Sunday evening, I attended Compline service for the first time. We entered into the cavernous cathedral, the steady quiet pressing on our ears, and took our seats on the outer wall. People filled the pews, sat leaning against that skyscraper columns, and laid down on the floor on blankets and pillows. It was not an uncomfortable silence—there was a wholeness to it.
When the men in the Compline Choir started singing, I felt their voices gently vibrate my spine and I was moved to tears. The sound was so much bigger than me, than all all the people, than the cathedral. I felt small and connected, grateful for the sounds enveloping me. It was a really great way to start my week, reminding me that, despite potential challenges ahead, there is something moving above and beyond me, willing me back to its open arms when I stray too far and and get lost in my head.
ah, that recording gave me a rush of relaxation all the way down to my toes, and deep. we have grace cathedral here in the city, and their great hall contains a meditation labyrinth...the echoing chamber is such a solace.
ReplyDeletethank you for stopping by my blog and i am so pleased to have found yours. there is peace and quiet in your writing and i look forward to reading more. xo
so amazing! it sounds so awesome in that big cathedral. my sister is a nun and they sing/chant the liturgy of the hours as well. it's interesting to hear them because they're women, so it gives it different feel. a beautiful one of course.
ReplyDeleteWow, this experience sounds amazing. There is such a solace to both communal silence and religious hymns. I love going to church to hear music, they are often built in such a way that you feel as though you are inside the song itself.
ReplyDeleteI have often found that listening to a choir live is an emotional experience. At least for me. That sounds so cool! I would love to hear a choir again this holiday season.
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