I’ve been writing a monthly newsletter since 1985, but few days have been filled with the sheer physical pleasure of being able to type my thoughts into my computer as I’m feeling right now. Two weeks ago, I fractured my right arm, and suffered a deep wound that impressed the ER doctor. I was told it would take at least four weeks to regain use of my right arm. But then something wonderful happened. If you’re on my email list, you already know some of the details. For those of you who aren’t, here is a quick recap:

On June 20th, I was rushing through my early morning “aerobic gardening” in order to get ready to co-host the worldwide “Solstice Sonics” meditation (www.worldpuja.org) with Jonathan Goldman. I was trimming some overhanging ivy in my backyard when I tripped over an unseen rock and fell backwards off the rock wall onto the rocks about two and a half feet below. The next thing I knew, I was on my back, and my right arm was bleeding.

I managed to get through the meditation event before the pain started to set in. It was a powerful experience, to know—and feel—so many people around the world focusing their attention and intention on sending prayers of peace to our planet, and to ourselves.

After the event, I headed for emergency treatment. The scientist in me wishes I had taken photos of the wound; I especially wish I had a video of how the doctor’s eyes widened when she looked in and said “Wow, I can see clear down to your bone!”

When I returned from the doctor, about the only thing I could do was to lay in bed. I quickly discovered all the everyday activities that are impossible, or at least quite challenging, with only one arm. Even watching TV was uncomfortable. I had a few moments that severely tested my faith, and I was upset at myself for creating such a painful reality.

And then, as I was laying there, an idea flashed into mind. “This might be an opportunity to experience ‘first hand’ (pun intended) the power of focused intention and prayer.” I dictated a brief announcement telling people of my predicament, and inviting prayers of healing. Just before we sent it to the list, I flashed that a key element was missing. Why not do a concerted group visualization on the “anniversary” of the accident—on the following Sunday, about the same time it happened?

We invited those we could reach through our list, and networked with some other organizations. What happened next was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life! As I wrote to the list in my thank-you note:

“… During the healing prayer at 11:00 a.m. I felt a definite heat and a gentle pulsation in my right elbow. It is impossible to tell immediately what precisely happened and how it will contribute to the healing process, but I know it’s good. I also experienced—and this took me by surprise—a very strong expansion in my heart chakra area, and I found myself feeling as if I had been in deep meditation for an hour. It was a very uplifting experience…”

When I returned to the doctor for follow-up the next week, she was astonished with the amount of healing that had taken place. She said, “This is remarkable—it boggles my mind!” I’ve never seen a deep wound like that, all of the way down to the bone, heal so quickly—I’m delighted!” (It’s always a special pleasure to present a traditional Western physician with a paradigm-blowing situation.)

I feel truly blessed to have received all the love and best wishes from so many. I even reconnected with some individuals I hadn’t been in touch with for over 25 years, but who are still using my music in their own healing work. This whole episode has given me a renewed appreciation for the mysteries of life, and the healing power of prayer.

Many of you may be aware of the great book by Dr. Larry Dossey, Healing Words, in which he summarizes the incredible body of evidence for the healing power of prayer. Obviously, I was more interested in the actual healing process than in running a double-blind controlled experiment. So I cannot say exactly how much of the healing was due to the power of my mind sending healing energy to my arm, vs. the group energy, vs. the music, vs. the nutritional, herbal and homeopathic supplements I took. And of course, on one level, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that the combination worked! On the other hand, is there a lesson that could be helpful to others that they could apply in their own life? I certainly believe so.

A Note on the Healing Power of Music

During my recovery, I listened to Chakra Suite, my newly re-recorded Enhancing Self-Healing (with subliminal affirmations) and Singing Bowls of Shangri-La. These soundscapes were the most soothing for my shocked nervous system and body.

On several occasions, I “listened” in another way that you might find intriguing—I was able to position my right elbow against the stereo speaker, and feel the vibrations of the music directly on my arm through the bandages and sling. I recalled receiving letters over the past 30 years, of people whose dog or cat would wrap themselves around a speaker when Spectrum Suite was playing. I witnessed this at a friend’s house once myself; her cat actually got up when the album was over. As an experiment, we replayed my album, and her cat immediately crawled back over to the speaker and curled around it!

If you’ve never listened to music in this manner, you might be surprised at how good it feels. Of course, many people discovered the bone conduction pleasures of loud music during the ’60s, by standing in front of the speakers in concerts. This is a much more therapeutic application. You may have seen ads for “sound beds” that make use of this modality. But even as a do-it-yourself practice, it may be interesting to explore your reactions. Different compositions will orchestrate your nervous system in different ways. The journey is an interesting one.

Until next time, beware of unexpected rocks, keep some healing music in your life, and stay tuned!

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Steven Halpern is one of the world’s leading composers of music for healing, wellness, and inner peace. His recordings combine ancient principles of sound healing, the healing powers of Mother Earth, and state of the art recording technology. His latest releases are Crystal Bowl Healing and Ocean Suite. His brand new release, Healing Songs of Earth and Sky, features Chief Sonne Reyna, traditional Sundancer. It is a cross-cultural landmark recording that bridges traditional Native American healing songs and prayers with stirring contemporary arrangements. To join Steve’s email list, go to www.stevenhalpern.com.

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