"Early one morning when the birds were singing, I had another heart in me."
-Anonymous 8-year-old
from John Fox's Institute for Poetic Medicine enewsletter, Dec. 2010
Recently, I was privileged to attend several events during GRAMMY Week in Los Angelos. After auditioning, my youngest daughter Kaia was chosen to be part of the high school jazz vocal ensemble. This was four girls and four boys chosen from across the country who came together for one week to practice (endlessly!) and then perform.
These kids had amazing experiences.
They sang back-up vocals for Sara Bareilles at a concert at USC. Bobby McFerrin scatted with them during a GRAMMY nominee's reception. They opened for Best New Artist GRAMMY award winner Esperanza Spalding at a jazz club in Seal Beach. They performed at the MusiCares gala honoring none other than Barbra Streisand.
And they got to attend the GRAMMYs.
All, I can say is, "Wow."
My daughter was in heaven and so were my husband and I as we followed the kids around like a couple of aging "groupies." Like the insightful eight-year-old who uttered the opening quote, when I heard my daughter singing, I felt like I had another heart in me.
A joyful heart.
An open, generous heart.
There is something about music, whether it is a child's voice or an early morning bird, that soothes and uplifts the human soul.
This experience reminded me about how important and healing music can be if you are grieving or anticipating a loss. So, if you are having a down day, open a window or go outside and listen to the birds. Later, turn on the radio and listen to some smooth jazz.
Find that other heart that lives inside you.
The heart that only knows love and peace and joy.
