Loving Life

The group began with some warm up exercises to get acquainted with the instruments. Group members shared the level of focus required to engage with different rhythmic patterns. Group members reflected upon how in the moment they were during music making, and how playing music can be a grounding experience. Participants were then invited to create their own rhythmic phrase with a corresponding manifestation. Loving Life was a rhythmic pattern that resonated with group members. We discussed how we could start the day by stating a phrase like this and carry that positive energy throughout our days. We then created several musical improvisations with different selections of instruments. Various descriptive words were shared to match the music including peace and gratitude. The group then engaged in singing the John Legend song All of Me. It was one of the songs suggested by a group member the previous week. We listened to the song and discussed lyrics which resonated most with us. We then rewrote the lyrics of the chorus to fit the theme of self-love. Each group member shared traits and characteristics that they loved about themselves and their fellow group members. We then used these words to brainstorm lyrics in the chorus. As a group, we sang our new version together with various instruments. We discussed the importance of self-love and supporting the relationship each of us has with ourselves.