Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

I am trying to develop a more healthy spiritual life but continue to be turned off by organized religions as well as by some New Age thinking. The times I feel closest to the God of my understanding are when I am playing my French Horn. Can you give me some guidance?

Answer

I think you are more on track spiritually then you realize. First of all, music is a powerful spiritual experience. In many ways, it may be a very accessible doorway to the mystical dimension.

Second, people in the healing professions are just beginning to become aware of the healing potential of music. Physician Bernie Siegel has recommended the use of calming music while patients are under anesthesia in surgery. There is even a program in Montana which is utilizing ancient Gregorian music to ease the passing of the terminally ill.

Third and most important, suppose that creation didn't stop after seven days? Suppose that God's creative energy is still active and that part of our calling is to participate in God's ongoing creation? Musicians such as you would certainly be much closer to the center of such ongoing creation.

So I would say relax and enjoy the spiritual experiences your music gives you. I suspect that, were you to talk about how you feel when you play, it would sound very much like a description of prayer.

03/15/98

Richard B. Patterson is a clinical psychologist in private practice in El Paso, TX. He is the author of three books on psychology and spirituality.