December 10, 2019
In last week’s episode, we talked about the magic and joy of Christmas music, and also the fact some of us have an emotional response to this same music that is more bitter than sweet. The holiday season can certainly magnify grief and loneliness. Last week’s episode touched on some redemptive ways to process the pain and discomfort that can be triggered by Christmas music. If you are experiencing loss and pain this holiday season, or know someone who is (I imagine all of us fall into one or both of those categories), I hope you’ll find this week’s episode encouraging in giving hope and redemption even in life’s tragedies and challenges.
Guest
Joining us today from Nashville is Steve Siler. Steve is an award winning songwriter who has had over 500 of his songs recorded in the Christian, pop, & country markets. He is also a speaker, author, and founder and director of Music for the Soul. Through his Music for the Soul work he has been called “The father of the healing Christian music movement.”
Notes
- I was introduced to Music for the Soul by a listener, and I’m so glad I was because its mission really resonated with me – it involves utilizing the power of music – and more specifically the power of a song – to be an agent of life-changing healing for those dealing with issues of trauma, grief, and other disruptive major life events.
- “Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.” Y. Harburg (wrote lyrics to “Over the Rainbow”)
- Science behind healing of music (entire brain is involved in processing); words/language processed by left side of brain; trauma resides primarily in right side of brain, also melody is processed by this side.
- Siler is the author of “Healing for the Heart: Lessons from a Life in Song,” “The Praise & Worship Devotional,” and “Music for the Soul.”
- Music for the Soul offers healing songs and other resources on challenges including: miscarriage/loss of a child, substance abuse/addiction, fear/anxiety; Alzheimer’s; body image, eating disorders, suicide; and more.
- I love Nashville — especially the food! If I had to pick a last meal, it would be the lamb shanks at Merchants (on Broadway); it was SO rich it was like eating a meal and dessert all in one. I went back the very next night and ordered the same meal because it was my last night there! I also loved Bartaco, Etch (their roasted cauliflower side), and Nashville Farmer’s Market (I had lunch at Chicago Gyro).
Improv
People tell me all the time that our songs put into music the things they feel but could never quite find the words to say. I call it “expressing the inexpressible.” I’d encourage people to find and/or think about 2 or 3 songs that articulate a “truth” or “deep emotion” for them, in a way that helps them feel known and understood. An instrumental piece can also do that too. Then, if one is feeling courageous, I’d encourage people to consider asking a few trusted friends do the same thing and then get together to share the songs with one another as a way to learn more about each other.
Connect
- Website: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Music-for-the-Soul-368271166684/
- Before We Said Hello Devotional/Journal (Book includes code to download songs “Before We Said Hello” & “Heaven’s Playground” free)
Coda
Steve shares with us Becky Nordquist’s song, “Before We Said Hello,” a song written about miscarriage and loss of a child.
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