The Practice--Music and Memory
By Patricia Herlevi Every song we've ever heard has a memory or memories attached to it. Some songs remind us of first loves, choosing a partner to dance with at a middle school sock hop, or college graduation. Some songs remind us of weddings we attended or scenes from favorite movies, while other songs cause our hearts to ache with the memories that surface. As to be expected, we gravitate towards songs with happier memories or that relax us some way or lull us into daydreams. But, the songs with painful memories attached claim treasures too. In fact, they act as a treasure map to our wounded places where we shed new light if we choose. When we head over to these wounds, we give ourselves the opportunity to clear away old beliefs, patterns and the root of grief and depression. Perhaps, these songs lead us to the releasing of repressed anger or sadness. I recommend working with a music therapist when dealing with deep wounds or deeply repressed emotions. In the mean