In March of this year, I traveled to Geelong to attend a harp workshop, run by the incredible Peter Roberts. Some of you may have seen his feature on Australian Story, Heaven Sent. This man is Australia's only thanatologist, and a great inspiration to me and many others.
Music thanatology is a field whose practitioners provide musical comfort, using harp and voice at the bedside of patients near the end of life.
Our group of eighty ranged from harpists, nurses, teachers, carers, and so so many more, who's life experiences or work led them to search for a way other than the norm, to assist and ease the passing of others, and make it a meaningful and beautiful experience for all concerned.
Much that I learnt during that time made me think of a woman, whom I had played my harp for a couple of months earlier in a Tasmanian hospital. She has passed away now, and though my music appeared to be much appreciated at the time, I wish had attended Peters workshop before meeting her. I think of how differently I would have played, and consider, how much more of a difference I could have made. It is not with regret that I think of this, but with appreciation of the lesson learnt, and the knowledge gained though jumping in the deep end due to my lack of experience. It is with an almost hopeful expectancy that I consider how I will play, should there be a next time.
My mother was instrumental in getting me over there and I will be forever grateful for her encouragement and gentle persuasion, as this three day workshop was the most touching, emotional and educational experience of my life so far. The stories of death and life, and the part which music played, were both heart breaking and heart warming! I believe that every member of our group cried openly at one time or another, and lives were touched by the open, honest sharing of our guest speakers and co ordinators.
Never have I felt so connected to complete strangers before! it is only now I realise how descriptive and apt the word "Connected" is in reference to those three days.
Being the youngest member of a group of eighty I felt a little out of place, but after the first day with every person I talked to being welcoming, interested and kind, I felt at home and at ease in their company, and learnt much, not only from the workshop activities and talks, but from the individuals also.
I met many inspirational people, most of whom have made an unwitting impact on my life. One whom I connected with and funnily enough was also from a large home educated family.
I would like to introduce her to you, and ask you to assist her in her dream to travel to America and partake in the only Music-thanatology training available. So please click on the link below, have a read and show your support for such a worthy cause, and a worthy person.
Michal Wright
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