Reflections on My Time at Oasis at the High: Harnessing the Harp for Rest, Healing, and Liberation
Recently, I had the profound honor of leading a session at Oasis at the High Museum of Art, an event that offers a sanctuary for those seeking both solace and community amid the High’s world-class art. The event invites attendees to take a journey of self-discovery through activities designed to promote mental well-being and immersing yourself in movement-based sessions led by local yoga instructors, unwind with soothing sonic experiences, or unleash your creative expression in art-making activities led by teaching artists. Oasis is an unparalleled blend of art, reflection, and connection, where every moment invites you to embrace the power of the present.
At Oasis, I shared the power of the harp as a tool for rest, healing, and liberation. As a sound practitioner, my mission is to center the voices and stories of Black and Brown leaders and writers, creating a space where their contributions are celebrated and amplified in spaces of healing.
Our time together at Oasis began with a few gentle harp chords, inviting everyone to consider their arrival in the space. I encouraged attendees to bring awareness to their breath—the force that connects us all. This simple act of breathing together works to create a sense of unity and calm in the room.
I shared a few words from Shawn Moore, a restorative yoga teacher and sound practitioner, who often emphasizes that listening is an active practice that goes beyond hearing. Hearing is just the physical act of sound entering our ears, but listening involves our minds, presence, and capacity to empathize on a deeper level. By practicing deep listening, we can foster meaningful change in the world around us.
The first piece of music I shared was by an Indigenous composer, Connor Chee as we continue a breathwork practice, acknowledging that we are on Indigenous land, specifically that of the Muscogee Creek peoples, honoring their stewardship and legacy.
We then transitioned into a rest practice, inspired by Tricia Hersey of The Nap Ministry. Tricia advocates for rest as a form of reclamation, a beautiful interruption in a world that never stops. In a bustling city like Atlanta, it was a powerful moment as we entered into the rest practice together along with the sounds of live harp music.
We continued with mindful movement, moving at our own pace, and finding a natural place of movement and eventually coming to rest. After movement, we returned to our breath, and found stillness once more. I played a bit of harp music to accompany this part of our practice, encouraging deep listening and a restful state that allowed us to connect more deeply with ourselves and each other.
As we approached the end of our session, I shared a quote from Octavia Raheem, a Yoga Nidra teacher and rest coach:
"Listen. It’s time Now. To spread your wings and take off to the sky. After all that life has brought, nothing can harm you now. You are safe. You know your songs. Rise up singing. Rise up."
With this inspiration, I played "Rise Up," inviting everyone to consider what it means to truly listen, rest, and rise. We took a final deep breath together, closing our practice with gratitude.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined me at Oasis at the High. If you’d like more information about my work in healing and wellbeing, please reach out via the contact page on my website or on IG at @angelharpist.
