Music to Soothe Your Soul
June 22, 2010 by Káren Wallace
Filed under Spa Space
This month, I have been in need of soothing.
Not the soothing of a facial or massage. Nor the soothing of good food, good company, good wine.
Something… different. Something… deeper.
Prayer. Yes.
Sometimes, simply escape into a good book.
Often, a hug.
And there have been many moments when music was the soothing mechanism of choice. Often accompanied by the soft click click of my knitting needles. Knitting has become a form of moving meditation for me, never more needed than this last month.
Today, I’d like to share, not my knitting patterns, but my music choices when my heart aches.
Music to Soothe Your Soul
Deva Premal – Embrace
I love Deva and Miten – an incredibly talented duo. Anything with their name on it will soothe and calm, while at the same time uplifting your heart and attuning you to the rhythms of the universe. I’ve chosen Embrace as it is simply what I am listening to as I write this. Amazing.
Medwyn Goodall – Medicine Woman
Again, once you discover someone like Medwyn Goodall, you’ll want to listen to everything he produces. But Medicine Woman was my first introduction, and with Medicine Woman II, remains my favourite.
Out Of Africa – Soundtrack
It may seem a bit weird to have a soundtrack to a movie in this list, but please bear with me. Many years ago, I read Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance – A Daybook Of Comfort And Joy
If I ever feel I’m getting too cerebral, thinking too much, this music helps me to inhabit my body again, and to connect to the earth. Definitely one to add to your collection.
Il Divo – The Promise
I am, quite unashamedly, a fan of Il Divo. Their soaring harmonies are a balm to my soul. My favourite track on this album is Hallelujah. Not sung in English, it’s easy to get lost in the melody, the glorious voices, the rhythm. The heart of the song. Check out this clip of them singing Hallelujah at the Coliseum (my gift of soothing to you today…)
Your Turn
What music do you turn to, when your heart is aching and you’re in need of soothing? Do share in the comments below…
Source of photo at top: _6042402 by IAN Chen
Yes it’s sometimes only music that can soothe the soul. Interestingly I have just recently bought kd Langs double CD of her hits. And oh the goosebumps as that mellow-like-good-red-wine voice climbs up and down Hallelujah as well! I think there’s something about the song. I’m not always a fan of leonard Cohen but that song is sublime! Especially some of the covers of it by artists like these!
Thank you for such a beautiful, soothing gift, Káren. The harmonious voices of the four Il Divo men give me goosebumps, every time I hear them.
I agree with Chris in her discription of KD Lang’s voice, so smooth and easy to listen to. Another smooth and soothing voice is Helmut Lotti, who’s concert are often on the Ovation channel.
The CD I have playing on repeat in my car just now is Chimney’s Afire, by Sydney singer Josh Pyke. All of the songs on his CD are related to the ocean. Just beautiful.
My mother’s funeral was last Wednesday and we played kd Langs cover of Hallelujah – it’s hard not to be moved by the song, music, voice – just beautiful.
I listen to Enya, but will certainly go try out the “Out of Africa” CD (living in Africa myself!!), as well as KD Lang album.
When I was ’sad’or even ‘depressed’ as a teenager I used to listen to Bruce Springsteen especially “Badlands, Thunder Road, Racing on the streets” – most songs from the 1977 album “Darkness on the edge of town” and till today, it lifts me despite it’s ‘depressing’ titles….
Sometimes silence is the best soother for me though, especialy when my mind is running around like a roller coaster …but being a working mom and mother it takes several days to try get that silnece to ‘penetrate’ the roller coaster and hat’s when Enya helps most…
Diane
How beautiful that Hallelujah must have been when played at the celebration of your mother’s life! 36 years after my father’s funeral, there is a song I cannot hear without being back at that graveside. It has bittersweet connections!
LG! My hubby and kids and numerous friends and relatives give me so much crap for my addiction to Enya! Listening to Enya is one of the most soothing things I can do for myself.
Cheers Chris
Chris – I’ve not heard the kd lang version of Hallelujah, so it’s now definitely on my list! Thanks for sharing it.
Joanne – I know that goosebumps feeling too. Thanks for sharing Helmut Lotti and Josh Pyke – I’m definitely going to look them up!
Diane – I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. My mother’s funeral was 3rd June. I feel for you, and hope you find some solace and soothing in beautiful music, as I have. Hugs to you xx
LG – ahhh, Enya is a fitting addition indeed to the list of soothing music (in fact, if that list had been longer, Enya would be next)! And who better to soothe away teenage angst than the Boss!