Music Helped Me Make Sense of You, Me, and Everything That Happened

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This episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast is a bit different from normal. It contains the audio from It Just Sort of Happens, the short film I produced for the HSP Gathering in Oulu, Finland, at the start of August. You can watch it here.

The film is an audiovisual collage of stories from throughout my life. It has a particular focus on the role of songwriting and music-making in helping me make sense of myself, my experiences, and the way the world is.

I believe creativity is especially in nurturing our relationship with our innate sensitivity. But when we absorb messages from the cultures we swim in, they can disconnect us from these natural aspects of ourselves.

I hope ‘It Just Sort of Happens’ gives you reassurance and confidence that you’re not alone.

Language Beyond Words

Music has always been my natural language.
It speaks when words aren’t enough.
Music helps things make sense.

What about you?

These aren’t stories about what sensitivity or creativity should look like for everyone. I don’t believe that’s how it works. Rather, they are just a handful of my stories, which I hope may encourage you to notice, connect with, and continue developing your own.

Questions To Consider

At the HSP Heimojuhlat gathering in Oulu, I scattered mini-zines around the room. They contained questions to help people consider their relationship with the film’s themes.

They may be especially useful if you’re feeling stuck in some way right now, or if you’re ready to let your creativity give voice to your sensitivity and your sensitivity give shape to your creativity…

• What is something you remember creating as a child? What made it memorable?
• What does society value that you don’t?
• What is something you care about that others often overlook?
• When do you wish time would stand still so you could dwell there for longer?
• What made you laugh this week?
• What helps you process and observe what’s going on within you?
• What are you waiting for the courage to do, try, or start?

Let the film’s sound wash over you and see what catches your attention. It’s worth finding somewhere quiet to listen, and with headphones if possible.

Share Your Reflections

And if anything connects for you, or you have a question about something I’ve shared, I’d love to hear from you. Head to this page for links to the original source materials and to get in touch.

Courtyard Replay

Log in below to view the replay of our community conversation in response to the film. It will be available until the end of August 2026. Or become a Courtyard member if you don’t yet have an account.