Rise Again Stronger

Since my stroke music is now in technicolor..

I believe music has played an important part in my recovery and healing process. When things are down, music brings us to a better place, lifting our spirits, like a beatifully lit bridge to the other side.

It starts with the simple things, the tapping of both hands on a table then both feet on the floor then rising and swaying to the sounds and rhythms. If unable to stand and sway on your own, your hands can create positive music vibes . For me, energizing, improving physical movement, balance and thinking. There is also plenty of music therapy research for the neuroplasticity benefits, and enhancing language and motor skills.

I like to think Music is like a warm tapestry of connective humanity vibes woven together by a 500 year old saint: freedom, color , joy, energy, creation, hope, expression, humanity, artistry, light, empathy, experience, healing, pain, optimism, love, storytelling, rising (all in one) . Music is the humanity power source of healing and the community space to rise again stronger.

Musicians because I really think when they play, they find a transcendent place in the music.. Jimi Hendrix, had this concept of a “ SkyChurch” a place of music and spiritual force, uniting people of all backgrounds with music as a divine connector . Bob Marley and his One Love anthem advocating “ for togetherness in a divided world, urging people to find hope and overcome obstacles through collective action. Eddie Vedder is another voice who leads with shared humanity, unity and purpose..

Sharing my short play list. I realize music is all about personal preference.

George Harrison, My Sweet Lord, Here Comes the Sun

Bob Marley – Three Little Birds”

Rise up this morning, smiled with the rising sun
Three little birds pitch by my doorstep
Singing sweet songs of melodies pure and true
Saying, “This is my message to you-ou-ou”

Billy Joel -LullaBye, Goodnight, My Angel . “And deep inside this ancient heart. You’ll always be a part of me”

James Taylor – Something in the way she moves “If I’m feeling down and blue
Or troubled by some foolish game
She always seems to make me change my mind”. And “Sweet Baby James”.

U2 -Ordinary Love – “The sea throws rock together but time leaves us polished stones”

Bruno Mars – all things Bruno.

Ben Harper -the ethereal “Waiting on an Angel –So speak kind to a stranger,cause you’ll never know It just might be an angel come oh, knockin’ at your door”

Linda Ronstadt– classic and timeless Long..Long time

Ed Sheeran ~ Thinking Out loud

“Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Oh darling, place your head on my beating heart”

John Prine , sung by Bonnie Raitt, the storytelling of “Angel from Montgomery “Make me an angel, that flies from Montgomery, make me a poster
Of an old rodeo”

Eddie Vedder from the soundtrack Into the Wild. The song “Guaranteed” Following my stroke, my favorite song listened to daily , still do, I have a deep visceral connection to this song, more to come on this . The song is about freedom….. “On bended knee is no way to be free, lifting up an empty cup I ask silently that all my destinations will accept the one that’s me, So I can breath”

Eddie Vedder – Rise”

Gonna rise up
Find my direction magnetically
Gonna rise up

 Glen Hansard and Markéta – Falling Slowly

take this sinking boat and point it home
We’ve still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You’ve made it now

Andra Day – I’ll Rise up

I’ll rise up
Rise like the day
I’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
I will rise a thousand times again

Foo Fighters – Times like these

“I am a new day rising
I’m a brand-new sky to hang the stars upon tonight’s

It’s times like these you give and give again
It’s times like these you learn to love again”

Mozart -for the classical fans. By the time Mozart was 12 years old he had already written 10 symphonies and performed for royalty. The Marriage of Figaro and Symphony No. 41, Jupiter, Mov 4, and Requiem. I don’t know much about classical music but thought a 12 year old performing for royalty was pretty cool

“With this he will rise from the embers”

What are your favorites?

Rise Again Stronger, stay tuned for the next post