Contemplative Focus
A Beautiful Moment
"Summertime an' the livin' is easy."
As I settle down to share reflections on the contemplative life of Carmel, these words from George Gershwin's opera, Porgy and Bess, come easily to mind. Along with two other members of my community, I have been preparing a musical program of classical and popular music for months now, which includes selections from Porgy and Bess arranged for our trio by my father. In ways, the musical journey we have undertaken is not unlike the journey of prayer. The goal is the same - union.
Individual practicing for hour upon hour is the indispensable starting place for any hope of ensemble to eventually take hold. Each of us must do our part. After the solitary work of scaling the mountain of notes before us, eventually, one can relax with ones own part and focus on what the others are playing and how it all fits together. A movement beyond self happens. The challenges of working together eventually yield the rewards of feeling the music together. Words between us become less meaningful and are replaced by an intense listening to each other. An intuitive give and take happens like riding the waves of the air. With openness to each other and to God, the feeling of being three can be transcended by the presence of THE Spirit - drawing us into an experience of oneness beyond anything the three of us can create ourselves. Even though momentary - this is the rich reward of playing chamber music, or any music for that matter. It is a beautiful moment which somehow confirms the existence of God and the assurance that "all will be well," as Julian of Norwich says. To have touched that place musically gives hope that if the prayer of Jesus, 'that all may be one,' is possible for a musical ensemble of diverse personalities, it is also possible for our world.
Claire Sokol, OCD
Reno, Carmel
