I was chatting with Val, host of the Loss to Profound podcast and we ended up talking about music – shocker huh!? We were talking about how music is this amazing tool to help people when they are down because it delivers a way for them to connect to humanity without the need for anyone to be there. When you’re in the deepest, most damaging part of your grief, when you’re so far gone that nobody can reach you – music manages to somehow seep under your skin and bring you back.
There’s lots of evidence for this and quite a bit of research about it – we wrote an article on how listening to sad music can make you feel better – it was the genesis of the whole Music to Grieve To playlist. But of all the different ideas that are posited, the one that resonates with me is the idea that music evokes emotion and emotions are human and the more human we feel, it seems the better we are.
This week we’re featuring a track from the talented Roxanne Emery who used her beautiful voice and songwriting skills to put into song the experience of losing a baby.
Revenues from the track are donated to Child Bereavement UK – an organization that supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age is dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
We know from our work over the years in the grief community how important organizations like these are. The support they offer families at what is probably the worst time of their lives is critical and is often funded in majority by private donations. It’s impossible to weigh and compare tragedies – but if this track resonates with you, check the organization out – links below.
How To Heal Yourself When You Are Grieving - An Online Course
Would You Like To Feel As Though...
A weight has been lifted off your shoulders? Your broken heart is beginning to mend? You are no longer in pain? You can sleep, eat and function again You've let go of what's keeping you stuck? You've moved from surviving to living again
Follow us hereYou can learn more about Roxanne Emery here:
You can learn more about Child Bereavement UK here:
About the Curator - Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the dark forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top. They would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
After my dad died I was very sad - I couldn't play for a while and when I did, the music that came out reflected my grieving state. I wrote an album of solo piano music called Music to Grieve to - from which the idea of the Music to community originated.
If you'd like to know more you should read Nicole's fabulous article on why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
Latest Posts
Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel
24 September 2022
What’s the point?
You ever find yourself asking that?
The point of this playlist is to bring succor to people who are grieving. That’s it. We listen to and feature songs that we hope people can resonate with and perhaps elicit a cathartic release – at the very least – to help them feel less alone…
Strange Beauty – First Aid Kit
18 September 2022
It’s still September. We’re still talking about Suicide. We’re doing this because the experts tell us that the more we talk about it – the more we bring it into the open – the less likely it is that people will go through with it.
And yet – people still do…
Open Letter – Mr. Phelps
11 September 2022
So it’s September – and for the Grieve To list – that means our thoughts turn to suicide.
Yep – if you didn’t know – September is Suicide Awareness Month – it’s also National Suicide Prevention Month and in fact right now – between the 8th and the 14th – it’s actually National Suicide Prevention Week. If you are in any doubt as to the impact suicide has on society – spend a minute here: Suicide Statistics – the rate inches up every year – and as a middle aged white male – well – I’m slap bang in the highest risk group…
Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.
As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to be creative and brilliant without distraction.
As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
As a creator / contributor at musicto I’m part of a global creator community that collaborates through music. You can learn more about our community here.