Building connection through art and music

5 June 2024

More and more it seems to me that connection is the key to creating a world of kindness, compassion and positive change. In an increasingly disconnected world, it can be really hard to stay connected, particularly when times are tough. Since the beginning of humanity we have turned to music and art to comfort, soothe, mourn, unite and celebrate. For those days when feeling seen, heard and understood by others feel far away, music and art help us to connect to ourselves, to human experience, and to the world around us.

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Connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.

More and more it seems to me that connection is the key to creating a world of kindness, compassion and positive change.

In an increasingly disconnected world, it can be really hard to stay connected, particularly when times are tough.

Since the beginning of humanity we have turned to music and art to comfort, soothe, mourn, unite and celebrate.

For those days when feeling seen, heard and understood by others feel far away, music and art help us to connect to ourselves, to human experience, and to the world around us.

Below you will find a poem by Mary Oliver and a song by Mama Kin, Spender that reflect upon and support connection. They offer an invitation into connection for you.

Are there music, poetry, art, books, or films that help you to reconnect to yourself, to others or to where you are?

'Wild Geese' by Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting - over and over announcing your place in the family of things.

'Underground' by Mama Kin, Spender

How can you use art and music for connection?

It's likely that you already have music, books, films, places that support you.

Sometimes it's just a matter of being purposeful about how you intentionally use these resources as support.

For example:

  • create a playlist for particular moods or needs
  • are there specific films that offer comfort? allow you to laugh or cry? help your mood or experience to feel seen and validated?
  • are there artists that remind you of who you are or important core beliefs about yourself?
  • Are there local choirs, art classes, pain and sip classes, film groups that you can join to connect with your interest, and others?

Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions here.

The need for connection in which growth is a priority is the core motivation in people's lives. In growth-fostering relationships, people are able to bring themselves most fully and authentically into connection.

Judith Jordan

Related Resources

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