Formwela 1

atmosphere of temple-like calm flooding through and saturating the centrifuge of self

For memorizing, then tuning to internally (via audiation) during acute moments of stress among family, housemates, friends, lovers, colleagues, memories, self-talk, spirits, pets, or other relational dynamics generating incendiary tension. With regular use, the ear’s internal radio system will remember to tune to an atmosphere of temple-like calm, thus reminding the body of its capacity for channeling love’s cooling waters, even in the midst of heated interpersonal climates.

ingredients

– Cherukeshi Raga: offered by Ganavya Doraiswamy, this raga is used by South Indian Carnatic musicians, as an aide for someone who is anxious. It is understood to slow the heart, and ease anxiety in the listener. The way it used in this song is a much simplified approach, compared to the ways in which Carnatic singers improvise in perpetually rising, and cascading phrases.

– Ear-Worm Melody: Since the intention of this song is for it to be remembered, and heard internally (via audiation), the melody is designed for a person to remember it after hearing the song once. Drawing from Dr. Stephen Horowitz suggestions on compositional elements that contribute to a song being memorable. In this song specifically, the melody is made with short, repetitive phrases, harmonically consonant (it never goes out of the primary scale of the song).

– Visualization and Sensation prompts to encourage somatic grounding: using simple lyrics, in short phrases (as per Dr. Horowitz’s suggestion on lyrical methods that contribute to a songs memorability) the words invite the listener to connect with the earth beneath their feet, and envision and notice positive sensations in the body.

– Lyrical articulation of the musician’s salutary intention: per Dr. Norris’ guidance about the power of shared intention when working in a therapeutic context with music-therapist and client, and while sharing in a communal music listening session with an explicit healing intention, this intro invites the listener understand and – if they so choose- agree with the song’s healing intention. In this song, the intention is to internally generate and re-connect with a somatic sensation of love, calm and spaciousness.

– Sound of earth (acoustic bass) combined with sound of air (voice, and zig-zag melody pattern): Drawing from Hazrat Inayat Khan’s teachings on elemental sounds and their effect on the listener, this song combined the elemental sounds of earth and air. “The sound of earth is dim and dull and produces a thrill, activity and movement in the body. All instruments of wire and gut…represent the sound of earth”; “The sound of air is wavering, it’s form zigzag…It has a tendency to kindle the fire of the heart…” Hazrat Inayat Khan posits that “the sound of earth and air has strength and power”. The song is built with these two elemental sounds, with the intention that they might prompt in the listener -while learning the song via audio recording- a sense of strength and activity in the body, and a kindling of the heart center. -These are also the images and sensations the lyrics attempt to prompt.

credits