When surrounded by darkness, it’s almost unimaginable to recollect what the sunshine appears to be like like. Strolling round aimlessly, looking for some semblance of a glow, however ultimately there may be merely darkish. In these moments, it’s laborious to recollect the right way to battle, the right way to survive, the right way to dwell. I used to be sixteen years previous, merely a junior in highschool, once I was compelled into darkness. I discovered myself tripping over my very own toes, stumbling to seek out my method, not sure of the place I used to be or the place I used to be going. Within the simplicity of someday, my world was ripped out from beneath me, as mundane as a tripping on an untied shoelace. It was a traditional day, it was a great day, after which it was darkish.
It was round 2:30pm when the hearth alarm went off. My pals filed out the door, I remained sitting in my seat, attempting to get performed some task that has now been lengthy forgotten. Focus was quickly damaged by the sound of three gunshots. Everybody rushed to get into the room, a code crimson announcement made solely minutes after. I don’t keep in mind many particulars about that day. I don’t keep in mind the specifics, the phrases stated, the areas in between. I keep in mind the occasions, the order they occurred in, and the best way all of it felt. I keep in mind getting residence, not with the ability to do something, not eager to do something besides pay attention to 1 music. Cigarette Daydreams by Cage the Elephant. I listened to it on repeat the entire evening, the subsequent day, the week following. I discovered help by means of the lyrics, a secure place within the melody.
The factor about trauma is that point passes even in case you’re nonetheless frozen. I used to be frozen at midnight. All I might really feel was helplessness, unhappiness, anger, despair. I had too many feelings turning within me, I didn’t know the right way to deal with it. However then, my pal, Andrea Pena, requested if I needed to put in writing a music and I stated sure. A easy query that ended up saving my life, exhibiting me the sunshine. We acquired collectively and wrote every part we have been feeling right into a music. From this, Shine was born. We had the chance to share the music with our neighborhood, in hopes that it will present to them what it gave to us; Hope. I didn’t actually perceive the impression the music had on our neighborhood till now, years later. Shine confirmed me how highly effective music is, the way it can transfer individuals and heal them.
From Shine, I used to be launched to music remedy. Earlier than what occurred, I by no means knew how highly effective music may very well be. The way it might present consolation for issues that appeared past restore. Now I consider, I do know, that music is likely one of the strongest forces on the planet. It could possibly heal, consolation, help, love. Due to Shine, I used to be capable of see firsthand the facility of music. Now, due to it, I need to study so I can provide again what Shine gave me; A solution to discover the sunshine contained in the darkish.
Sawyer Garrity
Music Remedy Scholar
College of Miami, Frost College of Music
The starry evening. Components of this picture furnished by NASA.