Jon Kabat-Zinn* reminds us to live mindfully by “coming to our senses:” focusing on what’s going in our heart-mind and the world around us in this moment. Again and again, as the thinking mind jumps from one stimulant to the next, we can learn to redirect our attention to NOW — and each time we do this, our lived experience is enriched.
Which brings me to a letter** written by Helen Keller (1880–1968), the author, political activist, and first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree. One day in 1924, after listening to a live radio broadcast of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, she sent this letter of thanks to the orchestra (www.lettersofnote.com). “Dear Friends,” she writes,
“I have the joy of being able to tell you that, though deaf and blind, I spent a glorious hour last night listening over the radio to Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony.” I do not mean to say that I ‘heard’ the music in the sense that other people heard it; and I do not know whether I can make you understand how it was possible for me to derive pleasure from the symphony.
[…] Last night, when the family was listening to your wonderful rendering of the immortal symphony someone suggested that I put my hand on the receiver and see if I could get any of the vibrations. He unscrewed the cap, and I lightly touched the sensitive diaphragm. What was my amazement to discover that I could feel, not only the vibrations, but also the impassioned rhythm, the throb and the urge of the music! The intertwined and intermingling vibrations from different instruments enchanted me. I could actually distinguish the cornets, the roll of the drums, deep-toned violas and violins singing in exquisite unison. How the lovely speech of the violins flowed and plowed over the deepest tones of the other instruments!
[…] As I listened, with darkness and melody, shadow and sound filling all the room, I could not help remembering that the great composer who poured forth such a flood of sweetness into the world was deaf like myself. I marvelled at the power of his quenchless spirit by which out of his pain he wrought such joy for others—and there I sat, feeling with my hand the magnificent symphony which broke like a sea upon the silent shores of his soul and mine.”
Click here to read the letter in full.
There are many recordings of Beethoven’s Ninth. May I suggest you put the time aside to sit quietly, as if meditating, with eyes closed, and listen to this version conducted by Leonard Bernstein in 1989 to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall.
*Kabat-Zinn, J. (2006). Coming to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World Through Mindfulness. Hyperion.
**Usher, S. (May, 2014). Letters of Note: An Eclectic Collection of Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience. Chronicle Books.
Image credit: Sonification
One of my favourite pieces of music. Thank you for the reminder Peter. Joy and freedom are all around us in this very moment.
Dear Peter, What a delightful message greeted me this morning. Thank you. How wonderful to be reminded by the indomitable Helen Keller that even without the senses we think so important – hearing and sight – our world is full of experiences of delight.
Last night, during Earth Hour, I turned off all the lights and set a row of candles along the mantel and more on the table beside me. I thought to continue reading but discovered it’s not enough light for these old eyes. Yes, the PVR was quietly recording a favourite program and I sent a few emails first; not totally free of the electric world! But then I just sat and watched the light flicker on the walls and ceiling. Listened to this old house mutter and complain. My room was filled with flickering shadows and tiny sounds. I thought of all my foremothers sitting like this in the dark watching flame of candle or fire. And was grateful that I’ve learned to just sit and be aware for part of an hour without needing to be busy every moment. Thank you.