What's Your Soothe Groove?
Humankind has known for thousands of years about the power of sound. Imagine ourselves as tribal folk and we can easily re-live how we may have been energized by the sound of a beating drum, or lulled to sleep by the soft voice of an elder chanting. Music has a unique hold upon us. Without our even being aware, it can affect us mentally, viscerally, emotionally, and spiritually. A “Pocket of Peace” can indeed be found within the rhythm and tones of music." (Continue reading...)
I invite you to read more of this post I've crafted for Michigan Women's Forum on the power of music to soothe and restore.
Then, stop back here and tell me what is YOUR favorite Soothe Groove.
I LOVE music, especially anything that will transform my mind from messy to mellow. And since my beloved gifted me with this very cool purple iPod Nano for Christmas, I am even more in the groove these days. Portable peace!
Here are some of MY current favorites:
Smooth Jazz - Peter White - "Good Day"
Mystical - Peter Kater - Soundtrack from "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama"
For Writing - Dean Evenson & Tom Barabas - "Healing Suite"
I've got iTunes gift cards to redeem, too, and I'm in the mood for shopping. So what should I buy?
What are your current favorites for tuning into tranquility?
What are your current favorites for tuning into tranquility?
~~~
I'm heading "north" soon to Englewood, Florida. Join me at the Southwest Florida Women's Expo? I'll be speaking at 10:30 am, Sat. Feb. 20, on the topic of "Finding Your Courage, Speaking Your Truth." And there's plenty of music and fun to be found there, too! Learn more ...
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36 comments:
I like to listen to 'The Prayer Cycle' by Johnathan Elias :)
Matthew,
Thank you for this, truly! I just listened to some samples of it and what amazing music. Beautiful, just up my alley. It's definitely on my shopping list. Blessings of well-being to you today.
Music works ... so does reading poetry or a good 'escape' novel... so does cooking a special meal after coming home with a bag of beautiful groceries ... and napping with my cat. I feel better just thinking about those things :-)
Hehe, whenever I need some space to myself I just sit in my corner an rock out to some tunes (rickin' out in my head, anyways!). It's funny, the songs which soothe my soul aren't necessarily soothing - anything with drums! I would say 'uplifting' is what I go for over 'soothing'.
Hmm...my taste in music depends upon the mood I am in, what I am trying to capture as far as soothe from what....
I love Amazing Grace by Kendall Payne.
I love most any worship song by Chris Tomlin
I love Chris Botti.
Cindy,
It sounds like you definitely what gets you into a soothe groove. Nice variety!
Haley,
Very good. Uplifting is wonderful and if drums do it for you, how perfect. The beat goes on....
Joy,
I appreciate these leads. I'm intrigued by what you say -- that what you choose to listen depends on what needs soothing. Wish you could say more....
"New Earth Goddess" by Bruce Mitchell. You can listen to all of it online at newearthgoddess dot net (at the bottom), and some of the tracks are free downloads. "Aeracura" still gives me chills every time I hear it. He was inspired by Eckhart Tolle's "New Earth" and a book on goddesses.
Hi Jan -- I definitely have a lot of recommendations here from what's often called the "Ambient" category. Steve Roach, Robert Rich and Akataka are three examples -- they are more about creating sonic landscapes than what many people would call music, but it definitely creates a sense of spaciousness and quietude.
I love music too, and frequently meditate to it. I think it works both on a vibrational level, like mantras, and then on an emotional one, with the actual melodies. So powerful. Thanks for sharing yours, I am always looking for suggestions. Some favorites of mine are Kitaro (Ancient), Karunesh (Call of the Mystic), and Delerium (Karma, Nueges du Monde). I also love Tibetan singing bowls and have a few collections of those...
Gayle,
Oh, these sound right up my alley! I will check those out this morning and see what resonates. One of my older favorites you might enjoy is "Goddess" by Troika.
Chris,
These are excellent too. I really like ambient, spaciousness creating music for writing. These are now on my list. Thank you!
Lisa,
I agree with you, totally! Music has such a powerful effect vibrationally on all our b/m/s and energetic levels. I am continually amazed how just happening upon a tune (perhaps a "sign" as you speak of today in your post at your blog) feels like a meant to be thing to help us shift our energy. Almost as if Spirit is reaching out to help us align with It. :-)
Thanks for these great recommendations of your!
This is so useful for me, everyone. Thank you. I joined something called www.emusic.com and to purchase albums is half the price of iTunes, but sometimes I get at a loss as to what to search for. Your recommendations will really help. :-)
You may want to check this site/program out because it offers a bunch of free credits (for music and an audio book - I downloaded 4 albums plus Pema Chodron!)for a trial membership, which is very easy to cancel if you want to. (IN fact, the first time I tried to cancel they offered me a free month, which I took.) But I have opted to stay on because the price is definitely right and the offerings are great!
To tell you the truth Jan I like silence most of the time and will meditate if I am in a spin, but if I listen to something it is usually,
something classical or chant music, and sometimes I listen to a CD of Abraham. xoxo
P.S. And like Cindy said napping and petting my cats works great too :-).
Annie, I would imagine that silence would suit you and your creative endeavors. :-) I'm amazed at how much I enjoy it too. The house does not feel empty but full -- I bet you know what I mean. Rich with the stillness of silence....Classical, yep. Chant, yep. All good for rearranging our thoughts. May you be well today...
Old classic country music soothes me by taking me back to my childhood.
For total relaxation and meditative states I love Lammas Ladymass by the Anonymous 4, 4 women who sing in poyphonic 13th and 14th century chant. But any of their CD's are simply beautiful...
I love Pat Metheney -- his guitar is other worldly, uplifting and transporting!
Have fun in the music store, Jan
xo
What a great topic, Jan! I'll definitely have to come back and check out some of these suggestions. As a yogi, I love meditative music that puts me in a groove; like you said, we can only focus on one thing at a time, so focusing on breathing with music allows one to flow through the asanas and release other worries and thoughts. "Where am I? I am here." On my mat, breathing and letting the music flow through me.
Soothe groove: Om Sanctuary http://www.whiteswanmusic.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/product_id/165 I can feel a physical shift when I listen to this.
Housecleaning groove (don't most of us have music for cleaning?): Currently, anything Rod Stewart - lol!
For soothing, connecting music that touches to my soul - I am currently really loving the music of Marcome.
Hi Jan - to soothe my savage heart I enjoy listening to classical music, especially guitar. Or sometimes I'll listen to downloads of nature sounds - my current fave is Peter Samuel's "Thunderstorm".
Jan,
Since you asked for a follow up...
I think you covered a lot in your post. When I said it depends upon what I am trying to soothe and from what I mean I differentiate between soothing my Spirit, my Heart,my Soul, my Body, my Mind, my Energy, my Light. And from what..my own fear or an outside fear.
Once I identify that-- which happens pretty quickly-- I know what music to put on. For instance if I feel my Heart is breaking because something hurt me, I put on something soothing to my heart that ends with an amazing beat that will allow my hips to move to show me that yes I hurt but I am okay. If I feel my Soul need soothing I put on worship music...etc....
And I do the same for my children as well. Music is a readily accessible and enjoyable healing tool that bridges many cultural, generational, and worldly gaps.
Hi Jan, My music is very eclectic--I like everything. The first thing that came to mind while reading your post is an artist I return to time and time again: R. Carlos Nakai and his Native American flute music. My favorite is one of his earlier recordings, "Canyon Trilogy."
I'm going to check out some of the suggestions others have made here. Thanks!
Jan, I just read something on Karen Bishop's "Emerging Earth Angels" site that said music will become increasingly important in the new "light" world that's forming. I believe that.
Music moves and soothes me, just like you said. I love the songs you listed, and for myself recently have been listening to Krishna Das's various albums, which I find uplifting and beautiful all at once.
Much peace and love to you!
Dear Momma Z,
It sounds as if you have your finger on your own pulse and definitely knows what soothes you. I'm not surprised it's something assoc. with warm childhood memories. Twang on...
Debbie,
I am definitely checking this out now. It sounds like a wonderful lead. Thank you! I do adore chant...
Jannie,
Another one I'll definitely check out. I love guitar too, esp. acoustic guitar and if I'm in the mood or need uplifting, flamenco guitar, ala Jesse Cook. :-) Thanks!
Rose,
I just love the name "Om Sanctuary." Wow! I'm on to this and checking it out.
How smart of you to speak up about the housecleaning groove. I SO relate to that. I like your fave. :-) Mine is Don Henley...Born and bred a beach girl, "The Boys of Summer" gets me moving. The furniture shines! I'm also enjoying a "Best of Jackson Browne" right now. Of course, these selections definitely date me...(wink)
Anyone else out there got a housecleaning favorite??!!
Rebecca,
Greetings from a fellow Nakai fan. I saw him years ago live and it was an amazing performance. Coincidentally, I just downloaded his collaboration album with Peter Kater: "Windows and Walls." I bet you'd really like it!
Megan,
I appreciate this lead on this website. I will visit...I concur and have read much on music helping us make the shift to new energies. That, and meditation are really key. I've not listened to Krishna Das in a while, but will. Thanks for the reminder! Enjoy!
Music can sooth the savage soul, it can stimulate the mind, and resonate with the soul. It is the breath of life, and food for the spirit. It is found in silence, or in chaos, or in the sanctuary of our own mind. Music touches deeply. I love the selections you've shared, Thank you. My music selections are as varied as my moods. I too like soft jazz, healing music, easy rock, soothing classical, and sometimes the fun loving twang of country. Music can make you laugh, cry, soar to the heavens.... Tonight, it is a soft lullaby gently wrapping me in its soft wings as I drift off to dream land. Thank you dear Jan for sharing your thoughts, your music with us/me. Blessings to you and yours. Love and Light, Nina P
Jan, I like "Chants for Joy" by Rickie Beckwith. Have fun at the expo!
Nina,
Your response covers the course of all things music--and the powerful ways it can speak to us, body/mind/heart/and soul. It's lovely to hear your personal choices and how they affect you. May all your days be music-filled.
Tess,
I've not heard Ms. Beckwith chant. I will definitely check this out!
Music can truly be soothing and bring us to a higher place. There is also music which on the wrong day will bring us down and induce a headache. I love what you shared today, thanks.
Mark,
So true, that it is good to be mindful about what input we allow in. And equally aware of how it affects us. May we choose wisely for our own well-being...
Lance,
I am not familiar with this artist (group?). I am heading to whatever site I can find now to investigate. Be right back....
I took a listen. Very nice, Lance, and relaxing too. She's on my list now. :-) Thanks!
Rochelle,
Oh, a savage heart, that is a wonderful descriptions. (I saw that you are also taming it with Flamenco dance classes - love it!) Your music selections sound good to me. :-)
Joy,
Thanks for the follow-up. :-) I love how you allow your body to serve as radar for what works for you in terms of the music. Providing your children with this example is such a great gift, one that is long lasting.
My parents always had music on in the house. My father especially loved it and when he built our "big" family home, he made sure that there were stereo speakers in every room of the house - so wherever we went, even out on the patio, there would be music. My folks loved easy jazz, showtunes, and mellow stuff of the day like Andy Williams. It was a great way to grow up. :-)
"Boys of Summer" - totally with you on that, too, Jan, for housecleaning; dancing and singing while you work always makes the work lighter. I had it on cassette tape and now I think I need to buy and put on a mix CD. Love that song!
Hi Jan .. just lost the comment .. but essentially I said I enjoy peace and quiet - space .. sometimes I'll have music on - all sorts depends on my mood .. ipod speakers will be good sometime .. I don't like having things in my ears .. and can so easily fall asleep .. I'm sure I'll slot into listening more as I get time; I love music, but am totally unmusical .. doesn't sink in much, and no sense of rhythm .. but I'm not that bad - willing to listen that's the main thing ... and have that quiet space. sometimes one doesn't need anything else .. it's an interruption?!
Rose,
Yup! It's a mover and shaker. And brings back my best memories of beach living in the summer (which I had most of my adult life). :-)
Hilary,
I am sure you will find time to enjoy more things as Mum progresses. For me, it's finding the music that suits me in the moment, and allowing it to work its magic on me, no matter what the mood (high or low.). Enjoy!
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