I have a deep reverence for Nature. So much so that I revere Her as a Goddess, Mama Moksha. She is life-giving, wise, nurturing, ruthless, yet unconditional in her ability to nourish our bodies, minds, hearts, and even Spirits. When observing nature, I feel awestruck, wonder, and a healthy dose of fear. I am a Ukrainian who had the privilege of growing up learning about my culture. I am also Canadian and have had the honour of developing relationships with several Indigenous communities through attending drumming circles and ceremonies. I mention these experiences because they are what inform my way of connecting to Nature through music.
Despite aggressive efforts from the USSR, in the 1930-40’s to eradicate their ancient ways of practicing magick and connecting to nature, Ukrainians preserved their way of life through music. Indigenous communities within Canada share a similar history, through the unjust, imposed colonization. Music-making continues to preserve and revive Indigenous communities in Canada. Music makes both communities strong and resilient. When listening to the folk songs of either culture, common themes that can be found are: nature being described, nature spirits being honoured and stories being shared. Music-making can be a special way to make your presence known in the Universe. Musical instruments and precious songs can be used to converse with the Spirits of Nature and your own Ancestors. Music continues to be used to pray, alter states of consciousness and connect.
Reading about folkways may make these practices distant and inaccessible. You may fear that you are appropriating another culture. My answer to this is something an elder once told me. “Everyone is Native to the Earth. What is your culture? How does your culture honour and celebrate nature?” This statement means that just by living on Earth you are part of nature. You are part of this great whole, the Universe. Each culture will have its own songs, and ways of being with nature. If you do the research, broaden your perspective and stay open to the possibilities, you may discover your own unique ways.
Now, I’d like to share how I connect to Nature with the hopes it will support you in deepening your connection with yourself, Mother Earth, and all She has to offer.
Listen - As any experienced musician will tell you, listening is imperative. This is even more important when in Nature. Give yourself a moment to go outside: whether it’s a forest or even a strip of authentic grass at the park. You may or not choose to remove your shoes to feel more grounded. Look around. Listen around. Take it all in. Take deep breaths into your belly. Some prompts: What sounds do you hear? Are they familiar to you? Is it loud or quiet? What colours do you see? What smells come to your nose? Finally, how is your body responding? What is your breath doing?
Sharing - Now you can make sound, music and play it where you are. I usually take a portable instrument such as my drum, rattle, guitar, ukulele or merlin/dulcimer. I sometimes take my speaker to play my favourite songs and dance. Mostly, I tend to sing to the trees. I love to hear how the sounds echo back to me or if I am lucky, birds or animals may chime in. I suggest keeping this process intuitive. If you brought an instrument, experiment with playing different rhythms that appeal to you. What song comes to mind when you ask the trees “what would you like to hear?” You may be surprised!
Record - Many now can go on Youtube and find nature sound playlists galore. I now challenge you to create your own. Most smartphones and devices have a recording device built-in. Take this device with you next time you go on your walk and hit record. It’s that easy. Record the sounds you hear, take them home with you, and listen to them when you cannot go outside or when Youtube is inaccessible. These recordings are also great to help with sleep, meditation or to even input into your own music. Sometimes I also record what music I make when I am outside because I find nature always gets my creative juices flowing.
Research - Take time to read up on your own culture. How is nature perceived in your culture? Are there nature sounds or themes in the music? Is music used in spiritual matters? How does nature play a role in spiritual ceremonies? You may find that knowing how your own culture relates to nature will inspire how you can do it in your own way.
Community - Get to know local your local drumming circles, and hiking groups, or even create your own. Exploring music in Nature with a friend or like-minded people can be a great way to experiment with what feels right for you. Each person can take turns sharing their music, or experiences. You may find similarities or differences. The main goal is to have fun and enjoy musicking in nature.
Hope these tips help give you a start to using music as a way to connect to nature. Enjoy and Have Fun!