The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. — Johann Sebastian Bach.
I attended a funeral yesterday and learned something I didn’t know. — J.S. Bach is the source of many delightful quotes. I was especially struck by the words “the refreshment of the soul.” I could use that today. I suspect a lot of people could use some refreshment of the soul today.
I wondered how do I gain that purification, that cleansing. Meditation is a good place to start, so would be a walk in the woods but its raining. The beaches of NC and SC are still being repaired, and my favorite classical music station is raising money. Don’t worry I’ll find some Bach on You tube or maybe pull up on iTunes and old playlist of Motown or the Beatles. Music really is a way to refresh one’s soul.
There are tons of other ways to refresh play with a child or a dog, go for a swim or a run, read an old favorite book that is so worn the pages are coming unglued. What refreshes your soul?
Whatever it is go to that place, early and often. We think about cleansing our body and mind but too often we forget to refresh our soul. I’d like to think my soul is the best part of me, I should not ignore its health anymore than my mind or body.
The weekend approaches for many find a little “soul time.”
Webb, I got a much needed refreshment of my soul yesterday via a strenuous hike on Mt. Hood… for the two hours or so in the rarified beauty at elevation, I didn’t think once about the events of the week, national politics, or any otherwise depressing events… boy, that felt good and I needed it. It helped me realize how readily I have exited from my place of balance and love to one of critical judgment of people (mostly men) who treat others poorly.
Tom, we all need to spend more time finding such places. Wish I had been with you, but I’m not sure I could make it up, and I’m sure I couldn’t make it down. Love to Casey and you. Webb