The Sound of... Peace

Music is a powerful thing. It has the ability to connect and unite people near and far and has the uncanny nostalgic power of evoking the strongest emotions from both the best and worst moments of our life. I don't do anything without music... from getting ready for work in the morning, cleaning around the house, cooking, running, brushing my teeth before bed... you name it. Heck, I'm even listening to music right now writing this post!

But back to the emotion that music possesses. It is not too often that I tear up or cry (especially in front of people), but if I do, chances are that it is linked to the playing of music - my cousin, a violinist, performing a beautiful rendition of the Ave Maria or the result of uncontrollable chills that my body experiences from a moving musical ensemble such as the one I am sharing with you now.

Here is a YouTube music video of "Lean on Me" presented by 'Playing for Change, Song Around the World' - a group that was introduced to me on this morning's daily scroll through the Facebook newsfeed (thanks for sharing, Coach Rowe). It is an incredible production that speaks volumes. If you'd rather skip the video, my post will continue beneath it... but I truly believe that you will not be disappointed! Enjoy...

When I first watched this video and listened intently to the first musician on the street, I thought, "Well this is cool, I love street musicians." But then as more and more street musicians were added to the production from around the world, contributing music from their instrument of expertise in perfect harmony to create one fantastic masterpiece, I was in awe at the greater message that I carried away with me as the tune carried ME away.

So, here it is...

Music does not discriminate based on age, gender, nationality, race, financial status, religion, culture, language, etc. Instead, it is a tool that welcomes all... and it has the potential to be a vessel of unity between people around the world by allowing individuals to come together and celebrate, compose or perform in unified harmony... as one.

Imagine a world where people saw the souls of others instead of the color of their skin; where more emphasis was placed on the behavior of others instead of labeling them by their religious beliefs; where one's talents and abilities counted more than the amount of money they had in their bank account, etc.

As the video portrays, through this vessel called "music", everyone in every country and on every continent have talents that, when they are acknowledged, appreciated and utilized, have the power to perform impactful work for the greater good; have the power to change the world for the better.

Today, and every day forward, let us work relentlessly to see through the defining characteristics on the exterior and greatly emphasize the characteristics of the soul instead. Let us diligently work together to empower others and encourage them to use their unique and invaluable talents in conjunction with our own. Maybe then, this world will know peace. But it starts with us. It starts... with you.

God bless.

Learn more about Playing For Change here:

https://playingforchange.com