After last week’s post around the song lyric, “Don’t worry, be happy!”, I have been contemplating how music can relate to ‘better endings.’ Here is a list of ten more songs that come to mind as songs that foster ‘better endings”:
Over the Rainbow (esp. as sung by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole)
Higher Ground (Barbara Streisand)
The Impossible Dream (from Man of La Mancha)
Imagine (John Lennon)
The Long and Winding Road (Paul McCartney)
The Highland Journey Home (as sung by MiMi Faithwalker and Amazonah Elam)
Winter Into Spring (piano, George Winston)
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (Barbara Streisand)
Bridge Over Troubled Waters (Simon and Garfunkle)
Michael, Row the Boat Ashore (Peter, Paul and Mary)
Every one of these songs has an alchemical quality that transforms the state of consciousness of the listener. When I reflect about what these sorts of songs have in common I realize they move me—often with motion themes, or they are emotionally moving—and they lift me, as a listener, to greater heights of vision, hope, healing, or love.
Music can be therapeutic, illuminating, supportive, freeing of our deepest heart’s desires. We listen when we want to gain a higher perspective or to reinforce unconditional love despite the hardships and troubles of the boxes we may feel ourselves bound to in our day-to-day life. In those boxes we may learn the lessons, gain the experience we need to pursue our dreams and develop our Soul; but the music is available always, to lift us up, to give respite, to remind us that we are so much more than whatever immediate circumstances we endure.
So, find a song or music that helps you to find your Shangri-La, your better endings. Even as I write I am listening to my favorite, Loreena McKennitt celtic music station on Pandora. The song I am listening to, “Into the West” by Annie Lennox (theme song for The Return of the King), transports me. Have a listen!
Music that Lifts the Soul
Make a list of songs or music that transports you to ‘higher ground.’ Write in your Better Endings Journal (any looseleaf journal) about how this music inspires you. Listen to a song or two, reflect on how it helps you to find greater calm, contentment, or wisdom.
Better Endings 