The Moving Picture World (1907)

THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD. 35 Mind, Voice. Interpretation. MIND. The relation of this trinity is being exemplified in the work which is demonstrated under the name of the "Psycho-Vowel Method" of voice culture. Many ask the question, Why is mind placed first? The answer is, Because all power to produce voice is in the mind. First the mind must hold the model of true voice, then it must be trained or disciplined to control the vocal organs and breath. Of course, some have this concept to a large degree, unconsciously, or without study, due largely to prenatal influences. The fact that the power is in the mind is proven by enabling those who have always had weak voices to pro- duce fully developed voice within a few minutes. Again by teaching people, who seem to have no sense of pitch, to sing accurately. People who have been invalids for twelve to fifteen years, with supposedly weak vocal organs, have produced, within a few days, as fully developed voice as they did in their most vigorous health. The voice culture class, whose members ranged in age from 65 to 87 years, in the Old People's Home, at Sixty- eighth street and Lexington avenue, New York City, gave a complete demonstration of the mind power. After an investigation, the New York Sun said: "When the writer passed the gray-haired sentinel at the entrance door, the lesson was in progress. Hearing the first lines of the love song, "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes,' as the voices did not seem those of either men 'or women, the first impression of the visitor was that a boy choir was practicing, though attentive listening revealed the absence of the fresh flexibility which char- acterizes the voices of boys. "But young men and women in the first flush of youth- ful ardor would scarcely have sung this song of sentiment with more feeling than did these ancient singers, who were so absorbed that they scarcely noted the entrance of a stranger. It was easy to believe that they were car- ried back of the years to the time in their lives when 'life was young and love was king,' on the tide of this heart- moving song." Whatever the conclusion as to the vocal achievements of these old men and women, criticism' is disarmed when it is taken into account that the main object in teaching them to sing is not vocalization, but "to master the great secret of life." This great secret enables its possessor in- stantly to assume under all circumstances and without effort the right mental attitude. VOICE. Voice is the instrument through which we express the thoughts of the Mind and the emotions of the Soul. Voice is composed of five qualities or primes, as fol- lows : Form, Intensity, Resonance, Purity and Flexibility. From these primes come the numberless shades which are necessary to interpret our varied emotions. As these five qualities are the product of three laws, and as these laws are applied to thought, it is a matter of choice with each individual whether he possess a true voice. He will make others feel what he feels to the extent that he uses true voice. In the development of true voice, introspective study is imperative. Through it one becomes acquainted with his inherent or latent powers. By this study one so often performs instantly what has seemed to be impossible, that he is continually surprised to learn how little he knew of his real ability. He also proves^ in every sincere study period, that all development comes instantaneously. And by this study he proves to himself the fallacy of the old saying, "Practice makes perfect." Hence, to those who wish to avoid procras- tination, if they study without prejudice, it will not take long for them to understand that real development is the result of proving the sight or concept in the mind. Con- centration upon the basic or natural law brings instan- taneous results. Thus one becomes convinced of the . truth of the above statement, even against his will. The writer regrets to leave this subject, on account of its great value to humanity, when, With sufficient space, it could be made very much plainer. But as it is neces- sary to deal with the third part of the trinity, it will be necessary to rest with this brief presentation for the present. INTERPRETATION. Interpretation is a very important object of this life. The satisfaction we enjoy from expressing our thoughts and emotions is not the most important result, for in awakening our faculty of interpretation there is a very marked esoteric effect upon our lives.- There is no char- acter, however true, that will not be improved by this awakening. And though it be unsought, one soon be- comes conscious of actual character building. As evolution is unerring in its result, this awakening must affect all humanity in a similar way. The writer confidently predicts that the day is not far distant when the higher degree of concentration will be used. Furthermore, we may realize results equally astonish- ing in all lines of study. It is an easy possibility to reduce the time necessary for most courses of study from one- fourth to one-third, by "establishing a higher degree of concentration. At the present time there is no plan ex- emplified which will produce the wonderful results which are bound to follow an application of the above trinity. To illustrate, many young people in high school and college, whose time was entirely filled, have added this study and pursued it successfully, and through its con- centrative effect upon the mind been able to accomplish their other studies so much more easily that they had several hours of recreation each week. An excellent test could be made with 500 to 1,000 men by giving them an hour's instruction during the working hours. With all of this time taken away from the work, there will be no less work done at the end of a week. The author of the plan stands ready to demonstrate the fact any time.