45 Comments
Nov 7Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

I loved this and share your belief that music came back to you when you were ready to receive it. A lovely post.

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Thank you so much, Elizabeth!

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Enjoyed this. Music can fire me up or be a balm when I’m anxious. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

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I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Monica! And, yes, music is a bit of a miracle worker!

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Nov 9Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

I lost music for a longtime associated with all-consuming grief and the inability to cry. There’s nothing sweeter than the flow of tears that comes when music revives the heart.

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Yeeessss!!! ❤️

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We lift our voices,

To assert ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ ‘enough.’

And also, to sing.

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Indeed!

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Nov 8Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

I love your personal essays Jane. Thank you so much for sharing. I wish I could come over and bring you soup… so for now, sending you a virtual hug. I turn to music too when I need to uplift my mood. Especially to dancing. It makes me feel alive in the worst moments.

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I wish that, too, Imola!!! And, yes, to dancing!! It helps everything! ♥️

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Love everything about this. When I got to the part where you played Freedom for your boxing, I got chills in the best way. Thank you for sharing that moment with us. ✨

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Oooooh, that you, K. I so very very glad I had that moment. I was celebrating her win with all my heart. This country of ours. ♥️

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"How do you describe the way music touches your essence? How it shapes and supports you? How it makes you feel whole? Why this song makes you ache with longing and that song means nothing?"

Audible WOW for these beautiful questions, thank you. Bon Iver is the answer and cure for everything in my life. His new song 'S P E Y S I D E' may be a balm for your soul right now, I wrote about it here ♥️

https://andjelka.substack.com/p/go-make-core-memories

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Ooooooh, thank you, Andjelka! You really touched my heart. And thanks for you sharing your piece. I look forward to reading it. ♥️

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I had a similar feeling as you, Jane, the morning after the election. Eerily calm, as I knew what I needed to do next. I read this while listening to the Branenburg Concertos, I hope that was a fitting soundtrack.

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Oh, that's wonderful, Marissa! I love it! And, yes, there's something about just seeing the truth of a situation that is weirdly calm. Though I'm sure we both have plenty of sorrow and fear! ❤️

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Bowie yes. Since his passing his stature seems to me greater and greater

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Yes, I can see that!

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Nov 8Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

I’m so glad you are healing Jane, and have your beloved music back. What a journey you have had. But you bring to us the insight of others who are suffering in pain. I too am processing the results of the election. I am trying to continue living in peace, hope, acceptance and joy. Good healing to you Jane.

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Thank you so much for your kind words, CeCe! Wishing you much peace.❤️

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Nov 7Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

Gorgeous. Every last bit of this essay, and you. Thank you.

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Thank you, Kimberly!

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Nov 7Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

thank you Jane.

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Oh, so glad you enjoyed it, my dear friends! ❤️❤️

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what a journey. thank you for sharing. glad you were able to come back to your roots but discover more of who you were with the loss.

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That's so beautifully put, Megan. Thank you!

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This was a wonderful article, Jane, and a reminder to never take things like music for granted. Music tops into a primal part of our brains, it evokes memories, smells, feelings.

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Thank you, Sheila! I agree, it's so primal!! I'm glad it's with me again.

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Such a beautiful and soul nourishing piece Jane thank you. I am so glad you and music found your way back to each other. Lost lovers finally reunited. Beautiful. You have also inspired me to go listen to Beyonce's Lemonade. I'm slightly embarrassed to say that I've not yet heard it, but please don't tell anyone....xxx

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Oh, Donna, thank you. Your words are so beautiful. They put a smile on my face. Thank you. I hope you enjoy Lemonade! I'm a rock chick at heart, and its foundation is rock. I think it's extraordinary. One of my top three all-time fave albums. Let me know what you think!

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I LOVED it Jane. Listened in the gym and found it really inspiring. The word 'raunchy' came to mind...but that might just be where I was at! Lol. xx

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Nov 7Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

Thank you.

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❤️

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