Embracing Harmony

A feast of deliciousness

Random Conversations is a newsletter for those who believe in the power of a positive perspective and the joy it brings. It champions intentionally honoring ways of being and promotes the belief that we can change our world, one interaction at a time. Choose the change wisely.

Photo by Emily Nelson on Unsplash

That soft voice I often hear in my head has been repeating the word “harmony” and it’s calling on me to explore it. My first thought was musical harmony – two or more voices coming together to create something even more beautiful than its individual parts. Now I realize there is a whole lot more.

What does that have to do with conversation? We can use our words to connect with others and open feelings of harmony, balance, peace – and joy.

Musical Harmony

As I sit writing, Handel’s “Messiah” is playing on WQXR, the classical station of NYC, which I listen to pretty much all day, every day. Christmas is seven months away so it’s a bit surprising to hear, but it does illustrate the beauty of harmonious voices coming together.

I am in awe of those who can naturally harmonize with another singer. I sang in the choir in grade school through junior high school. I had the easy part – a soprano whose role was to carry the melody. Those singing harmony elevated the entire experience.

Art Garfunkel singing harmony to Paul Simon back in the day is an example of harmonic brilliance. Sadly, harmony was sorely lacking in their relationship and set them off on different paths.

Fusion Cuisine - Harmony Served on the Table

My introduction to fusion food came before we had the term for it. The long-gone La Maison Japonaise in NYC was a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine. Fast forward a decade and I was introduced to the incredible restaurants of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who creates a fusion of French and Thai cuisine. His son, Cedric, creates a fusion of French and Indonesian.

I don’t think I have come across a mix of cuisines that I haven’t loved. Creative chefs and cooks have taken the best of each and created something new, unique, fabulous!

Watching CBS Sunday Morning this past weekend, chef Nina Compton spoke about creating “a harmonious menu” with a fusion of dishes from St. Lucia (where she grew up) and New Orleans (where she now lives).¹ Marrying flavors that accentuate each other in new ways creates something fresh and exciting – and delicious.

A Delicious Conversation – Harmony in Words and Spirit

Just as we have voices complementing each other to create new and beautiful music, and spices and other ingredients complementing each other to create new and delicious food, the words we choose to use with each other also create something new. When those words are in harmony, a delicious conversation takes place.

These are conversations in which people listen intently to what is being said, without judgment. It’s a safe space. Others may build on the content or even disagree with it, but always in a way that is respectful. This mindset, this way of being, produces an experience that is harmonic. You can feel an upward spiral of positive emotions as diverse thoughts create new meaning together.

A Reflection

I relish the feeling of peace! I feel it in my heart as I breathe it in, and smile as I sigh it out. Harmony feels a bit different.

Harmony relates more to the world around me and my place in it. If I can discern the beauty of disparate voices coming together as one, I can hear that harmony and it will bring peace in my heart.

Madison Square Park, a short walk from home, just opened a labyrinth-like spiral pathway lined with a variety of plants.² I sat on one of the five or six rock benches, next to a sign inviting connection, and experienced the most restful and glorious feeling.

I became one with the birds singing, the happy voices of fellow park visitors, the dogs playing in their dog run (my go-to happy place). The cool breeze was filled with the scent of the plants that surrounded me.

It felt as though there was music in the air. All was in harmony, filling my heart with peace.

Madison Square Park, NYC - Photo by the Author

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1. The link to “How childhood meals inspired two chefs' acclaimed menus” on CBS Sunday Morning can be found here.

2. The link to additional information on the Madison Square Park Gardens of Renewal can be found here.