January 27, 2024

Quote of the Week

"I want to sing like the birds sing, not thinking about who hears or what they think" -- Rumi

When The Heart Is Filled With Song

Read this short passage from the book, 'The One-Straw Revolution' by Masanobu Fukuoka

"In raising children, many parents make the same mistake I made in the orchard at first. For example, teaching music to children is as unnecessary as pruning orchard trees. A child's ear catches the music. The murmuring of a stream, the sound of frogs croaking by the riverbank, the rustling of leaves in the forest, all these natural sounds are music -- true music. But when a variety of disturbing noises enter and confuse the ear, the child's pure, direct appreciation of music degenerates. If left to continue along that path, the child will be unable to hear the call of a bird or the sound of the wind as songs. That is why music education is thought to be beneficial to the child's development.

The child who is raised with an ear pure and clear may not be able to play the popular tunes on the violin or piano, but I do not think this has anything to do with the ability to hear true music or to sing. It is when the heart is filled with song that the child can be said to be musically gifted..." (pp17) 

–– Invite your family, children or friends to read and sit with this passage. What heart filling sounds have you recently opened yourselves to? What do sounds bring up for you? What do they hold for you? Sounds could be the silence in a temple, of insects walking through grass, of a kitchen getting ready to serve food, or a school bus driving to school, or even someone arguing, sobbing, etc. Remember sounds are powerful. So gently bring these associations in as you discuss this passage. If you feel so inspired take a nature walk with your family. Find a spot, close your eyes, and just let the sounds come to you. Don't try to recognize or name them. Just let yourself flow with them.

Reading Corner

Title: The Wild Robot (Volume 1)
Author: Peter Brown
Ages: 8 and up

Welcome your children or those around you to this robot-nature novel. Ever wondered what would an intelligent robot do in the wilderness? Would 'it' make friends, foes, or a home? Invite children to spend time with this book by Peter Brown. Even adults can enjoy -- for timely imagination! If you would like a peek into how this book came into being, read the authors reflections here.

Be the Change

Invite children to try this simple activity -- Drawing sound creatures!