I went on a weekend spiritual retreat, called Inner Journey, two years ago that used different tools like guided imagery, breathing, role play and journaling to evoke a wide range of personal experiences. To my delight and surprise the most powerful aspect was rediscovering my love for music. It took me back to vivid memories of my sister and me, home alone singing to my mom’s “Chorus Line” album… my shared dance obsession with college roommates… and just a drive on a beautiful fall day with a favorite song on the radio. All of these experiences provided a way to unwind, be present and connect to my whole body.
After becoming a mom six years ago, I forgot pretty quickly that I could listen to anything other than “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.”
Thankfully, that recently changed for me! Last spring I decided to get a smart phone and despite what you hear about the always-present temptations of email and web searches, it’s been a total life enhancer. I am plugged into internet radio or my own tunes all the time. A soundtrack is back in my life and it’s been a great way to relax, let go or feel more energized.
Music has been used for hundreds of years to treat illnesses and restore harmony between mind and body. But recently, scientific studies have attempted to measure the potential benefits. Here are a few interesting facts:
• Music’s form and structure can bring order and security to disabled and distressed children. It encourages coordination and communication, so improves their quality of life.
• Listening to music can help stimulate seemingly lost memories and even help restore some cognitive function in people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Listening to music on headphones reduces stress and anxiety in hospital patients before and after surgery.
• Listening to music can relieve depression and increase self-esteem ratings in elderly people.
• Music therapy significantly reduces emotional distress and boosts quality of life among adult cancer patients.
When you are feeling stressed, upset or fatigued, don’t forget about the tools that you have at your finger tips that don’t require plans or a get away. So… when’s the last time you blasted music at home, danced until you lost your breath or sang along to that favorite song….? Don’t let another day pass you by without letting the music set you free!
