The Power of Music

The Power of Music…

Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote “Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body”. Quite often I perform my not so great musical talents in the shower, car or in the solitude of my bedroom as I sit and write. There’s something about music that like Holmes expressed bathes our soul; it reaches beyond the depths of anxieties, worries and stresses and touches our soul in a way that mere words cannot. This past week I found myself in need of a music bath as I battled through an intense anxiety attack. I had not had one in a while and at the suggestion of a friend I grabbed my playlist, a candle and my Bible and retreated to the darkness of my sunroom and bathed in music that would soothe my soul as I allowed the tears to flow like rain on a warm spring evening. In the days that have followed it seems that music and the message of its importance has become a theme in my little world. In church on Sunday, my pastor spoke about music, singing and how both are important to our spirit. Music (and singing) is a gift we can give to one another; one that brings us together when words fail us.

The power of music can bring about great changes in our lives; from moments of extreme grief to times of ecstatic happiness, our one constant is music. We humans have long shared our story with music with one another. Putting our life story to song has a way of allowing us to share and relate to others who may be experiencing the same feelings or life events. Music affects everyone differently making it difficult to determine the level of importance in an individual’s life. Music pushes us to deal with our deepest emotions. Our moods can change from sad, depressed or anxious to happy, content and at peace just by hitting the play button and allowing the music to take over.

New parents will find themselves playing music to encourage children to fall asleep or to soothe those late night cries that cannot be explained. We can find music being played (and sung) in churches schools, at weddings, funerals, parties, in our cars, stores, restaurants and even on street corners. Music I believe is the bridge that brings people of all ages, ethnicities and faiths together in a common place. Music helps us relate to one another no matter our differences. Music sinks into our souls recalling memories or deep rooted emotions that cannot be explained with mere words. While I was not with her when she passed away I am told that as my grandmother took her last physical breath in the pre-dawn hours that June morning a hymn was playing in the background. Music I believe eased her into Heaven allowing peace to settle in her soul as she left those who loved her behind. In the days that followed music was like a bandage on a nagging wound that needed to be covered in order to heal.

As my husband and I finalize the plans for our 25th anniversary vow renewal ceremony we will meet with our pastor to plan and choose music that is meaningful to us. In planning the reception dinner and dance, we will choose songs for the DJ to play that have meaning to us and help tell the story of our lives together the past 25 years. We will dance to a beautiful song (chosen by my husband) that will help him express how he sees me and his love for me. There will be other songs chosen that have meaning to us and to our family. Music will play an important role in our celebration; helping us tell our story and share it with our family and friends.

German-Jewish poet Berthold Auerbach wrote “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” How often do we find ourselves fatigued and feeling washed out by the events of the day seeking to find a way to renew our spirits? I encourage you to find a quiet place and allow music to fill your ears, sink into your soul and soothe the aches, pains, anxieties and chaos of the day. For me, there are several places where I find music nourishes my soul; a dark room with a flickering candle (and my Bible) or a bathtub filled to the brim with bubbles. No matter where you choose allowing time to let the music take over and remove the effects of the day, of life will no doubt change you in a deep profound way.

The idea that music is a beneficial element of life can be traced back to ancient philosopher Plato (427 BC ~ 347 BC) who wrote: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Make time for music in your life; let it fill you up, ease your mind, nurture your soul, share your story and embrace life with the peace of mind and knowledge that with music in your life you will be blessed.

Peace, love and joy,
Karla

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner , also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

Check out Karla’s 24 Day Advocare Challenge updates!

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