Ever noticed that when you feel inspired you achieve more in less time? My inspiration to create As One Harmony gives me this sense of deep purpose, and is inspired by my two sons. My younger son, Gavin, is affected by Cerebral Palsy, which is a lifelong neurological condition affecting coordination & balance. I have utilized music & sound as a means for therapy since Gavin was born—for both my boys. The challenges Gavin has overcome, paired with the strength and support of his big brother, Dominic, inspires me every day to share music & sound not only to ease my son’s condition, but to share the gifts of sound with the whole community. My mission is renewed every time I see Dominic & Gavin work as a unit, helping each other rise to meet and conquer challenges. I find following my passion & joy leads me to do more with the time I’m given. I feel so blessed! I truly cannot wait to work with your kiddos.
Gavin’s mental resilience & inner peace is a living example of what the right mindset can do for a person’s body and livelihood. And his big brother, Dominic, is an example of what limitless love can do to support another human. A doctor once told me to prepare myself for Gavin needing a wheelchair throughout his life, perhaps unable to walk. If this was to be the case that would make no difference — I love him for him, regardless of his abilities or accomplishments. But I knew this was a statement of limitation, not expansion or possibility.
The brain is neuroplastic and can be rewired based on state of mind alone. SO IT IS WITH MUSIC. If we believe we can sing, we will — and we’ll do it with the wonder & joy of a child. We were all born with vocal cords. One of their qualities is the ability to make different intonations! We were all born with this—not just the musically gifted, prestigious, or talented. Each person’s voice does not have to be professional, but when we each sing from our heart, what unfolds is authentic & beautiful—and I don’t mean the sound of the singing is beautiful, although it can be — I mean the act of singing itself. Just as Gavin’s belief in himself is why he is now an orange belt in karate (thank you, Ninja Niki!), so too is what I’m driven to offer the community’s youth through As One Harmony: the ability to rise above competition for who “can” sing and who can’t, and connect us to the inner voice — which for every human plays the most incredible song of creative expression, peace & unity.
Find inspiration! Check out this article about Gavin’s journey, from the March 22, 2024 issue of The Acorn!
