We are who we are.

  

Communication believes in every type of medium.  The charm of colors, lines, shapes, and shading are what comprises visual art.  Dynamics, timber, register, and rhythm define music.  Writing involves argumentation, voice, assonance, alliteration, and appropriate adjectives.  The point to all of this is, after discussing with a friend the impact of our thought processes on music and writing which are developed by our daily life interactions, I found that, as musicians, visual artists, and writers, what lies at the basis of our work is the ability to masterfully translate and communicate life.  We live it, see it through a specific lens,  and try to make sense for other human beings the chaotic nature of everyday situations.  In this vein, we somehow make life easier by presenting it more comprehensively than it seems, and as musicians, artists, and writers, we serve a role that is similar to a minister, priest, rabbi, or guru.

That is why (if you are interested) you should all take a look into the Mysticism of Music, Sound, and Word by Hazrat Inayat Khan.  It is a beautiful representation of a musician's take on his own art and how it is a portal into the realities of life, love, and happiness.
For instance, take Khan's beginning to Part 1 of his book.  Here, Khan creates parallels between the idea of "creation" in the universe which is found in music.  Illustrating and comparing the original elements -- "earth, air, water, and fire" -- to specific sounds and colors, he creates a world that is viable through the power of music and sound.

Here, is what Khan says:

"The sound of fire is high pitched, its form is curled, and its color is red. It is heard in the falling of the thunderbolt and in a volcanic eruption, in the sound of a fire when blazing, in the noise of squibs, crackers, rifles, guns and cannons. All these have a tendency to produce fear.

The sound of air is wavering, its form zigzag, and its color blue. Its voice is heard in storms, when the wind blows, and in the whisper of the morning breeze. Its effect is breaking, sweeping and piercing. The sound of air finds expression in all wind instruments made of wood, brass and bamboo; it has a tendency to kindle the fire of the heart, as Rumi writes in his Masnavi about the flute. Krishna is always portrayed in Indian art with a flute. The air sound overpowers all other sounds, for it is living, and in every aspect its influence produces ecstasy."

Although what he is describing is "subjective," I find Khan's purpose with his descriptions compelling and offer a template into how to meld my music into the world at large.    

During Part III, Khan offers the question -- what is the "meaning" of "words," and why are they important?

"Then there is another question, namely: what makes a word powerful? Is it the meaning, the vibration, the way it is used, or the knowledge of the teacher who teaches the pupil to repeat it? The answer to such a question is that some words have power because of their meaning, others because of the vibration they produce, others for their influence upon the various centers. And there are some words given by saints, sages and prophets which have come inspirationally from God. In them is all blessing and the mystery of how to acquire all that the soul desires in life. If there exists any phenomenon or miracle it is in the power of words. But those who know of this power and who possess it never show it to others. Spiritual attainment is not a thing to be brought before people to prove that it is real, or as a show."

If you are reading this and thinking, "Wow, never before have words been so inspirational. Everything makes sense!" (Or, in other cases, it may confuse you.  Hey, but that's ok. Khan just wants you to think, and therefore, grow.) In my case, I could not stop reading what he has to say.    

None-the-less, The Mysticism of Sound and Music is resplendent in its humbleness, power, and delivery. You (musicians, writers, artists) will find even more importance in what-you-do.