Facets of a Diamond - Blog

How are we to explain a melody that suddenly pops into our head? One possibility is that we have heard it recently, if only subliminally. Or maybe we are reminded of it by having just heard a similar one, or perhaps by sounds from nature. (For example, certain bird songs remind us of classical themes.) The melody may also relate to an unconscious association. As the psychoanalyst Theodor Reik pointed out in his collection of writings about music, The Haunting Melody, the incidental music accompanying our conscious thinking is never accidental.

A very important consideration is the role of the unconscious in choosing to bring a particular tune into consciousness as a way of solving a specific psychological problem to which it relates and which is troubling us at that time. The mind is constantly striving to achieve homeostasis. We can become out of balance as a result of a particular psychological problem, and in response, the unconscious forces the appropriate curative melody into our consciousness.

When the problem is overcome, harmony and peace are restored and the Life Energy is rebalanced. The tune does not pop into consciousness randomly. It is not a freak occurrence nor coincidence. There are definite reasons for that tune to be presented at that time.

This is a wonderful example of the therapeutic power of music as well as the incredible therapeutic zeal of the unconscious. And it is the genius of the composer to share such themes with us.

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