to impart the whisper of the Divine into our heart.
I am not musically inclined. Like my dad used to say, the only thing I know how to play is the radio. (And, in my case, the CD player and the music app on my phone.) I once dabbled at the piano but haven’t touched the keys for many years. I expect I could still clumsily pick out a tune, but nothing that would soothe anyone.
Ah, but God has gifted this world with those who speak music more eloquently than I could ever dream of doing and many are willing share their gift with anyone who has an ear, and a heart, to hear. This week I sat with music and wept. And prayed. And found comfort.
I couldn’t agree more and you’ve expressed it so beautifully! Exploring our own special creativity can be very fulfilling. Recently dabbling with acrylic paint and on another occasion meandering through a local art gallery lifted my spirits and infused me with new energy. My husband’s health has been tenuous in the last couple of years. Sometimes stable, but at other times anything but. This situation regularly affects my emotions and I’ve found that singing can also lift me out of my doldrums and worries. I recently ordered several CDs of the 1960s folk songs I loved years ago. I can’t wait for them to arrive!
Au, you’ve found the healing balm of music too, Kas. Art too, as you say, can be a beautiful way of expressing those things that words sometimes can’t. I feel blessed to be at the stage in my life where I have time to explore these things.
Music…clarinet, flute, drums in school. I can still make a paradiddle with two wooden spoons. I took piano in later years, and then lost my keyboard in the flood. I have another keyboard now, but haven’t had the time for piano…what with working, school, writing, tap. But It’s still in the back of my mind. I admire people that can make music!
Wow Karen! You’re definitely multi-talented. What a gift!
Love that word paradiddle. It’s a new one to me!