Feeling the Rhythm: The Inspiring Story of Evelyn Glennie
I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Sydney Steen for introducing me to the remarkable story of Evelyn Glennie. Despite being deaf, Evelyn Glennie has defied the odds and gained worldwide recognition as a talented percussionist. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the extraordinary ways we can perceive sound beyond our ears. Her ability to feel the music through vibration and her unwavering dedication to her art serve as an inspiration to all who believe in the profound impact of music on the mind and body and how we can interpret that as an expression of ourselves.
We connect to all sounds, not just music. Imagine the birds you heard today with your morning beverage, the sounds of your steps on a sidewalk, compared to those on the sand. This morning, here in North Hollywood, we had a small earthquake that had its particular sound. We live in such a rich environment to play off. At Motionalcore, we constantly seek inspiration from many sources. When I come across an individual who has overcome barriers to pursue their passions, like Evelyn Glennie, it compels me to share. Her story is a shining example of resilience and determination. Despite her hearing impairment, she has mastered the art of percussion, proving that music transcends the boundaries of traditional perception. In doing this, she has also impacted the world in profound ways. Please take a moment to listen to this TED Talk from 2007:
How to truly listen | Evelyn Glennie (youtube.com)
The TED Talk is about 35 minutes long, but it is worth watching and listening to.
Evelyn speaks about relaxation and that gripping reduces your dynamic; less effort is optimal, opening your body for the vibrations to resonate within you. Evelyn suggests that if you listen with your whole body, you can really experience the journey. In the Ted Talk, I so loved hearing Evelyn perform the same piece, first, just technically, and then to really interpret the score. The contrast is like night and day. She also speaks about various instruments possessing particular colors, and those colors can affect the interpretation of music. From my perspective, we, as people, have our particular colors; in fact, we are technicolor when we genuinely connect with inspiration, and so when we interpret the movements, we are actually saying something with our bodies. What I love about Essentrics is that the movements are open, broad, and intentional. If we contract in, it will only allow us to move back into the stretch. We also like to move within our stretching, like that first stretch in the morning. It's delicious!
Music holds a special place in the Essentrics workout, as it serves as a powerful tool to elevate the mind-body connection. The rhythmic movements and dynamic sequences of Essentrics are complemented by carefully curated music, creating an immersive experience that engages all the senses. Just as Evelyn Glennie relies on vibration to connect with music, we integrate music into our workouts to open our senses and enhance the mind-body experience.
Evelyn Glennie's incredible journey reminds us that there are no limits; we do not need to listen to other people's limiting perspectives of us. We tap into our passion and determination and 'Just dance into it.' By embracing the vibrational power of music and genuinely listening with and to our bodies, we can enrich our workouts and our lives. This connection creates a holistic experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul, leaving us feeling rejuvenated and invigorated.
