Connection, Music, and Just Being: Nourishment for the Soul

Last night, I had the joy of sitting in the Royal Albert Hall to hear one of my favourite composers, Ludovico Einaudi. His music has accompanied me through many seasons of life, from creative projects to quiet moments of reflection and emotional healing. But this evening was special in a way that went beyond the music itself: I shared it with my daughter, who is a beautiful soul in her own right.

It isn’t often these days that we find time just for the two of us, time without distractions, to be fully present in each other’s company. Before the concert, we shared dinner and conversation, and during the performance, we simply listened. There was something profoundly grounding in the experience of sitting side by side, knowing we were both taking in the same exquisite sounds.

As a creative professional, I’ve choreographed dances to Einaudi’s compositions and experienced firsthand the therapeutic benefits of music. Music can be a powerful companion for emotional wellbeing, providing a sense of calm, inspiration, and connection when we need it most. It supports mindfulness, offering a way to pause and simply be in the moment.

What struck me most last night was the orchestral reminder of how music can be both a bridge and a mirror: it moves us forward into new possibilities, and it reflects us back to ourselves and our experiences, (incidentally, ‘Experience’ is one of my favourite Einaudi compositions) and to hear this live, was nothing less than magical!

Music can lift us into hope and relief, offering a gentle form of stress relief and emotional regulation. At the same time, it can draw us inward to revisit memories, to reflect on where we’ve been and who we’ve become.

This is something I often see in my work with clients seeking therapeutic support and exploring creative self-care practices. Music can help us process feelings that don’t always have words. Sometimes, it creates a safe space where it feels possible to release tension, find calm, or feel a sense of connection to something larger.

If you are curious about how music might support your own mental health and wellbeing, here are a few gentle suggestions you may find helpful:

• Create a playlist for emotional healing. Choose calming music or songs that help you feel supported and understood.

• Practice mindful listening. Spend time with a piece of music and notice how it affects your thoughts and body sensations.

• Use music to connect. Share music with a loved one or join a group where you can explore music together.

• Allow memories to surface. When music evokes past experiences, consider journaling or reflecting on what comes up.

At the end of the concert, after being treated to a glorious long encore piece of sound, I felt a deep sense of gratitude, not only for the beauty of the music, but for the reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments come when we pause to connect, to listen, and simply to be.

As my daughter and I walked back to the car, I said to her “I’m so pleased I got to see that with you - it was amazing”.

May you discover your own pathways to emotional wellbeing, presence, and connection, wherever you are on your journey.