Dear Editor,
I am urged to share this experience with my fellow Jamaicans.
I am overseas studying in the western part of the United States, in a very small region where the acreage and population of the university could be considered the entire vicinity.
The journey to Jamaica can take more than 24 hours. It is not easy being away from familiar faces: family, friends and associates. There are only two of us here as Jamaican students and I have met a Jamaican couple in the neighbouring state. This also means that there is no Jamaican food available here, but you know us Jamaicans. Whenever I'm returning to the USA after a trip home, my suitcase is filled with roast breadfruit, processed ackee, cock soup, water crackers, drops, grater cake, gizzada, jerk seasoning, coffee, packaged teas (mint, ginger and sorrel) and curry, among the other food items needed to satisfy my Jamaican tastebuds. Of course, I take only what is allowed.
However, let me not digress from the main reason for this letter which has to do with Bob Marley's music - songs, words and lyrics. During those moments of overwhelming feelings, sadness, coldness and longing to be home, listening to the words of No Woman No Cry and Three Little Birds really makes a difference to my affective and spiritual well-being. Whenever I listen to these two songs in particular, I feel "a feeling" each time. It is like "an unexplainable feeling" moving from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet and permeating through my entire body.
Is this feeling conflicting with my Christian religion, infusing with my faith, improving my spirituality, manifesting the Jamaican spirit, or what? With each experience, the words and rhythm of those songs become even more deeply rooted in my body, heart, mind and soul, causing an immediate change of behaviour and attitude; an instantaneous upliftment and positive vibes leading to spiritual transformation, emotional stability and fruitful academic performance. Therefore, I call for an in-depth analysis of these songs and their relationship to spiritual and affective fulfilment and possibly physical healing, to determine whether this experience, perception or phenomenon can be explained theoretically or statistically.
Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh
gaunsm@gmail.com
Marley feeds the soul
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I am urged to share this experience with my fellow Jamaicans.
I am overseas studying in the western part of the United States, in a very small region where the acreage and population of the university could be considered the entire vicinity.
The journey to Jamaica can take more than 24 hours. It is not easy being away from familiar faces: family, friends and associates. There are only two of us here as Jamaican students and I have met a Jamaican couple in the neighbouring state. This also means that there is no Jamaican food available here, but you know us Jamaicans. Whenever I'm returning to the USA after a trip home, my suitcase is filled with roast breadfruit, processed ackee, cock soup, water crackers, drops, grater cake, gizzada, jerk seasoning, coffee, packaged teas (mint, ginger and sorrel) and curry, among the other food items needed to satisfy my Jamaican tastebuds. Of course, I take only what is allowed.
However, let me not digress from the main reason for this letter which has to do with Bob Marley's music - songs, words and lyrics. During those moments of overwhelming feelings, sadness, coldness and longing to be home, listening to the words of No Woman No Cry and Three Little Birds really makes a difference to my affective and spiritual well-being. Whenever I listen to these two songs in particular, I feel "a feeling" each time. It is like "an unexplainable feeling" moving from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet and permeating through my entire body.
Is this feeling conflicting with my Christian religion, infusing with my faith, improving my spirituality, manifesting the Jamaican spirit, or what? With each experience, the words and rhythm of those songs become even more deeply rooted in my body, heart, mind and soul, causing an immediate change of behaviour and attitude; an instantaneous upliftment and positive vibes leading to spiritual transformation, emotional stability and fruitful academic performance. Therefore, I call for an in-depth analysis of these songs and their relationship to spiritual and affective fulfilment and possibly physical healing, to determine whether this experience, perception or phenomenon can be explained theoretically or statistically.
Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh
gaunsm@gmail.com
Marley feeds the soul
-->