Cosmic Creativity: Alex Grey

Next up, another talk about cosmic creativity.

How does art evolve our consciousness?....

The Art of Creativity | Taika Waititi | TEDxDoha

Hey! Last week was all about music and how it helps us sleep. I hope you found some of it useful!

This week we are taking a step back and looking at the creative arts, and how they benefit us every single day.

I really hope you enjoy this next post, a TED TALK all about The Art of Creativity :-)

Meditation Music - Be Calm Within

Fun fact! Sleep deprivation will kill you more quickly than food deprivation...sorry, not so fun after all...lets just agree to both eat and sleep, and we will be fine!

Meditation is not easily definable: depending upon the context, there can be many different types of meditation and thus many different definitions. Let us compare two definitions from authorities we can rely upon. The first definition is from that great tome, 'The Encyclopedia Britannica'. It defines meditation as 'private devotion or mental exercise consisting in any of innumerable techniques of concentration, contemplation, and abstraction, regarded as conducive to heightened spiritual awareness or somatic calm.'

The other definition is taken from the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia which says that meditation is a 'religious discipline in which the mind is focused on a single point of reference. It may be a means of invoking divine grace, as in the contemplation by Christian mystics of a spiritual theme, question, or problem; or it may be a means of attaining conscious union with the divine, e.g., through visualization of a deity or inward repetition of a prayer or mantra (sacred sound).' The common point between these two and all other definitions is the same; meditation is the act of consciously directing your attention to alter your state of consciousness.

Even though it is an ancient technique of relaxation, meditation is continually becoming more and more popular among people all over the world. When we speak of meditation the most common image that our mind conjures up is that of a Hindu saint sitting cross legged and chanting mantras. The description is quite accurate but from having seriously religious connotations at one time, meditation became the in thing by the efforts of one Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, an Indian who espoused the concept of 'Transcendental Meditation', which took the technique out of its religious settings and made it more popular among people of all faith. Today, 50 years since the birth of Transcendental Meditation, it still remains popular among western societies.

Music has always played a major role in the relaxation of the human mind and body. It also is a great accompaniment to meditation and yoga. The correct type of soothing music will make sure that you have a complete meditation experience and will also guide you through the steps of meditation. Inner Splendor Media, a New York based company specialises in providing meditation music, sleep music and more.

Original Source

Self Expression Through Music

It is known that any form of art helps us develop our creativity and imagination. But did you know that it helps us express ourselves better? Some people, regardless if they have a medical condition or not may find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings. This can be quite frustrating if they have a problem and don't find the best way to describe how they feel in order to get the help they need. The inability to express themselves leads to frustration, anger, become socially isolated, and even depress or anxious.

Self-expression is an important part of communication between people, so when there are issues in expressing ourselves, we can always opt for alternative therapies to help you release the emotions and thoughts we may having in an easier manner.

Music therapy proved to be very efficient when it came to managing self-expression problems. Even those people that have a hard time expressing themselves would like to be heard. They want to show the world who they are and what they are experiencing, especially when they need help and support in a particular manner. When a person is able to express himself or herself, the others will understand what the problem is and will have the possibility to answer back with understanding, support, and empathy, which is in most cases exactly what we need. Seeing that people hear and understand us is highly validating and it helps people stir away from loneliness, depression, and social isolation.

In recent years, there is an obvious problem with self-expression in the case of children and young people that had contact with technology from a very early age and for extended periods. Technology, such as mobile phones, tablets, and computers, are extremely attractive to children, but they should not be allowed to be used excessively or become one of the main activities of the children.

There are many cases in which young children sit with earbuds in and are allowed to play with mobile phones or tablets for hours because they sit quiet and allow the parents to have some time off. But, using technology before being able to talk and express yourself properly can have severe consequences. These children can grow up with serious self-expression problems, not being able to tell their parents or people around them when they have a problem and what kind of problem it is. Thus, the child becomes angry, irritated, fussy, and hard to handle.

Their parents may think that their child is just hyperactive or has too much energy, but in fact, the child is upset and frustrated because he or she cannot communicate properly. This is one example in which music therapy could help a lot.

Through music therapy, the child with self-expression issues discovering that they do have a self and a new set of abilities, also learning how to use these new abilities at home, at school, and in other activities, they may be unrolling during the day. They will finally feel like having individuality, an identity that is different from all the rest around them. All of these are possible through music therapy. But why music and not another type of art form? Music is something that everybody enjoys. It has powerful emotional qualities and one-of-a-kind characteristics that make it so effective in unlocking the expression of our selves.

Even people that don't have self-expression problem recognize the power of music in making them see and understand emotions better and find who they really are with ease. It is all about the melody, the dynamics of the sound that can be loud or soft, its harmonic qualities, and the music's tempo that help the development of both verbal and non-verbal self-expression.

In the case of a person that has to face challenges related to speech, music is a great way to allow that person to express himself or herself non-verbally. But not just the music's qualities are making it such an effective tool. Its proven neural stimulation abilities add up to its power. Various studies found out that music is processed by the human brain in several areas. A multi-site stimulation is obtained when music is used on a patient that leads to neural recruitment that is significantly increased and the possibility for new neural networking to form.

Music therapy has no musical goals involved. The patient that goes through this form of therapy is not singing or composing songs with the purpose of performing at one point. The goals are determined once the patient goes through an assessment process, which will tell the therapist how to use music to obtain the best results. But, if you want to use this form of therapy, make sure you are opting for a certified music therapist and not just a person that knows music.

How are music therapy methods used to help the development of self-expression? Improvised instrumental music is one of the methods adopted by music therapists. In this case, several instruments are made available for the patient, according to his or her abilities. The patient may play the instruments alone or accompanied by the therapist. There is no particular song performed or musical sheet followed. But instead, the instruments are used to produce sounds according to how the patient feels and thinks. The patient is free to utilize the instruments to express himself or herself instead of using words.

Patients can also compose songs, with the help of the therapists, which helps them convey their messages to others; they can share songs that have a significant importance with the therapist, and they can also sing if that is the most appropriate form of therapy. Many patients go on to take a music composition course online, even. You don't have to commit to going to one of the music production schools.

What is important to remember is that a person is not required to have musical background or knowledge in order to benefit from music therapy. This form of therapy is open to everyone that needs help in finding a better way to relieve frustration created by the inability to express themselves and by being misunderstood by the people around them.

For many patients, music therapy was a great way to discover new skills and abilities that didn't just improve self-expression, but also relieved stress, frustration, and helped them improve self-esteem.

Original Source

Your Brain on Music

We have spoken about music affecting a child's brain, but what about our own brains today?

Happiness Frequency: Serotonin Release Boosts Happiness, Well-Being

The Power of Music: 7 Benefits of Listening to Songs and Instrumentals

Stress triggers are everywhere. px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.15s ease-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Most Americans struggle to find a quiet place to ease their nerves during the hustle and bustle of each day.

The power of music is that it can drown out the unwanted anxiety. Many music therapy techniques can be applied to your daily routine to help you find balance.

Here are 7 benefits of listening to songs and instrumentals throughout your day.

Can Help Alzheimer’s Patients

Age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s are improved when patients try music therapy. Music works wonders in calming the mind and triggering old memories.

Reports of patients suddenly recalling lost information are common after music therapy. Caregivers of music therapy patients with Alzheimer’s are encouraged to create personalized playlists.

These playlists should include songs that are meaningful to the patient to help get an emotional response.

6. Reduces Depression in Elderly

Unfortunately, depression in the elderly is common. When suffering a disease, elderly people can fall into a depression that makes it harder for them to recover. 

Music is powerful because it brings with it memories of a life well lived. The elderly are more likely to recall all memories with fondness while experiencing depression because it takes their mind off disease. 

These memories brought about by songs and instrumentals help reduce depression in seniors. After a lifetime of music, they’re more likely to have a soundtrack to their past that makes them feel alive again. 

5. Reduces Schizophrenia Symptoms

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects less than one percent of the population. It causes chronic symptoms like hallucinations, disordered thinking, and behavior that won’t allow normal daily functioning. 

Music therapy has been proven to reduce schizophrenia symptoms. Doctors use music as a way to communicate concepts and feelings with patients.

Studies show that patients show improved social interactions after sessions with music. The power of music is that it allows them to experience concepts they couldn’t grasp through words alone. 

4. Therapeutic During Childbirth

Contractions during childbirth can be eased with the help of songs and instrumentals. Pregnant women should aim to create playlists with songs that have a history of easing their stress.

The right music helps to quieten your mind and regulate your breathing. This creating a healthier delivery for both mothers and babies.

Soft, quieter music is the best option in the delivery room as long as its loud enough to drown out sounds from elsewhere in the building. Soundproof headphones are also an option when looking for ways to drown out the noise and focus only on breathing through contractions. 

3. Loosens Tense Muscles

When your favorite song plays, your guard goes down. This is because music helps to loosen tense muscles.

It’s one of the best forms of stress relief because it replaces whatever you’re thinking with the lyrics to a song. Choose music with a positive message to stimulate you when you’re feeling stressed.

Lyrics that put you in a sour mood can have a reverse effect at the end of a hard day. The same goes for songs that bring on bad memories.

Have your favorite playlist at the ready when you leave work each day to get you ready for a good night’s rest. Allow your playlist to slow in tempo as the playlist progresses to begin slowing down your breathing to match the rhythm of the song. 

2. Improves Motor Function

Patients with Parkinson’s Disease use music to improve motor skills. Studies show patients moving faster and happier with music therapy.

Neurologists associate this increased motivation to move with muscle memory. People with Parkinson’s have to try hard to move during physical therapy just to get from one side of the room to the next.

The music played during therapy sessions took their mind off the details of walking and instead allowed them to focus on fun. Their muscles already had the memory of the mechanics of walking so it wasn’t hard to fall back into a familiar rhythm.

This trend is similar to an aging person’s ability to heal better when they’re happy than when they’re depressed. Good feelings encourage the body to do better.

1. Encourages Dancing

The number one benefit of listening to music is that it encourages dancing. Dancing is one of the best forms of stress relief, building bonds with other people and staying active. 

You might not be able to run a 10-minute mile, but most people can move on the dance floor for hours if given the right songs. Music takes you beyond your normal physical limitations giving you a dopamine rush like no other.

Popular fitness trends now include things like Zumba and Buti Yoga that teach you fun dance routines.

Dancing to music brings together friends, families, and strangers. While you’re out at a bar enjoying happy hour specials, the music you hear in the background can inspire you to make a love connection with the person next to you or start a conga line. 

The Power of Music

Most people think of music just as entertainment. It’s an exciting way to destress with the people around you with whether you know them or not.

But the power of music is that it doesn’t claim to be one thing. It’s healing, it’s fun and it transcends language. 

Use music for as many purposes as you want. It can improve your life on more levels than most other treatments money can buy. 

How to translate the feeling into sound | Claudio | TEDxPerth

Why Music Is Good For Your Soul

Music is an art that is shared by almost everyone in the world. It is literally a universal language and the use of sound to communicate and express emotion is prevalent in almost every species. A world without music would be a very cold world, indeed.

We all know that music is good for us. What do you do to make a film more interesting? You add music. How do you get people to remember your product? You add music. How do you tell someone you love them? You put on some romantic music and stutter out the words.

Music is awesome.

But you might not be aware of just how awesome music can be. It is an incredible art form that crosses boundaries and brings people together. It can influence your mood and trigger your memory.

Music Helps You Share Ideas

One of the main reasons that music is so popular is that it is a way to share ideas. Like all art forms, music allows people to share their ideas without necessarily relying on words and language. Though the meaning may not always be completely clear, music is great for sparking conversation. And there are few topics as controversial as what constitutes good music!

Music is also extremely shareable. We all love listening to the same music as our friends and most music promotion relies on word of mouth recommendations. We want to get in on the musical zeitgeist of our time. When you look back on our childhood, you probably remember what you were singing along to or dancing around your bedroom to most.

But music is also fundamental to spreading political ideas and how political candidates present themselves is often characterized by the playlist they select. You can tell a lot about a person by the kind of music they listen to. This is probably why it is so painful when politicians pretend to like a particular genre of music that they so clearly have never listen to in their life. We judge them because there is an authenticity in musical preference that simply can’t be replicated.

Music Brings People Together

There is nothing like a music concert to bring people together. It’s no surprise that music festivals are some of the most popular events around the world – we all love to dance, sing and enjoy all kinds of music and every single culture in the world has their own styles. Music doesn’t differentiate – it doesn’t care about your socioeconomic background, your gender, politics or race. If you love the same music as someone else, you probably don’t care about these things either.

If you want to make new friends, music is one of the best ways to bond. Whether you love to go and see live music or you enjoy making your own, music eases social tensions and makes it easier for people to get along. Joining a band or an orchestra is also great for forming social bonds because you have to work together to create the sound you want.

When you share something like music, you will find that you become more tolerant of other people. Musicians are good at disagreeing amicably, for one thing. We are all aware and proud of having different tastes, which is perhaps why musicians are so good at talking to each other without falling out! Or perhaps why string players tend to hang out with other string players and the brass stick together!

Music Expresses Difficult Emotions

If sharing ideas is hard enough, trying to express an emotion using language is almost impossible. Language doesn’t come close to expressing something so complex as emotion – even its poets do a little bit better than most of us. Because emotions are intangible, sometimes, they need something more than the structures enforced by the language.

We all know that when we need a boost, a bouncy beat and a happy melody make all the difference. We also know that when films want to evoke a particular mood, they will use a particular style of music – this is why John Willams and Andre Desplat get the big bucks, they are master mood manipulators!

Music is incredibly human. That’s why we love it and recognize the emotions held within the music. Interestingly, it seems that music makes us more aware of our emotions and can impact the way we view the emotions of other people. For example, listening to happy music while looking at smiling faces makes the people in the pictures seem happier. Likewise, sad music makes us perceive sad faces to be even more miserable.

Music Outlasts Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s can rob you of your memories and your personality but it cannot rob you of your music. People with alzheimer’s can often remember and sing along to music, particularly the songs from their childhood. This is an incredible discovery because it shows just how fundamental music is to our expression. Even when we have lost language, we can still hum along to our favorite tunes.

Music is great for all dementia patients as it can soothe anxiety and calm them down when they aren’t sure what is going on. Happy music can cheer anyone up and soft gentle music is relaxing, no matter who you are. Music also evokes a sense of place which can be invaluable to someone who is often confused about where they are.

There is no doubt that music is good for the soul. Singing and dancing to music are the most human things we can do and it’s almost impossible to resist tapping your foot to a funky beat. Music stays with us throughout our lives and brings us together. It’s a social glue that helps us to express those things that language simply can’t from complex ideas to emotions.

So listen to music, seek it out wherever you go and try listening to new genres. Open your mind to music and learn from it. Learn to play it! Sing in the shower! Embrace the sounds that are so good for your soul.

Your brain on music | Alan Harvey | TEDxPerth

Beautiful Inspirational Music

Amazing Flute Music By Lord Krishna | Relaxing Mind | Spiritual Music