‘Suspended God: Music and a theology of doubt’ by Maeve Louise Heaney (2022)

This book opened by eyes to the usefulness of music to fill the void that doubt plays in the minds and hearts of us who are craving the spiritual. It discusses a number of important voices in the church like Karl Rahner and St Teresa of Avila. I haven’t finished it yet but it’s actively causing my mind to crave its discussions within its pages.

Music to ‘colour my world’ – thanks to Coldplay for the phrase!

It’s so inspiring to hear of the cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason (of Meghan & Harry’s Royal Wedding fame) to be going back to study after performing at that extravagant wedding. I feel now inspired to pursue both music and study but I’ll have to make time. I used to be part of a community orchestra as cellist ( and earlier as saxophonist) till Covid hit home. I’m busy now with full time work (typing) so my fingers are otherwise occupied and my arms tired at the days end. I would like to go back. The orchestra members say they keep a chair out for me waiting till I return. There’s nothing better than feeling wanted and part of the music flow & ebb. Ps. I play just for the term to feel with and play the music week by week is fun however I’ve got to work up to concert standard where I’m brave enough to play when a crowd is watching, but also to bother enough about it so that competing events in my calendar can be missed as I want to play the music enough. Music can change the feel of a place and of a relationship. I want to include music when I’m cooking or socialising for instance.

Meditation music

Massenet’s meditation piece eg. for violin and harp is so calming. I recall the expression on my grandparents faces when my sisters played it. Apart from Massenet’s Meditation piece above, regular meditation can clear and prime the mind for having the best day. Ps. My bro James also plays this on the cello!