I think you hit on a key point here, and although I never was in a band or orchestra, many of my friends were, and I saw how it changed the way they thought. Taught them cohesiveness that I lacked myself at the time.
I learned guitar in later life and can sometimes find myself drifting away into another mode of being when playing, but mostly now that happens for me writing fiction.
Yes, most definitely being part of a group working towards a common goal changes the individual on many levels. Hopefull good levels! 😉 And yes, to be able to produce music, books - or anything for that matter - is very much a sort of spiritual experience.
And although it may seem not to be relevant to someone who writes novels, the same is still true. The characters must all act based upon their character traits in a certain way to create a kind of cohesive picture. Even in points of conflict, the resolution must be found, or at least searched for, to make the story work.
Again, I think you are right. Harmony must exist in all parts of what we do. Sometimes we are part of a whole and sometimes we produce something with many parts. In a watch for example - or a novel with many characters and drama like the those you write - there must be harmony among the parts. Beautiful analogy, thanks!
I also enjoy your PYPT meeting today and I'm looking forward to next week. I have also just followed you!