Keynotes that bless

Over the centuries the arts have been one sphere where individuals have broken through limitations in thought as they held to unmistakable keynotes that based their work. For example, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed his structures in harmony with the environment, playing a pivotal role in architectural undertakings of the 20th century. Dancer Martha Graham’s technique, which broke through restricted ideas about movement, has been called the cornerstone of American modern dance.

The website etymonline.com puts forward the figurative definition of “keynote” as “leading idea, central principle.” It also defines a keynote literally as “the given note on which the melodic and harmonic relationships in the scale are built.”

Discovering a reliable cornerstone and tone upon which to build our moments, days, and lives can bring forth greater good, not only in our own experience but for those around us, too.

Where can we find this kind of trusted keynote?

I’ve found it helpful to look in the Bible. We don’t need to look further than the first chapter of Genesis to find this great central truth for all time: “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (verse 31). We might even call this completeness and goodness of God’s creation the keynote that weaves through the rest of the Bible. It’s the basis for transformations of character, victories over famine and flood, and healings of sickness and sin.

Christ Jesus – who understood more clearly than anyone the core truth of God’s power, goodness, and presence – healed and revolutionized lives from this basis. God being infinite Spirit, all that He creates – including each of us – is spiritual and flawless, reflecting God’s own nature. Over and over, Jesus proved that the perfection and harmony of God’s kingdom is here, now. His frequent command, “Be not afraid,” points to the spiritual fact that God, good, is All.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science, deeply cherished and studied the Bible – particularly Jesus’ words and works. She wrote, “The Scriptures give the keynote of Christian Science from Genesis to Revelation, and this is the prolonged tone: ‘For the Lord He is God, and there is none beside Him’” (“Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896,” p. 366). Reasoning from this standpoint, we find that fear and inharmony have no legitimate source or power – a realization that brings about healing.

Years back on a particular occasion I was in need of finding that “prolonged tone” of God’s “keynote” of pure goodness, and it happened in minutes. I was involved in a vocal workshop that included singing in front of many people. Just before the performance, I became so terrified that I didn’t see how it was going to be possible to perform.

Many times I have experienced healing through turning to God for inspiration that lights up and lifts up my thought, and this time was no different. At that moment I had no words, only humble yearning as I reached out to God for a glimpse of the spiritual substance that underlies all reality. The thought came, “Just love.”

I felt so clearly that this was a message from the one and only God, divine Love itself, and knew that harmony had to follow. It was as though something had been unplugged, and the fear just drained out. A God-given, unspeakable spiritual peace flooded in, and I sang with absolute calm and enjoyment. This peace also empowered me to help another participant gain freedom from their own fear before performing.

We may not necessarily set a leading tone in, for example, some larger field like the art world. But wherever we are and whatever our sphere of influence, when we hold to the keynote of spiritual reality, it makes a difference – for good.