Sacred Healing Sound

By Bret W Holmes

When I was living alone in a 10?X12? cabin in Vermont. I would play my guitar for hours. I would play to the wind. I would compose with the rain and perform for Barred Owls. The was the most peaceful canvas I could find to paint the sacred sounds that made me feel truly alive.

I was suffering from Bells palsy and a constant headache that came with it due to some complications. This was a 6 YEAR headache. I was truly crippled by the pain. I went to western doctors, acupuncturists, herbalist, homeopathic healers, dentists, eyes ear nose and throat specialists. These were no answers. I would take all kinds of over the counter pain killers. to dull the deep piercing pain I was feeling. The only real relief came from playing guitar. My headaches were sound sensitive. certain sounds would rip through my mind and rattle my brain. So.. a little cabin in the woods was the perfect place for me. I carried in my own water, had no electricity, and built a outdoor stove with fieldstones, so I could cook over an open fire. Mostly I was playing music. When I put my head against the body of the guitar and played. The tones and scales would ease my headaches. This was my version of music therapy.

After several years, I had a wisdom tooth removed and that helped relieve some of the pain in my head. I had recovered enough, so that I could start to live “normally” again. I played music with others, formed bands, and co-created a live music venue that was dedicated to acoustic, healing, world music. I still love music and play constantly and continue to find new ways to develop my skills, ear and compositions.

But, I will never forget the music I played on that hilltop. I was playing for myself and the great spirit.

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