My beliefs

Thoughts on a Friday night.

I don't spend a lot of time on regrets. You play the cards you're dealt in life, and sometimes the hand you hold isn't much, and all too often we don't play those hands very well anyway. We are but humans after all, stumbling along through this life, trying to understand what the hell it's all about, and berating ourselves for the stupid bloody mistakes we seem to persist in making.

But I will permit myself one regret, and one only. And that is that I never learnt music. I did teach myself to play the harmonica, and a button accordion. But I never learnt music. So, I made sure that my kids had the opportunity to do so. Their teacher was a little old lady who lived around the corner. She only charged a token amount. She prepared them for eisteddfords, knowing full well that they would never make the effort required to win one. But she tried. Because she loved music. And she loved our kids. She was one of those rare Christians, who actually tried to live as one. No wonder the kids loved her. She's gone now. If there is a Heaven, Mrs H. then I know you'll have made it.

I'm sitting here listening to Chopin. And the thought comes to mind. Just why do we like music? Everyone does. It is the one thing that unites every human, albeit in different forms. As always, I consulted Wikipedia, and this is what they have to say:

The broadest definition of music is organized sound. There are observable patterns to what is broadly labeled music, and while there are understandable cultural variations, the properties of music are the properties of sound as perceived and processed by humans.

A more conservative definition would be: Music is harmonious sound created by the playing of instruments or use of vocals as a whole or individually. It is a direct expression of human emotions designed to manipulate and transform the emotion of the listener/listeners. Music is designed to be felt unlike sound which is heard.

So, there's that word "emotions" again. It seems to me that emotions are what makes us enjoy life, or otherwise. Maybe it's time I went back to Wikipedia to find out more about emotions.

Could it be that our emotions are actually the way we communicate with the cosmic conciousness? I have always had this feeling that there is something beautiful and mysterious reaching out to us, but we have just not discovered how to respond....yet.

Maybe music is the language of the universe. How wonderful it would be if it is.

:-)

{ 2:21 AM, 21/10/2006 } { Posted by rrmakepeace }

I read your blog on my laptop screen. And I am wondering what kind of music I would be listening now if this blog can record your thoughts and emotions as music...

Hi Rachel

{ 7:02 AM, 21/10/2006 } { Posted by snowy }

Something to think about, isn't it.

I think the music would be rather sombre this morning after. :o)

Take care.

Humming along...

{ 5:30 PM, 21/10/2006 } { Posted by rainy }

May be that's where that saying comes from. I think we are all 'in tune' with nature and that's why if you get too far away from nature, you feel 'out of tune' or 'sorts'.

Just a thought.

hey

{ 7:25 PM, 21/10/2006 } { Posted by catdog }

It's funny though how different music styles speak to various people. There are a couple of songs I can listen to and they bring tears to my eyes but when I plug the earphones into my friend and tell her to listen to the song, she doesn't get the same effect. cat.

Something to think about alright, Rainy and Cat.

{ 1:28 PM, 22/10/2006 } { Posted by snowy }

I suppose Thoreau had it right about marching to the beat of a different drummer.

But why? Why does music have such an impact on our emotions, and why do we respond differently to different music, and for that matter, why do individuals respond to different music dependant on their moods?

I suppose someone has the answers. Back to Google, I guess. But maybe it should wait until Friday night. That's when I seem to do most of my deep and meaningful stuff. Coincidentally, it's also beer night...

Hi Again Snowy

{ 2:11 AM, 23/10/2006 } { Posted by rrmakepeace }

I prefer to enjoy music as music. But if you must find the reason why different music impress differnt people and different mood, my amateur answer is this.

Each musical note or tone is created by a wave/vibration of energy. (Have you noticed orchestra people tuning their instruments to each other? They are adjusting the wave to agree each other.) When you create two different notes, those make harmony if the waves are similar or symmetrical. When these waves crashes each other, it creates noise. (In modern classical music, they purposely creates this noise affect. But that is a different story...)
People's emotion also creates wave of energy.
When the waves of musical notes and people's emotion create harmony, we feel the love to the particular music.

I'm not sure if I explain it ok as I studied music in Japanese not in English. And I just made up the answer. So you still need to check your trusting internet on Friday night. :-)

I was bit worried that your spirit was playing somber music. I hope you are playing bit happier one today.

Love
Rachel

Thanks Rachel

{ 4:56 AM, 23/10/2006 } { Posted by snowy }

I think you're near the money. The universe is energy, after all, and it is true that some wave lengths harmonise, and some don't.

Food for thought next Friday night. I have much to learn. <sigh>

And yes, thanks, I'm much more in harmony with the universe this Monday morning. I see where other whitepagers are all still in bed. I would be too if I hadn't had to drive our younger son to the bus at 5am.

Peace.


Edited by snowy on 22/10/2006 at 1:46 PM

The Magic of Music

{ 8:21 AM, 22/1/2007 } { Posted by bevtang77 }

Hi there
<br>
<br>I agree with you that Music is like a universal language that can transcend all barriers and be enjoyed by all people. I have been a lover of music all my life . That is why I have devoted my whole career to it because it is one of my passions. I am a singer songwriter but also a piano teacher.
<br>
<br>I encourage you that it is never too late to learn a musical instrument. There are many mature aged people who take up a musical instrument and do very well. It is all about commitment. I am also doing a goals course called Goals 2 Go which helps people fulfil all their personal and lifelong dreams and desires. It costs a bit each month but it is helping me to achieve my life long dreams
<br>
<br>Yes I am one of those Born again Christians who tries to live like a Christian. I\'m not perfect, but I hope you won\'t hold this against me. You are welcome to explore my blog at http://blognow.com.au/Bevsbreakthrough/ or my website www.bevsnewworld.com if you wish.
<br>
<br>Hence my view on the purpose of life is to
<br>\"Glorify God our Maker\"
<br>
<br>Cheers and Have a Great Day
<br>Bev

Thanks for your comments, Bev

{ 4:07 PM, 22/1/2007 } { Posted by snowy }

And for your encouraging words.