Starting with intentional breathing and gentle movement, workshop leader Sally Niles invited participants to connect with each other and more deeply with their faith. Photo by Kelly Weirich.
Let the Spirit move you
By Louise Van Poll
Take a deep breath. Breathe in slowly, deeply and then breathe out. This is the beginning of finding the lyrical spirit in each of us.
The definition of lyrical is anything having an artistically beautiful or expressive quality. This encompasses all art: drawing and painting; writing or chanting poetry; singing, playing or composing music; dance and movement. The definition of spirit is the force within a person that is believed to give the body life, energy and power. Consider the gift of the Holy Spirit.
According to Sally Niles, a music therapist, when you put them together you get a lyrical spirit, which helps you to express and live your faith through creative forms, including music, art, journaling, movement, breathing, praying and praising.
“We can pray, serve and commune with others as a spiritual practice and as a commitment toward sharing God’s love and presence in your own daily life,” Sally said.
These ideas were the foundation of a workshop that Sally taught twice at the Gathering: “The Lyrical Spirit: Experiencing Hope, Healing Prayer and Community through Music, Movement and Meditation.” Participants in her sessions were seated or stood in a circle. “The circle is important to connect with people,” Sally explained. “It helps us interact with each other.”
Sallly invited each attendee to reflect on her or his spiritual gifts, changing roles, stress management and finally, what she or he hoped to gain from the experience.
First she taught the group several Tai Chi moves that involved breathing and gentle movements while listening to a prayer chant. She then incorporated a variety of different types of music, imagery and movements to create a multisensory experience, promoting mediation, healing, renewal and hope.
Sally also gave everyone ideas on how to cultivate a lyrical spirit life both individually or in a group. These suggestions and additional recommended resources are available by emailing Sally.
