I am a musician (pianist and composer) and spiritual seeker. In the early 2000s, in the middle of an ongoing depression, I read “A General Theory of Love” (Lewis, Amini, Lannon, 2001). It speaks of the importance of limbic resonance for optimal well-being. Limbic resonance is first imprinted on infants by their caregiver/s gazing lovingly into their eyes, and continues as we spend time over time in healthy relationships. I had distant parents, and the depression prevented me from hanging out in the company of other people, so that information left me feeling somewhat defeated. But my experience practicing a type of energy meditation for several years led to the idea that I might be able to create limbic resonance by visualizing energetic stimulation where I imagined my limbic brain to be. As I incorporated the visualization into my practice my spirits began to lift. I added more energy centers and practices related to spiritual principles (for instance, forgiveness, oneness, what is god’s will) and created the Connect & Glow™ meditation, which I began to offer in presentations, with and without music. All the while I have been working as a Music Director in traditional churches of various denominations, watching congregations decline and the numbers of “nones” rise. At one church where I filled in as Interim Music Director the pastor commented that the AA meetings in the basement were full, but none of those people came to church. I suggested that we offer an evening service with topics that people in recovery can relate to. He wasn’t interested, but it got me thinking… and I created the concept of Musical Sanctuary, an alternative to the traditional church paradigm.
Musical Sanctuary, a registered 501(c)(3), is a contemplative service of music, readings, and guided and silent meditation, exploring different topics and principles related to spiritual growth and healing, with services offered by Musical Ministers who have backgrounds in related practices and training and are Certified Connect & Glow Instructors (CGCI).
Apart from offering Musical Sanctuary presentations myself, the overall goal is to support other Musical Ministers as they offer healing musical meditations, and give trainings to churches and spiritual centers that would like to incorporate contemplative services in their programming. I have created a curriculum for Connect & Glow Certified Instructors. I am organizing training materials for Musical Ministers (who offer Musical Sanctuary presentations) and spiritual centers. I am writing a book for the general public about the Connect & Glow practice, with suggestions for creating community (much of the depression people are experiencing is a result of loneliness*). Especially needed are quality videos of Connect & Glow topic meditations, and of Musical Sanctuary presentations. Musical Sanctuary isn’t yet generating enough money to support me (as a matter of fact, so far I am its biggest financial supporter), so I still am working as Music Director at a traditional church.
I am glad to supply samples from the book and the training manual. Here is a link to the Connect & Glow Youtube playlist: https://bit.ly/4imq6tv
Musical Sanctuary’s biggest financial needs right now are for: Training Videos Book publication Venue rental, travel expenses Development advisor
If there was funding available for a salary for me Musical Sanctuary could get established and grow much faster!
Thank you for taking the time to read about Connect & Glow and Musical Sanctuary. I welcome your feedback, suggestions, input, ideas, and look forward to hearing from you.
