Finding Peace Through Music

In a season of prayer, fasting, and global unrest, how do we find stillness? Discover the healing power of music to find peace in the storm

Life is full of paradoxes. In this season where billions of Muslim and Christian faithfuls consecrate themselves to their Maker through prayer and fasting, bombs are exploding above multiple nations and in market squares in Nigeria, striking fear and terror in the hearts of men, women and children. This season calls for sober reflection - how did we get here? Where are we headed?

I look outside my window in the UK, and see trees are beginning to bud again, in obedience to the rhythms of Spring, oblivious to the chaos and confusion. The circle of life carries on regardless. Day follows night. The morning chorus of birds awakes the dawn with precision timing. Some things don't change. Life goes on.

For millenia, music has been the medium through which humans process deep emotions that cannot be put into words. Trauma finds healing in the melody of a song, in the plucking of the guitar strings, in the tension and release of dissonant piano chords.

As the fasting season enters its final lap for Christians and as Muslims celebrate Eid today, I would like to encourage you to find peace in the midst of the storm. Allow yourself an uninterrupted five minutes to listen to gentle, calming music that is deeply meaningful to you. Close your eyes, and let the music transport you to a quiet and peaceful place. Stay there a while and soak it in, and find healing for your troubled soul. Cry if you need to. Release the tension. Drop the thoughts that weigh you down. And be still.

Come back to reality when you are ready, and continue your life's journey from a lighter, happier place. Many of the troubles we face are beyond our control, but we can control the state of our heart and emotions.

So I wish you genuine peace this season and Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating today.