Embracing Harmony
In a world driven by progress and technological advancements, it is easy to forget the profound wisdom and interconnectedness found in the ancient songs of the Earth. "Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice" by Rupa Marya and Raj Patel, published in 2021, sheds light on the transformative power of the singing voice, offering a scientific understanding of how singing can energize our very core. Through its melodic embrace, we find a means of protest against colonialism and a path towards remembering our innate bond with the Earth. This article invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, reconnecting with the vibrant pulse of nature and recognizing the profound love that flows between the Sun and the Earth.
The Healing Power of Song:
Deep within us, the vagus nerve courses through the back of our throats, intimately connected to the vocal cords. Marya and Patel reveal that singing, especially through the ancient practice of chanting, can awaken this powerful nerve, imbuing it with an anti-inflammatory effect. Through our voices, we unleash the healing potential within, not only benefiting ourselves but also resonating with the Earth's harmony. Singing together has always been a tool of resistance against colonization, as settlers recognized and sought to suppress this transformative power. Yet, the ancestral healing songs of Indigenous peoples persist, carried on the wind and awaiting our remembrance.
A Symphony of Life:
The Earth, our shared home, pulses with a vibrant, living energy that sustains us all. As we journey through life, we have the opportunity to remember and honor this truth. The songs of the natural world echo through the voices of the avian realm—Pigeon, Raven, Crow, Heron, Vulture, Egret, Robin—all harmonize to remind us that the Earth is alive. The Indigenous peoples who call this planet home carry these melodies in their hearts and pass them down through generations. And now, even those of us who have been disconnected, fragmented by the legacies of settler-colonialism, are beginning to awaken and remember.
Finding Our Place:
In this reawakening, we discover a profound kinship with the Earth and its myriad inhabitants. We start to recognize the spirit residing within trees and plants, feeling an inseparable bond with those who steward and care for the land. N. Scott Momaday, the Kiowa writer, offers us invaluable guidance on the art of "keeping the Earth" without the notions of control and ownership. To keep the Earth means to care for it, embodying the essence of aloha 'āina, a deep-rooted love for the land. Just as the Sun selflessly nurtures the Earth, we too can contribute to this symphony of care, each in our own unique human form, aspiring to align our actions with the Sun's example.
A Grateful Homecoming:
As we embark on this journey of reconnection, we find ourselves returning to our most authentic selves. Gratitude fills our hearts as we rediscover the living Earth and remember our profound connection to the Sun. We are grateful for the opportunity to remember who we truly are, beings interwoven with the fabric of the universe. With each step forward, we embrace our role as caretakers of the Earth, honoring the wisdom passed down through generations and cultivating a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
"Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice" reminds us of the immense power that resides within our singing voices and our capacity to heal ourselves and the Earth through song. Let us carry this wisdom in our hearts and allow it to guide our actions as we continue to uncover the profound beauty of our planet. As we remember the living Earth and our interconnectedness with all its inhabitants, may we cultivate gratitude and love, becoming guardians of this precious home we share with the Sun. Let us embrace the harmony that lies within and without, creating a future in which humanity and the Earth dance together in perfect rhythm.
