Music as Spiritual Practice

by Rev. Tom Ryberg

“Sit in the most comfortable position you can find. Close your eyes and let your breathing settle into long, slow cycles. Start humming whenever you wish on the pitch most comfortable to you...”-- From Humming (1972) by Annea Lockwood

During my music composition studies at Oberlin, I had the opportunity to participate in a “free improvisation” group. We met a couple times weekly and basically practiced making weird noises together. About eight of us would spend hours interpreting experimental musical compositions for which the directions included things like, “play a vibration in the rhythm of your body,” or “play a vibration in the rhythm of your heart,” or “play a vibration in the rhythm of your breathing.” I’m not making this up.

Sometimes, we played real instruments like piano and violin. Sometimes, we made noise with inanimate objects like music stands and chairs. Every time, we listened carefully to one another so that our individual offerings could combine well into the greater whole.

Often, when people start improvising together for the first time, it’s pretty cacophonous. Everyone is preoccupied with trying out their own sounds. It’s a lot of people making simultaneous noise, but not necessarily together. Not necessarily sharing time and space. But over time, two essential things happen: first, the improvisers become increasingly confident in the sounds they have to offer. And second, they become more aware of the greater whole, the what the group is composing around them. Putting these things together, you have people who are making intentional, meaningful contributions, and also leaving space for others to make theirs.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but these very principles are absolutely essential when it comes to nurturing good, holistic community...like church. Whether participating in a small group, a group prayer, or preparing to pledge, each of us are invited to offer a meaningful contribution out of our unique gifts - while also being mindful of and making room for the needs of the greater community beyond us. We offer the best we can muster, individually. And we are attuned to the church beyond, and we listen to God beyond as well.

Since the beginning of February, about a dozen brave souls have gathered in the Miller Chapel at 6:30 on Wednesday nights, to explore “music as spiritual practice.” Join us, and join in the practices of holistic community.