“Poetry and Science. Being individually and especially together is a means of knowing the world more intimately and loving it more deeply. We need science to deal faithfully with reality, and with ourselves and each other.” We need poetry to widen and deepen the conditions of encounter.” —Maria Popova.
This is the world we live in. Poetry and science are juxtaposed. This is head and heart, earth and sky, body and soul, nature and art. This is quantitative and qualitative. In science, we measure and test results. And poetry and art require “emotions” and experience. Can you really have one without the other: poetry and science?
Consider Joyce Kilmer’s poem “Trees.”
I don’t think I’ll ever see it
A poem as lovely as a tree.A tree with hungry mouths
Against the sweet flowing breasts of the earth.A tree that gazes at God all day long,
Then I raise my leaf arms and pray.A tree that might be worn in the summer
There’s a robin’s nest in her hair.There was snow on his chest.
A person who lives close to the rain.Poetry is made by fools like me,
But only God can make trees.
Poetry? yes. An aesthetic work of art? surely. But a tree? Nature…science. Without science, would this art exist?Have you changed the way you think about trees after reading this poem?
And then there’s Leonardo da Vinci. painter. and engineers, architects, astronomers, botanists, sculptors, and cartographers. Artist and scientist. Because no one in history has had his art influence his science, or his science influence his art. He studied geology, mathematics, optics, tribology, and anatomy, all of which influenced his art.
When Leonardo painted, he not only looked at the subject subjectively, but also studied all the underlying elements such as light, color, and focus. When drawing people, I studied anatomy thoroughly. He studied the skeletal structure, the nervous system, and the intricate workings of muscles, all of which greatly influenced his art. Painting was a scientific activity. He dissected about 30 cadavers for his research and created detailed drawings of the muscle structure and inner workings of the human body. All to convey his art. And his most famous painting is “Mona Lisa”. Is she smiling? How many muscles does it take to smile? Leonardo knew.
Architecture… think about science and art. Fashion…science and art. Aerospace design…science and art. Look up at the starry sky, the flowers in full bloom, the child growing from conception to birth, the perfect wine, Scarlett Johansson. And the food! Chemistry of ingredients and temperature…science. But when I see a perfect shrimp scampi or my grandmother’s tomato sauce in a restaurant, the poetry on the plate emerges. (And your taste buds too!)
and music
Music is designed sound. Sound is heard when sound waves interact with our anatomy and create a map in our brains that brings everything together in magical harmony. And when the aesthetics of music speak to you, to your soul, dopamine (the pleasure neurotransmitter) is released in your brain. You “feel” it on an almost spiritual level. You experience it with your body and soul. poetry and science.
music therapy
Music therapy, like all creative arts therapies such as art therapy, drama therapy, and dance therapy, combines science and art. It is measured quantitatively and qualitatively. Research statistics show the results of interventions to create change, and art aesthetics create felt, lived experiences.
In hospital settings, music therapy addresses both patients’ physical needs (such as stress and anxiety) and psychosocial needs (such as emotional support and coping). Physically, we are “tune in” to the rhythm. Alternatively, when working with pain, use the tension and release of music to aid in pain perception. On the psychosocial side, you’ll find meaningful songs that help you regain your “self-consciousness” and “sense of control.” Or uplifting songs that are empowering or reflective. A song that soothes the body and calms the mind.
The images show that our brains react differently when music is involved. When we speak, an area of the brain called Broca’s area in the left frontal lobe becomes active. However, when we sing, play an instrument, or listen to music, there is activity in multiple parts of the brain in both hemispheres.
This is why, for example, people who have suffered a stroke can regain their voice by singing.
One word. One word. She suffered an unexpected stroke that left her with damage to the left side of her brain and lost her ability to speak. One of the reasons we use music therapy for neurorehabilitation is because music activates multiple parts of both hemispheres of the brain. Neural pathways are created and act to “help” the compromised area. However, because our language originates from a specific area on the left side, a stroke can cause aphasia and interfere with verbal communication. But when we sing…other areas of the brain are activated. I heard that she loves Elvis. When I entered the room, she sat in a chair, her face “flat”, just staring at me. When I said “hello” she didn’t say anything. When I asked her, “How are you doing?” she didn’t answer. Although she looked like she was trying. I took out my guitar and started playing a simple shuffle rhythm. I just brought in the music first. I ended up getting to the first verse of “Hound Dog.” She seemed to be listening. I stopped and sang the first verse again. After a few repetitions, I stopped, looked at her, and said, “Are you ready?” “You’re just a hound, ___.” I paused. Again, “You are nothing but a hound ___.” And the third time was the charm…I heard it: “Dog.” She sang “Dog” and I looked at her and smiled. “That’s right! Let’s do it again!” And again… the word “dog” is embedded in her mind. This is the beginning of poetry and science.
Science shows us how things work. Poetry (art) helps us feel why things work out the way they do. Science shows how things exist. Poetry (art) shows us why we exist. A perfect combination.
