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New research proves that music can reduce depression and pain and help people reclaim their sense of power. It has been shown to increase endorphin levels, promote healing, reduce stress—and the need for pain medications. “The healing power of music can alter our moods and body states,” says well-being coach Lynn Durham, RN. “Since ancient times, healers have used songs and chanting.” But in a world where science has established itself as the primary knowledge, “we have lost the historical thread of the arts as healers for every man,” says Carolyn Kenny, Senior Research Scholar at the Institute for Social, Behavioral and Economic Research at University of California, Santa Barbara. “In our attempts to become more and more civilized, we have stretched beyond the sacred limits of intellect and are only recently starting the journey back to center.” The need for the healing arts is particularly important in times of crises, when meaning is strength, says John Fox, author of Poetic Medicine. “And the deepest meaning is the language of dreams, symbols and archetypes. Poetry speaks this language and helps us hear meaning in illness, in the events of our lives, often for the first time. Finding such meaning feels like revelation. Like grace.” “If ever an event called for healing, strength, or grace, it was 9/11,” says writer and poet Carolyn Long. “The events of September 11, 2001, will be a part of the American consciousness forever. The lens through which we continue to view them will shape our future.” “Angels Over America,” an 8-minute memorial video incorporating images, music and poetry, is both a stirring tribute to 9/11 victims and heroes, and an artistic work whose unique metaphor offers healing perspectives on this pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Award-winning New York arranger and composer Mark Freeh produced the video from Ms. Long’s poem, “Angels Over America,” against the backdrop of powerful 9/11 images and his stirring arrangement of “America the Beautiful” and moving renditions of “Amazing Grace” and ”My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” The “Angels Over America,” poem and video can be viewed or downloaded from the website www.AngelsOverAmerica.org. A YouTube version is also linked to this site. A DVD of the video and a laminated poster of the poem, “Angels Over America,” are available from the website or by email from Carolyn@AngelsOverAmerica.com. Carolyn K. Long , author of “Angels Over America” and co-producer of the 9/11 memorial video of that name, is a professional speaker, consultant, writer and photographer, based in Columbia, MD.
The events of 911 will be a part of the American consciousness forever. How they are held there will shape our future. |