The Actual Dance as a play presents the events of the year 2000 from my point of view as the spouse of the woman going through breast cancer. Now, seventeen years later, it is apparent that I did not fully understand how deeply the experience impacted me. It took me 12 years to write the story, so to speak, and the last nearly 5 years I have been telling it through performances of the play. Every October I blog daily to help in raising awareness and to share elements of the story that I hope are of value to those who read these blogs.
Day 10: Music Heals “It is the tradition in our Reform Jewish synagogue for the Rabbi to read out loud at Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday night services, the names of congregants who are ill. The congregation then chants a prayer asking God for the healing of body and soul of those who are in need of such healing.” The Actual Dance
There are rituals in the Jewish community to support people who are ill and their families. The one I love most is the chanting of the Misheberach at our Friday night services. Even though Susan and I always attended Friday night services, we never had one of our names read on the list until Susan’s breast cancer. Hearing Susan’s name read out loud for the first time was an emotional experience for me. It reminded me of how fragile life is and made me wonder what it might be like sitting in that same seat alone, without her. Yet it was comforting to know that everyone around us was on our side asking God for the healing of Susan’s body and spirit.
The Misheberach tune we like to chant is the one written by the late Debbie Friedman. You can hear her sing it here.
Stat of the Day: The New York Times Seems to be “on it” -- The most current Breast Cancer Statistics were published on Friday here. Of note for me is that there will be about 250,000 NEW cases of Invasive breast cancer diagnosed this year!
Task of the Day: Listen to music. Music can calm the mind and open the heart. By itself and especially in quiet places it can transform your heart and brings peace even in the most troubled times. Check out some of my favorites: Snatam Kaur Shastro’s Shamans Healing Loreena Mckennitt
Resource of the Day: Check out this create resource Healing Harmonies: Music as Medicine for Seniors and Caregivers. Not only good tips but a nice list of “13 Theme Songs for Caregivers.”
The Actual Dance: Performances. Donate.
Day 10: Music Heals “It is the tradition in our Reform Jewish synagogue for the Rabbi to read out loud at Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday night services, the names of congregants who are ill. The congregation then chants a prayer asking God for the healing of body and soul of those who are in need of such healing.” The Actual Dance
There are rituals in the Jewish community to support people who are ill and their families. The one I love most is the chanting of the Misheberach at our Friday night services. Even though Susan and I always attended Friday night services, we never had one of our names read on the list until Susan’s breast cancer. Hearing Susan’s name read out loud for the first time was an emotional experience for me. It reminded me of how fragile life is and made me wonder what it might be like sitting in that same seat alone, without her. Yet it was comforting to know that everyone around us was on our side asking God for the healing of Susan’s body and spirit.
The Misheberach tune we like to chant is the one written by the late Debbie Friedman. You can hear her sing it here.
Stat of the Day: The New York Times Seems to be “on it” -- The most current Breast Cancer Statistics were published on Friday here. Of note for me is that there will be about 250,000 NEW cases of Invasive breast cancer diagnosed this year!
Task of the Day: Listen to music. Music can calm the mind and open the heart. By itself and especially in quiet places it can transform your heart and brings peace even in the most troubled times. Check out some of my favorites: Snatam Kaur Shastro’s Shamans Healing Loreena Mckennitt
Resource of the Day: Check out this create resource Healing Harmonies: Music as Medicine for Seniors and Caregivers. Not only good tips but a nice list of “13 Theme Songs for Caregivers.”
The Actual Dance: Performances. Donate.
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