Healing Muses

"My mom was in distress and we thought she was very close to death. We were so upset. Then you came. The nurse said my mother's blood pressure dropped back into the calm zone while you played the harp. I wish you could stay longer.."

"There is a challenge in developing the flexibility needed for this work: each time being ready for a different mood of the room, of the level of stress or relaxation, choosing where to place oneself (literally or figuratively), what kind of music to play at any given moment, trying to figure out how to be present but not in the way, and how to facilitate something that could resemble a healing atmosphere."

The mom of a young male patient fell asleep waiting for him. He was particularly delighted to discover her asleep. He says the music is calming and trance-like and profoundly stabilizing, and that he is convinced of the healing effects of listening to live music.

We talk more about music and life. He has the most wonderful laugh and seems to hold a positive charge even after a difficult appointment. "Now play something calming to make me sleep, too." he requests. I feel I am the one being gifted by his presence.

Patrice Haan