Everything Must Go
I can’t thank you enough for the kind responses to my last newsletter. Reading them felt like a warm hug during this winter slump.
That, and choral music.
Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of choral music, and it’s been soothing my soul in ways I didn’t even know I needed.
Choral music is in my DNA. I wouldn’t be surprised if I was humming along in utero. Every Sunday night, my dad’s chamber chorale rehearsed in our house, and the sound of harmonizing voices filled the air.
As soon as I could carry a tune (and long before I could read music), I joined in. The whole family got involved at one point or another. Renaissance and Baroque pieces, Flemish folk songs, contemporary works - those melodies became part of who I am. I still know so many of them by heart and my sister and I will sing our list of favorites whenever we get together.
It’s funny how you take something for granted while it’s happening, and you only later on recognize it as one of the greatest gifts of your childhood.
When I moved to the U.S., I kept finding choirs wherever we lived - Arizona, New Jersey, Florida. I sang all the way up to when I was about to give birth to my youngest daughter, Kate. That’s when I stopped. Life got busy.
Kate is turning 18 next week. It’s time to get back to it. I miss it.
That’s how I found myself on the edge of my seat for hours the other day, lost in the search for a new choral home. I browsed local groups, listened to online recordings, and discovered the vast and wondrous world of choral music streaming.
Some pieces were brand new to me. Others heartbreakingly familiar. As I listened, I felt myself open and expand. And I knew: with music like this in the world, I’m okay. Everything is okay - even when it’s not.
Listen to one of my favorite songs by contemporary Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, Northern Lights.
What About You?
What’s your go-to music when your soul needs soothing? Do you sing along, even if it’s just in your head? It’s one of the loveliest ways to activate the vagus nerve. There’s truly no way to feel anxious while singing!
As always, I’d love to hear what moves you and what’s inspiring you lately. Your notes mean the world to me, so please keep them coming.
Much warmth,
Mary
