Music Therapy, part 1: Receptive Aspect

What is Music Therapy?

Just like it sounds like it would be, music therapy is a healing modality based on the use of music.

Music therapy is a powerful, pleasurable and effective practice for processing, release and resolution of somatic, psychic, mental, and spiritual discomforts. It is also a satisfying, deep modality for experiencing poiesis - the creative act.

Music therapy has many dimensions and I will touch on some of them in a series of posts here.

Receptive Aspect

Receptive music therapy involves the listening aspect of sound and music - allowing the healing powers of rhythm, frequency, harmony, melody, etc to positively alter the inner, felt sense-based experience.

Crystal bowls, tuning forks, gongs and other sound healing approaches are usually used this way (assuming you’re the listener).

My invitation to you for exploring the receptive aspect of Music:

Set aside some uninterrupted time. Listen to any/all of the following musical pieces, and record whatever experiences you have with them either as written journal responses, visual art, or both.

Allow the images, sensations & impulses to move the body to flow, as well as any emotions or associations, just make a note of whatever comes up.

You are experiencing your innate, life-given musicality. This is given to you by nature, and it is an indelible part of who you are.

What moves you, what disturbs you, what stirs or rattles or pushes you to move? Which parts of your body react and respond? What happens to the stream of images in your mind’s inner eye?

Listening is the most basic aspect of music. Even people with hearing impairments benefit from music, because the whole body responds to the language of vibration.