universal language

It is the one thing that incorporates science, mathematics, language, history, physical education, insight, research and art in order to create expression. It is most universal yet inexpressible. It is none other than music. - M. Slawsky

Music has brought people together time and time again, and it has been an important way for me to interact with people of other cultures. I traveled to Cambodia in summer of '09 and Togo, West Africa in summer of '10, and even though I did not really speak their languages, I knew the language of the heart and spirit, the language of music. I brought with me a harmonica and one of my friends brought a guitar and we were just there playing and dancing with the villagers who have no idea what we were singing but still danced to the rhythm and sound. And those Africans really knew how to play 'em beats! My body, mind, soul, and spirit were enjoying the deeps resonances of the djembe, conga, and their scattered singing. We didn't need much words. We communicated through our emotions in our playing, singing and dancing.

Here are some of my favorite music that have painted beautiful imageries in my mind:





There is nothing in the world that is as powerful as music. And I want to leave you with this: "When you listen, don't just let it go in and out, but tentatively listen with your heart and use your imagination to draw out the picture of the music."

It's not just music. It's food for the soul.

jw