In the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, it's still hard to focus fully on "business as usual." I'd like to begin by sending a prayer for the victims and their families, and to all the incredible rescue workers.

In the midst of the shock and chaos, music played--and continues to play--an important role in the healing process. Please take a moment and reflect on your reactions to the wide range of songs and styles. Do any specific songs stand out for you?

As we reflect on the synergistic poignancy of the combination of words and music as well as the ineffable upliftment we can experience with pure instrumental music, the healing power of music is clear.

When I watched the incredibly coordinated telethon, many of the songs brought back strong memories as soon as I heard them. I'm sure you experienced the same phenomenon. Added to that, the powerful performances and the ceremonial candle-lit setting created a cultural phenomenon that we as yet have no way of fully appreciating.

Mythologically speaking, it reminded me of what might have transpired at the ancient Greek Mystery Rites at Eleusis. Rarely have so many people been focused simultaneously on the same thing. Think about how powerful that mindfield could be if we focus that energy for peace and understanding.

James Redfield and Larry Dossey, MD, discuss that potential in their recent books, Secrets of Shambhala and The Power of Prayer, respectively. I recommend them highly to you.

It's also more than a coincidence that most music is currently outlawed in Afghanistan by the Taliban. If you remember the scene in the classic film about the mystic philosopher and teacher, Gurdjieff, the music of this area is some of the most spiritually uplifting on the planet.

As we've reported before, certain governments in Southeast Asia and elsewhere have banned a broad spectrum of rock and pop music, but I don't know of any society that has ever banned music per se. I'll let you draw the inference to lack of music, lack of humanity, lack of soul.

The American Music Therapy Association issued a touching position statement affirming the need and the value, more than ever, of working in these related fields. This may now be a time to look into their work, or that of other therapeutic sound workers.

Reflecting for a moment on the impact that a song can have, consider that the patriotic sentiment has made an eighteen year old ballad one of the nation's most requested songs. God Bless the U.S.A., Lee Greenwood's ode to American freedom has enjoyed not just increased radio presence, but a phenomenal sales boost as well. It's clear that the song touches people in a deep way. It is encouraging that so many are bringing the CD into their homes and will listen, therapeutically, in a way they may never have done before.

Along similar lines, Whitney Houston's stirring rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner is also being re-released as a CD-single. It still sends chills up my spine. Imagine Francis Scott Key checking it out from whatever dimension he might be inhabiting at this time.

Next month, I'll discuss music for hospice, crossing over, and to help heal grief. You may wish to audition Graceful Passage at your local retailer. This spoken audio and music CD includes inspirational passages by Ram Dass, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and many others from an interfaith perspective. [See www.lightworks.com for a review in The Monthly Aspectarian of July, 2001.]

I'd be interested in hearing from you what music you have found most healing in these challenging times. You may write to me in care of this column.

Until next time, be well.