The Buddhist Guitar Chaplain
Offering live music and conversation for individuals facing loss, grief, or illness.
When my grandfather was in his 80's, he hadn't interacted with anyone in months...
My father (also a musician) went to visit him at the assisted living facility.Knowing my grandfather loved music, my dad brought his trumpet and started playing a popular tune from the 1940's...To everyone's shock, my grandfather opened his eyes, grinned from ear to ear, and started singing along.His eyes lit up with the joy and happiness that a favorite song can bring...He relished the beauty of the melody and the lively sensation of a familiar tune...And even though my grandfather's dementia prevented him from speaking or interacting beyond the music, the feeling of connection & love was palpable.And for a joyful moment, he regained his voice and his ability to express himself.
Hi, I'm Michael-- The Buddhist Guitar Chaplain...
For the last 20 years, I've been obsessed with two things: Buddhism and making music. My unusual journey has lead me on national tours as a performing musician, years in Buddhist meditation centers, and clinical training as an interfaith Chaplain & Spiritual Care Provider.As someone who struggled with severe Lyme disease for most of my twenties, I know how hard it can be to feel like the world is passing you by...And I also know about the powerful effect that music can have on the mind, body, and soul during times of difficulty.
That's why I offer Supportive Musical Experiences for people dealing with loss, isolation, or illness...
My approach follows three simple steps to bring more joy & connection and brighten your loved one's day...
Step One
You or your loved one fills out a brief survey listing their favorite songs or genres, as well as any other important background information you'd like me to know
Step Two
You select a date, time, & location for the visit to take place. I offer virtual sessions (video call) and in-person sessions (Boulder, CO)
Step Three
I show up with my guitar and play & sing their favorite songs at their bedside, living room, porch, or wherever they're most comfortable.If they enjoy conversation and are able to engage verbally, we chat about the memories, emotions, and thoughts the songs evoke for them.Sometimes conversations veer into spiritual topics, other times not. I follow your loved one's lead and we go where the conversation takes us naturally.We continue sharing music, laughter, and conversation for the time allowed, and then we say goodbye (until next time!!)
A Little More About Me:
• Master of Divinity Degree (Mdiv) in Buddhism & Interfaith Chaplaincy (Naropa University, 2019)• Clinically trained in emotional and spiritual caregiving & Chaplaincy in the hospital setting (CPE)• Independent musical artist with over 1 million combined listens to my original songs• Two decades of experience performing songs to a live audience
Why a music is such a powerful gift to give...
• Music has a strong effect on the brain and nervous system• It can be a useful conduit for self reflection, connection with others, and conversation• Music often brings feelings of joy and can re-ignite an appreciation of the beauty in life• It can allow a person to process emotions in a non-verbal way
Isolation is a silent epidemic of our times...
Let's face it. Life can be really hard, especially when facing health challenges, major loss, or a terminal diagnosis. It can be devastating to watch a family member slip into a more and more gloomy, isolated frame of mind....These challenges take a toll on a person's emotional & spiritual condition.Isolation makes all symptoms worse.A lack of laughter robs the joy of life.A lack of creativity and music makes life more bleak.The simple joy of hearing a favorite song and connecting over the beauty of art and human expression can do wonders for a person's mind, body, and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Chaplain?A Chaplain is rooted in their own spiritual or religious tradition and also trained to support individuals of any or no faith background.Sometimes, a Chaplain supports the spiritual health of a person, offering prayers, meditations, or rituals (or... songs!!!)Other times, a Chaplain simply supports the person's emotional state through empathy, compassion, and curiousity.Chaplains are often employed by Hospitals and other institutions. A person does not need to have a terminal illness (or any illness) to benefit from connecting with a Chaplain.
Do you preach about Buddhism? Why are you called the Buddhist Guitar Chaplain?I Use the term "Buddhist" to describe my work because the word "Chaplain" usually has a Christian connotation...My background--both my Masters of Divinity Degree and my own personal spiritual training--is mostly in the Buddhist tradition, so I want to be transparent about that.I respect all religious and non-religious affiliations, and only talk about Buddhism if that's an interest of my client.
I think my family member would benefit from learning mindfulness. Do you teach that as part of the session?I'm happy to offer guidance in various mindfulness practices. However, I only teach mindfulness to people who request it directly.If this is something you think your loved one would benefit from, I'm happy to speak to them and see if they're interested in learning mindfulness practices.
My loved one is in an assisted living facility. Can you visit them there?For in-person visits in Boulder, CO, I'm happy to visit your loved one wherever they are living or staying.If that's their home, an assisted living facility, or a hospital bed, we can make the necessary arrangements before hand.Other questions?