Science:
[sahy-uh ns]
noun
a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws
Miracle:
[mir-uh-kuh l]
noun
a wonder; marvel.
Some people believe that science and miracles are two different schools of thought: one can be proved and one can only be seen; one is systematic and one is full of wonder. As a music therapist, I get to see these two "contradicting nouns" combined every day... I get to see the best of both worlds.
"The Miracle of Life"
This is a common phrase used to describe the process of creating and delivering a baby. Why don't we say "The Science of Life"? ... That's what's going on, right? ... Chromosomes, zygotes, organ systems, genetics... Of course we know and understand (at least somewhat) the science behind creating life! But still, it's not "The Science of Life", it is "The Miracle of Life". Why? Because it is AMAZING! The intricacies of everything that happens when life is developing is AWE-INSPIRING. We know what happens in development but HOW DO OUR BODIES KNOW WHAT TO DO!? No one is connecting all the neurons for us or lining up our chromosomes... And hence, the WONDER!
As a music therapist, we use EVIDENCE-BASED practices to help clients address certain needs. We have learned the science behind using steady beats to help with gait-training. We have learned the science behind tapping the left hand to help stimulate the right side of the brain that has been unaffected by a stroke. We have learned the science behind using music to help premature babies adjust to a stimulus-driven environment in order to help them thrive in the NICU and continue to develop their life-sustaining organ systems. But even though I know the systematic research behind music therapy, I am still inspired all the time by the scientific and miraculous elements of music.
If you study just the theory of music, you will learn about the systematic creation of melodies, harmonies, keys, modes, and more things then you ever thought you wanted to know about music.... or at least more than I wanted to know! haha.. But NO ONE can explain exactly how a song can touch one person's heart one way and another person's heart another way... why one melody can bring sorrowful tears to one person's eyes and can bring joy to the next person. To me, this is the WONDER. This is the part of music that I cannot fully comprehend.
It brings me so much joy when I get to see the tool I use (music) work in a way that was backed by research but also brings the miracle of renewed life to people. I am so thankful for both the science and miracles that I experience in this line of work.
I hope you enjoy the science and miracles of life today!
Miquel Garland, LPMT, MT-BC