Chapter 36 (Harmony)

Day 36

As I walk the labyrinth today my participation in a Christmas choir performance comes to mind. One of the songs involves four-part harmony and as it turns out I am the only tenor voice in the group. As we have been rehearsing and I am learning my part, I am aware of the challenges of holding to my melodic line. I notice how easy it is to get drawn into what the others are singing around me. Now if the objective were to sing in unison it would sound fine, all would join in on the same melody. However the intention is to achieve the vocal tapestry of the blend of the four parts that creates something greater than it’s individual parts. Which means each subgroup (and in my case – me) must hold to their own line for the harmony to be produced.

The point of this story is what I recognize, as I consider elements of the analogy in my own life. All this introspection and self-discovery are great to a point but only if what is uncovered is then brought forward into the world to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. There are parallels to the choir story. There can be a great deal of pressure (from within and without) to be like everyone else – in other words, to all sing the same melody. I believe what is intended is that each discover their own part (and then begin by living in harmony with that) and then continue to hold one’s own melodic line (path) even when subject to the influence of the distinctly different lines of those around you. I think the key (pun intended) for me is my line might be dissonant (which doesn’t mean it’s wrong) still I seek to dance in relative harmony – there is no need to clobber those around me with my drumstick – rather I continue to focus to my own beat.

The choir of humanity has been created with a wide range of diversity – does it really make any sense that this diversity should be reduced to uniformity?  I believe the diverse voices combined would produce a divine harmony – by maximizing the power and strength of the diversity, not eliminating it. The tenors don’t look at the sopranos and say “either you sing like us or get out – no, it is critical that each know their own part and stand in it – but, no one part, is more important than the whole!