Spiritual Connections in Art - Music Edition

       I am a firm believer that humans are here for the sole purpose of creating art. Art can take many forms from a finger painting at three years old to the architecture of a grand building. Art, quite literally, has no bounds. Neither does our spiritual connection and where we find it.

         Music has a huge role to play throughout human existence. Song was one of the original ways to tell a story. There's a reason churches have choirs and hymns. Music brings us closer to the divine through melody and lyricism. Whether it's music for your deity of choice or to soothe yourself on your drive home, music is inescapable as one of the most popular art forms for human connection. Radio stations blaring our chosen jam can teleport us to a time of our youth. Music in a soundtrack of a show or movie can make or break a scene. Musicals! I think enough said.

       From an early age I sought solace in many art forms - drawing, painting, and story telling. It wasn't until I was in my pre-teen/teen years that I found a deep connection to music. I'm not musically talented by any means, but that doesn't stop me from a deep appreciation for it. Going to concerts has always  been a magical experience for me. Bumping in a crowd with loud rock music slamming your ears while people slam your back jumping  and moshing. Hot, sticky summers at Warped Tour walking around meeting new artists and listening to nonstop music blaring from every corner. It was all such a great experience as a kid. I think this when I first felt true connection to others. Listening and deciphering lyrics of people who felt the same ways as I did was just what my angsty heart needed.

        If you have ever been to a live show of your favorite artist, you may be able to relate to what I'm about to tell you. If you haven't - what are you waiting for? I think everyone should experience their favorite songs sang to them at one point in their lives. It is beyond magical.

    Now, for the experience that inspired this post (and perhaps, series). This past August I had the privilege of seeing my favorite artist, Hozier. If you noticed in my music recommendations, he is on every playlist. I have been in love with his music since his first album and finally got the chance to see him live this year. If you look at any video posted of his shows you will see that every fan agrees - it is an absolutely ethereal experience. Every person was dressed like a fae being and probably not a dry eye in that house. Hozier's lyrics speak to his fans on such a deep, poetic level that seeing him live was absolutely transcending. A lot of people joke that he is a deity or a forest king (The Bogfather so lovingly coined). For good reason, too. Listening to him sing his art, his words, to a crowd of people who just understand the assignment, was absolutely magical. The friend I had gone with, and myself, were in such a deep state of euphoria that we couldn't listen to his music without crying after that day. ​

        Music has a profound power to reach through your ears and into your soul to rip out the most vulnerable parts of ourselves. It can also be as simple as fun, jaunty times with friends. Which, in itself, is another form of spiritual connection. Music can empower us, rejuvenate us, and move us to spiritual heights. After every concert I've every attended I could feel a buzz through my whole body, a mix of the bass and adrenaline. I'm convinced this buzz is what kept me going as a teen who struggled with finding a reason.

       I hope this post connects you back to your favorite songs, past and present. If you're looking for future favorites, check out my playlists of some of my own favorites and maybe you'll find a new spiritual connection. Comment about your favorite show or favorite artists that brought on the spiritual feeling of connection for you. I love to hear about what others have experienced!