‘“The earth has music for those who listen”
– Shakespeare
Relaxation and Renewal
Let the Sound Take You Away
I recently went to a Buddhist temple near my house for a sound bowl meditation. When I first got there, I thought I’d be distracted by the people and things going on around me. There was one person doing the sound bowls and another had a gong and some bells and things. I expected the gong to be big and booming, like in a movie. It was not, not in the way I was expecting.
They talked for a little bit introducing themselves and explaining a bit about what we would experience. We had brought mats and pillows and a blanket. They did have chairs for those who couldn’t or didn’t want to sit on the floor.
I laid down, at first, listening and letting myself relax. I could hear the sounds of the other people and was trying not to get distracted. I don’t know when it happened, but the sounds took me into a deep relaxation. I was aware of the others around me, occasionally moving or coughing, but it wasn’t distracting. I let my thoughts come and go. At certain times I felt like I was floating on the sounds. I did sit up at one point, move by the sound, and then sat for a while. The sounds felt like they lifted me up, then would bring me back down.
When we were done, I felt wonderful. In a very alert yet relaxed state. I joked that I wasn’t sure if I could drive. That feeling stayed with me for a while. They host these events often at the temple. I’m definitely going to go again. I think there are sound bowl videos on YouTube, although I’m not sure it would be the same as being in the room. But I’m going to give it a try.
Centering and Balance
“Weightless” by Marconi Union has been said to be the world’s most relaxing song.
I thought it was Macaroni Union when I first read about them. I kind of like it more, but who am I to tell someone what to name their band? I listened to it. It is interesting. I let myself sit and listen to the sounds. It was relaxing.
Give it a listen and see what you think. It may not be for everyone, but researchers do caution that maybe you shouldn’t drive a car or do anything that may be dangerous to do while feeling drowsy. That alone made me curious.
The song starts with a tempo of 60 beats per minute (BPM), mirroring the average resting heart rate of an adult. Over time, the speed gradually moves to 50 BPM, to guide the listener’s heart rate into a slower more relaxed beat.
World’s Most Relaxing Song May Reduce Anxiety by 65%
Music for Well-Being
On Friday afternoons, after work, many times I roll the car windows down and turn the radio up. Putting that perfect song on to start my weekend. Instant good vibes.
At the time that I was going through my first divorce (yes, I’ve had two) I would listen to Melissa Ethridge songs over and over, they helped me in my angry period. It just made me feel better to sing along with her.
When my kids were little it was Raffi, “Singable Songs for the Very Young” on repeat. I still know most of the words.
Music and sound are so influential that the type you listen to actually has the ability to change the way you think and look at the world.
Think about the way music makes you feel. Your favorite song, is it your favorite because of a memory, does it just make you want to sing along because it’s just a great song? Maybe you are so happy you know all the words, or think you do, lol.
Here are Some Websites with More Information:
Why — and How — Music Moves Us
Music has the power to move us physically and emotionally. Here’s why
Music can touch you in many ways
My youngest didn’t like me to put the Jack Johnson, “Curious George” CD on while they were going to sleep, the music made him sad.
And, my mom cries during church when certain hymns are played. They just move her, stir up some emotions, good, sad, or just because she’s heard them her whole life.
My family laughs at me because they will say something and it will remind me of a song, so naturally I have to sing a few lines from it. I get a few eye rolls, but always a smile. Which is why I do it.
So, go put on your favorite song. You don’t have to know why you love it, just that it makes you feel good, and it’s a way to be good to yourself.
Remember, we all need to be kind to ourselves, and this is just another way.
How does music move you?
Let me know how music makes you feel, I’d love to hear from you. This space is built on kindness, curiosity, and connection. You’re always welcome here.