Music Is My Religion
Now before you get all bent out of shape by reading the title, I'm not an Atheist. (far from it). I believe in God, I love God and I thank Him daily for His many blessings. However, my religion is something a little different. Music is my religion. I live, breathe, eat & sleep music daily. I don't necessarily follow any other secular religion but I fell in love with music in the Baptist church growing up. I can recall as a child NEVER enjoying church, however when I stepped into the building and heard the choir singing and the organ playing I was instantly transfixed into the atmosphere. As I got older I realized how influential music was in my life. I began gravitating towards musicians and other musically inclined individuals who shared a similar passion or "religion".
“ A personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.”
According to Merriam-Webster, The definition of religion is, "a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices." For me, music embodies all of these characteristics listed in this definition. Music is extremely personal for me. No matter the mood or situation I'm in, I can find a song that can relate to it perfectly. And if I can't, I'll write my own song about it.
I heard a quote somewhere that said, "the church is a place of healing where people go to get restored." Funny thing is, music is my place of healing that I go to when i need restoration. When I'm sad, I sing. When I'm angry, I sing, when I need some inspiration, I sing or listen to music. Music is my sustenance, my oxygen, my fuel that keeps me going on a daily basis. For me, music isn't a hobby. It's a way of life, It's my religion!
Winston Ward