Cooling Down—Closing Words

Finale: vocal magic

In every chapter of this book the connection between voice, mood, harmony, coherence, and their effects has been made clear. These connections belong to the “ancient wisdom” of our culture as well as other cultures. This form of knowledge is also evident in our vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, as well as in fairy tales and myths.

The Latin word cantare can mean “to sing, recite poetry, or sound off”—among other things—but it can also mean “to charm, enchant, or cast a spell on.” The connection between voice and magic is probably as old as humanity itself.

In Greek mythology, Orpheus enchants people, gods, and nature with his singing. He even manages to melt the heart of Hades, god of the underworld, and convince him to release his beloved, Eurydice, from the realm of the dead. (The fact that this ploy fails is a story we’ll have to save for another day.)

In the fairy tale “Caliph Stork,” the main character’s ritual recitation of the magic word mutabor enables him to transform into an animal and then back into human form. Mutabor is a Latin term and means “I will be transformed.” Fairy tales aside, I find the countless connections between magic words and transformational powers intriguing and well worth exploring. In “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” the magic words “open sesame” grant the protagonist access to the cave and its hidden treasure. Even in our own lives and everyday experiences we see how our voices can open doors, granting us access to our fellow humans’ hearts.

Our voices connect our body and soul, and connect us to ourselves and our fellow human beings. Our voices also connect us spiritually to something that exists above and beyond us. Be inspired, be moved, be touched. Let your words, vocabulary, images, idioms, and stories work their magic on you, and make the insights you’ve gained here an integral part of your daily life. Here’s to ever-more harmony!

A word of farewell

We admire people who have a special presence and are naturally drawn to them. We say they have charisma. The Greek word charisma originally meant “God-given,” or “God’s gift.” I am convinced that each and every one of us is gifted. Stand by your principles, be your own best friend, and find your gifts and talents. Do not compare yourself to others. You are unique. A good part of your uniqueness is your personal voice. Develop it, alongside your other gifts—do it for your own well-being and for the well-being of everyone you encounter.

Being tuned in and harmonious doesn’t necessarily always mean being funny and in a good mood. Life invariably has its ups and downs. If we accept it as it is and respond to it constructively, then we can have authentic experiences and expressions. That’s when we and our lives are in harmony.

The key to your personal harmony lies within. Find it and use it. I hope this book helps you on your way.

Sincerely yours,

Jutta Ritschel