Feeling Good

There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is. ~William P. Merrill

I very recently obtained a Native American style flute made by Dennis Frederiksen of NZT Designs that has very quickly become a pleasing and relaxing way of centering myself and reconnecting with my source. The particular flute that found its way to me, was constructed from the combination of a large piece of river cane and a block of cedar. The cedar makes up the portion of the flute from which the sound emanates. This combination creates an extremely pleasing sound that I believe rivals many flutes constructed entirely of wood. As an added bonus, the flute that chose me, features what is often referred to as a “loon’s head” cut into the end of the instrument.

After receiving the flute, I wrote back to Dennis to tell him how pleased I was with the sound. He shared that “…the cedar nest was an idea I had a few years back. In [the] Cherokee [tradition], the cedar tree is a representation of the creator. It stays green to remind us he is always here around us. The fragrant smell is his breath. The cedar block on my flutes, I feel may be the creator’s voice and song.”

Cedar was actually used across many Native American tribes for a variety of reasons including both ceremonial and medicinal purposes. Cedar is considered a spiritual kin to sage and sweet grass and is very often used for smudging (a ritual cleansing or purification).

As I’ve begun the process of learning to play, I’ve purposefully tried to hear not only the beautiful musical tones created by this instrument, but also that little bit of the Creator’s voice that I believe is present in every musical instrument. If you’ve never heard a Native American flute, I would highly recommend that you seek out some examples of this awe inspiring sound. It’s peaceful, restful and a joy to listen to.

And, who knows, you may just hear more than you expect.