Finding Sanctuary in the Storm: Jazz, Reflections, and Resilience

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When you walk
strong of back,
soft of heart,
there is no storm
you cannot weather,
no darkness
you cannot overcome,
and no wound
you cannot heal.

The wind howled like a banshee, rain lashed against the windows, and darkness clung to the edges of the world. It was a night to hunker down, to surrender to the storm’s symphony. “Do you still want to go?” I asked C.C., almost hoping for a reprieve from the tempest. But his eyes, alight with anticipation, held a spark that even the wildness of the night couldn’t extinguish.

His enthusiasm was a beacon, reminding me of the long journey he’s traveled. Not just to this island but with his health. The sea air, thick with the scent of salt and seaweed, have been a balm for his COPD compromised lungs. His breathing has eased and his strength is returning. I knew the music would be a tonic for his soul, and mine. And so, we ventured out into the night, seeking refuge in the warm glow of The Surf Pub and the promise of Sunday Night Jazz.

As the first notes filled the air, I was transported back to Jazz Vespers at St. Andrew-Wesley United Church in Vancouver. I recalled the hushed reverence of the sanctuary, the soaring voices of the jazz singer and her quartet, and the profound words of Reverend Gary Patterson, a scholar of Leonard Cohen and a master of weaving music and poetry into his sermons.

It was in the aftermath of the 2016 American election, a time when I felt profound uncertainty and fear, that his words first resonated deep within me: “We must stand strong of back and soft of front.” He spoke of the dangers of judgement, of the need to listen and learn, to embrace empathy over animosity.

That phrase, “strong of back, soft of front,” has become a guiding principle in my life. It’s a reminder to stand tall in the face of adversity and walk true to my values. It is an invitation to meet challenges with courage and resilience, while keeping my heart open to compassion and understanding. It’s a call to transcend the victim narrative, to recognize that even in the face of darkness, we have the power to choose love over fear. Always.

Last night, as the music washed over me, I was reminded of the interconnectedness of life, of how a stormy night, a jazz concert, and the words of a wise minister can converge to illuminate the path towards healing and wholeness. And in the depths of my being, I knew that with a strong back and a soft heart, there is no storm we cannot weather, no darkness we cannot overcome and no wound that cannot be healed.

11 thoughts on “Finding Sanctuary in the Storm: Jazz, Reflections, and Resilience”

  1. I read Gary Paterson’s words ‘strong of back and soft of heart’ and memory flooded into my mind of the last concert of the Isle of Wight festival in 1970, where a transformation – a miracle of love – was ushered in as Leonard Cohen came to the stage. The Rev Paterson must be describing Leonard himself, the poet, preacher and lover, who transformed a wild impatient crowd of 600,000 people into a mass of quiet awe. That concert will always be an inspiration to me and your blog has once again encouraged me to write poetry direct from my heart. Thank you Louise

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    • Thank you. What a beautiful memory and sense of hope you have shared Sandwoodman.

      I am grateful for your words — and taht you are inspired to continue to write poetry direct from your heart. It is the most mysterious and perfect place for poetry to be born. ❤

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  2. Dear Luisa, I read your post this morning and felt the strength flooding out from it.
    The beauty of your painting and the wise words inset. It lifted my spirit this morning.
    This wonderful walk you took at night brings us the strength and healing even a dark stormy night gives.
    To add the jazz music to that is just filling me to overflow. 😊.

    Thank you
    Miriam

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  3. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog today. What a good decision you and CC made to move to the island. The fact that CC’s health has improved where you are is such great news – nothing more important than one’s health. The jazz club sounded very inviting and a great evening spent enjoying the music. I was feeling very envious reading all about it. Every day sounds like another wonderful adventure! Enjoy every moment!❤️🎃

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  4. This morning, as the light was breaking over the trees, coffee cup in hand, I sat at my window trying to grasp what I had just read, for the second time. It was Andrew Coyne’s op-ed in Saturday’s G&M titled, WIN or LOSE. Upon reflection, I would have titled his piece, The Perfect Storm aka CHAOS Unlimited, yet he offers a minute glimmer of hope. He opines further that even though it will be a tight race, polls have been wrong before. Ah, there is that glimmer of hope that we are all clinging to. Then I read your Monday posting and realized that Coyne must have had a premonition of what you were planning to write. I equate his glimmer of hope to your “strong of back, soft of front” mindset that gets one through anything, helps one to overcome anything, and heals ay wound.
    Oh, if only it would come to pass.

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