Music therapists often encounter situations where they’re asked to provide their services or give presentations in exchange for exposure.
For too many years now, I will admit that I saw this as a negative practice. Embarrassingly, I admit that I would do almost anything to NOT have to present to my community about music therapy. Honestly, I just didn’t know how to speak from my soul on it and always felt like the time to prepare wasn’t worth it. Recently, with my internal practice of meditation, a shift in perspective has revealed to me the potential for a win-win scenario. By incorporating meaningful presentations as a central part of my business model, I believe I can seize the opportunity for growth and impact. Our Community Healing Project mindset is proving a powerful tool for raising awareness, expanding our reach, and ultimately serving the greater good in my community and beyond!
This is where this blog post on weaving sisterhood, prayer, and meditation starts…
I was asked to present for the local United Women in Faith monthly meeting on music therapy in Jackson. This group of women meets at the church where I grew up. In addition, it is composed of a high number of women who watched me grow up in Sunday school, youth group, church choir, and more! Parents of some of my best childhood friends! It felt like I was home, even though I have not attended that church in more than a decade.
I opened my presentation with a meditation for the group. This was following their opening for the meeting with bible verse and prayer. I hadn’t considered the religious perspective on meditation until the very moment I began leading a meditation with a group of spiritual women. They were open, connected, welcoming, warm, and wonderful throughout the presentation. They participated in a Guided Meditation for Women: Embracing a Rainy Day and joined in creating a beautiful sound scape of music with hand chimes, hapi drum, crystal bowls, and voice.
After the completion of the presentation, I sat down to think about the parallels and what my perspective is on Meditation vs Prayer for creating connection and wellness. Here are my thoughts…
Meditation vs. Prayer: Inner and Spiritual Connection
Meditation and prayer, two powerful practices, have long been harnessed to connect with the inner self and the spiritual realms. Both serve as conduits for individuals seeking solace, guidance, and a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. At first glance, meditation and prayer may seem divergent, but they share common threads that weave the tapestry of our spiritual journeys.
My most recent sisterhood experience was with the women in my Sonic Healing course with Kimberly Harrison-Rieli. She is the owner of Singing for Your Soul. She is a holistic vocal empowerment coach, sound healer, and so much more! This online course that I completed over the summer, connected eight women from across the United States in a virtual class that naturally combined practices together. Deep discussions were had with openness and a fully accepting space for each women to hold their own perspective on spirituality. Whether practicing christianity or not. This sisterhood was amazing and these women will have a space in my heart forever.
Meditation: A Path to Inner Connection
Meditation is a practice that allows individuals to journey inward, fostering a profound sense of inner connection. Through mindfulness and the calming of the mind, meditation provides a sanctuary for self-reflection, personal growth, and inner peace. Sound healing, often intertwined with meditation, can amplify these effects, connecting the mind, body, and spirit. For women, meditation can be a foundational space for tapping into their mission and purpose.
Prayer: Bridging the Spiritual Divide
Prayer, on the other hand, is a direct form of communication with a higher power, a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. For many, it is a means to seek guidance, offer gratitude, and find solace in times of need. Prayer can provide women with a sense of empowerment and strength, fostering resilience to tackle the world’s challenges – as stated in the Mission Statement for United Women in Faith. In some cases, prayer and meditation intersect, serving as a holistic approach to spiritual growth.
Sisterhood and Love: Weaving Women Together to Change the World
When women come together in sisterhood, they harness the power of unity and love. No matter if they are using meditation or prayer as a starting point for their journeys – the connection of women together is powerful! Their shared experiences allow them to deepen their connection with one another and, by extension, with their missions. Love becomes their guiding force, enabling them to tackle the world’s challenges with compassion, strength, and an unwavering spirit.
In the end, the choice between meditation and prayer, or the combination of both, is deeply personal. Whether seeking inner connection or spiritual guidance, women have a multitude of avenues to explore. What remains true is that love, sisterhood, and a connection to the self and the divine can serve as cornerstones for navigating life’s complexities with grace and resilience.
