Music and Art

By Holly Madden

Music is its own powerful form of art and expression. This practice connects the two, understanding that quieting the mind enough to create is a skill that we often lose as adults (children innately see the world as a world they can engage with and create in), so music can be a centering way we shift our focus. Art that honors music that means a lot to us can also be incredibly profound.

*These practices are not designed to replace therapy. We highly encourage you to reach out for support to licensed practitioners when there is a need.

Below are a list of some songs organized by theme you can listen to if helpful:

Grounding

Budding Trees by Nahko and Medicine For The People

Put Down What You Are Carrying by Trevor Hall and Brett Dennan

Nervous System by JOSEPH

Look at the River by Ayla Nereo

Safe by Claire Michelle, John Pattern

Esta Linda Quebrada Del Tigre by Daniela Riojas

Erinnerungen by Lucy Clearwater

Earth

Mother Earth by Paul Izak

The Seed by Aurora

Into the River by Starling Arrow, Rising Appalachia, Chloe Smith, Marya Stark, Tina Malia, Leah Song, Ayla Nereo

What a Wonderful World by Loui Armtrong

Follow the Sun by Xavier Rudd

Social Justice

Underdog by Alicia Keys

Talkin’ Bout a Revolution by Tracy Chapman

Stronger by Thunderstorm Artis

Raise Up by Semler

Citizens by Jon Guerra

What the World Needs Now Andra Day

Revolution by Joy Oladokun and Maxo Kream

Mental Health

Look Up by Joy Oladokun

Permission by Cedric Shy

Child Again by NeedtoBreathe

Someday Soon by Wilder Woods

Keeping Your Head Up by Birdy

Call Your Mom by Noah Kahan (suicide attempt TW)

Honest by Kyndal Inskeep

Damn these Forces Mon Rovia (on grief after losing a loved on)

Deconstruction

My Little Light by Beautiful Chorus

Faith by Semler

Stained Glass by Jon Guerra

God is in the Looking by Corey Kilgannon

Holy Ground by Flamy Grant

Carry Me by NeedtoBreathe

Trauma Training Takeaways: Art is a powerful form of expression, and in the outlet of expressing emotion or storytelling, healing can occur. Engaging in healing work, no matter the form, can bring up trauma and triggers. This requires sensitivity, compassion, and gentleness, whether it’s with yourself or with someone you are engaging with and caring for. Pursuing help and support from a licensed practitioner should always be encouraged and supported.