January 31st, 2009 8:10 pm
People have been creating and listening to music since ancient times. Music, dancing and festivities are all inextricably linked. Instruments, styles and rhythms have changed somewhat over the centuries, but whether it’s opera, rock, classical, jazz, flamenco or string quartets, when you listen to music, it soothes the soul. Even if you have no musical talent yourself, you can still realize self expression by simply listening to music. Psychologists have realized the therapeutic benefits of music, recommending tapes of ocean sounds, running water and other such specifically calming music to stressed-out patients. You don’t need to be a doctor to self-prescribe a bit of music for your ears. In fact, it’s a great idea to switch off the tube and turn up the sounds, on a daily basis.
Some people never ‘grow out’ of a love of music ? these are the fortunate ones. Paradoxically, most people do just that. As teens, music is everything, played loudly and often, sometimes to the consternation of their parents. ?Hey, can you turn that down a little?? It’s odd to think that such a pleasurable activity becomes lost over time. By the time most people are into their late thirties or early forties, they stop paying much attention to the music scene, opting for more and more TV, of questionable value and often prompting considerable stress.
When you listen to music you loved years ago, the experience can be a deja vu moment, opening up memories of just where you were when you last heard that song. When you widen your horizons, and start to listen to music you’ve never heard before, it can be a very enriching pastime.
For example, let’s say one type of music which never held much appeal for you is classical pieces. Try listening to Prokofiev’s Love of Three Oranges, Debussy’s La Mer or Ravel’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain. While you listen, just kick back and try to see the scenes expressed in these pieces. You may find you like one of these. Music is self-expression, in that something stirs in your spirit you’ve not been privy to at another time of your life.
When you listen to ethnic folk ballads, you can hear the timeless quality which permeates this style, as appealing today as it was centuries ago.
With music downloads, playlists and iPod type gadgetry, everyone can listen to music whenever they wish. You can compile a huge playlist of your favorites at almost no cost.
Try this experiment. Begin listening to old favorites, new discoveries and even genres you think you don’t like. It’s almost certain you’ll enjoy better spirits, less stress and some highly desirable feelings of peace. Music does soothe the soul. Get out and dance, too. Music keeps the mind active and improves on your expressions in life. Music is a great friend for all.
Tags: listen to music