“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.” ― Maria von Trapp, 20th-century Austrian member of the Trapp Family Singers
From time immemorial, music has been both an elixir and a delight all around the globe. From the earliest flutes and the sound of singing in ancient caves to the most modern digitally created techno sounds, music continues to carry the singular ability to both evoke and express the full range of our emotions. Perhaps the ancient Greek philosopher Plato said it best when he wrote, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
Music’s Healing Effects
Not only does music have the ability to soothe us, inspire us, and bring us joy, researchers are finding that music also has many healing effects. Music therapists can be found in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, senior centers, rehabilitation facilities, and schools using music as a therapeutic modality.
Additionally, according to Johns Hopkins, experts suggest that listening to new types of music can spark creativity!Music can also improve your ability to memorize as well as slow cognitive decline. Additionally, music triggers the release of feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.
Tapping into the Harmonizing Effects of Music
With both the enjoyable and healing attributes of music in mind, we’ve created a pathway for you to tap into music’s magic, through reflection, writing—or both!
To begin, perhaps you’d like to turn on some tunes! Having music playing in the background can create the perfect ambiance for this musical journey.
Next, begin listing—either in your mind or in your journal—the types of music you enjoy listening to most. For instance, how do you feel about: Opera? Jazz? Reggae? Country? Rap? Folk music? Rock? Classical? Gospel? The Blues? Hip Hop? World Music?
Then, bring to mind your favorite song. When did you first hear this song? What do you love most about it? What are some of your favorite parts of the lyrics, and why?
Consider also: If you were to write a song, what would it be about—and what style would it have—rock, country, rap, or something else?
To take it a step further, if you could learn to play any musical instrument, which would you choose, and why? Drums? Viola? Harp? Oboe? Trombone? Harmonica? Piano? Electric guitar? Something else?
The Delight of Live Music
The combination of the world’s array of instruments with the talent of composers, lyricists, and performers creates the crème de la crème of musical experiences: live concerts! From symphonies to raves to everything in between, there’s a dynamic energy that’s born when people come together to enjoy music that they love.
What are some of the best concerts you’ve ever attended? Remember where you were and when, who you were with, and what you enjoyed most about the live performances. Think, too, about which concerts are on your wish list for the future!
The Power of Playlists
In the meantime—until the next big concert rolls around—think about creating a curated playlist, perhaps based upon a theme or one of your favorite musicians. Would it be a soothing collection or an energizing one, or perhaps a mix? Which songs would you want to include?
Once you create this playlist, keep it on hand to shift your mood and ease your mind. According to Harvard Health, music can be used therapeutically, such as creating a soothing playlist to help you fall asleep or using energizing music to motivate you to exercise.
The concept of music as a metaphor for life is far-reaching. The different rhythms and styles of music can represent the diversity we experience in day-to-day life. Similarly, the full spectrum of feelings expressed in music often parallels the emotional gamut of our lives.
As the 20th-century Indian musician, poet, and philosopher Hazrat Inayat Khan explained, “Life is a symphony, and the action of every person in this life is the playing of his particular part in the music.” In other words, each of us is an integral part of the harmony of life!
With this in mind, we wish you many harmonious days ahead, enjoying the sweet nectar only music can bring!
