On a Gentler Note...

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On a Gentler Note…

 

In contrast to alternative stories and eyewitness accounts from Israel -

following is a healing news account. Enjoy and please forward.

 

Today marks another milestone for good news from the Middle East.

 

When I entered the neo-natal ward to provide the first Voices of Eden

healing music program at Meir Hospital, I awaited instructions as to where

to sing first. My colleague was soon to arrive with her accompanying harp,

but in the meantime, it was time to begin with the Turkish frame drum and

voice.

 

In the open room, amidst the machinery noise, the monitors and bassinets, a

young Arab mother held her pre-term baby named Mohammed to her bosom; the

taupe colored fabric of her head covering brushing gently against his teeny

body. The baby squirmed and raged in discomfort, his mother uneasy and

seeming unsure of how to calm him down. She welcomed me to sit with them. I

began playing usul Semai, an Arabic rhythm measured in 10/8. The baby

immediately opened his eyes and focused his gaze upon me. A little while

later I added Lama Bada, a traditional tune in the eastern scale (maqam) of

Nahawand. He released his tight grip and his mom relaxed her embrace as

well. She began to coo and cradle him gently. He smiled and she laughed.

As the music continued, his body rocked gently to and fro, from side to side

at an even pace.

 

Another mother came to join us. Her baby was even smaller than Mohammed.

He was tightly clasped to her bosom. It was at this point, that I noticed

the harpist sitting by my side. I had been so absorbed in my singing that I

didn't notice her enter the room. Effortlessly, the harp joined in, also

more mothers, and a few moments later, the doctors and nurses as well, had

fallen into a quiet lull. Even the machinery seemed to lower it's

electronic hum. It was a still and magic moment.

 

I wished I had a camera to capture the intimacy of those two mothers,

sitting side by side, cradling their babies. I wished that the masses could

share this simple moment of harmony from the most unlikely of settings.

Here in the neo-natal hospital ward, doctors and nurses attended to the sick

infants, Arab and Jewish alike, while their parents nursed and coddled them

and the musicians created a healing environment with conscious voice, quiet

rhythms and healing harp.

 

We moved from room to room. Parents and nurses congregated in the larger

room of the healthy babies ward to enjoy the healing music. The babies

began the suite with their unanimous cries and quieted down as the singing

continued. Even the doctors and nurses quieted their voices and began to

speak in whispered tones to one another. One of the doctors commented that

they were so enjoying the music that they didn't want to disturb its

progress. " It made them work more easily " , she added.

 

It was wonderful to behold the medical staff so committed to the health and

well being of the innocent vulnerable babies. It is a pleasure to discover

advanced medical professionals with sophistication to appreciate the

complimentary healing value of consciously produced sound.

 

The neo-natal staff at Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba is to be commended. These

individuals are bringing the next generation, our future leaders, into the

world on a more harmonious note.

 

It's a nice way to start…

http://www.mp3.com/voicesofeden

 

 

Letter received from the Hospital Director following the program

 

Ms. Eliana Gilad

Founder, Voices of Eden February 13, 2002

 

 

 

 

Dear Eliana,

 

We, the entire neonatal staff would like to thank you and Sunita for the

lovely experience we shared together in the neo-natal ward of Meir Hospital.

 

When you came with the idea of Voices of Eden music for the babies we were a

little bit worried as it didn't seem “medical” to introduce something to a

tiny baby of 750 grams. But, I must admit that we were wrong. You both sat

near a pre-term baby who suffers from respiratory disease; one with whom we

as an entire team can hardly communicate. Yet with your singing, suddenly

the infant became calm and virtually started to move in accordance to the

rhythm!!! This means that:

1) He can hear.

2) A part of his brain is functioning very well.

3) He enjoys this type of music (the eastern 10/8 rhythm).

 

In addition, the music infused a more humane dimension to our staff. We all

became calmer and talked to each other nicely and quietly.

 

Eliana, I think that if your playing hour will become a routine habit in our

neo-natal ward, we will all benefit and no doubt that this can start a new

wonderful era for the babies, whatever their origin. After a while, the

Voices of Eden method can be tested scientifically to verify it's physical

influence as is experienced by the spiritual one.

 

So, Eliana I thank you again and ask your patience and energy to help us

bring this idea to full fruition.

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

 

Dr. Shmuel Arnon

Deputy Neonatal Department

 

 

Meir General Hospital Kfar-Saba, 44281 Israel Tel: 972-9-7472225/9

Fax:972-9- 7471189

E-mail:shmular