Music: Our Connection to the Higher Conscious
Today, more and more seniors are watching their diet and
implementing exercise programs in an effort to remain more
healthful, manage stress, and participate in a lifestyle that is
rewarding and enjoyable. Many are aware of the benefits of diet
and exercise in helping to keep our bodies and minds operating a
peak levels of performance, but what is not known is the role
music can play in helping older citizens (and I believe younger
ones, too) to manage stress, become a part of an enjoyable
learning experience, and acquire a new tool in their efforts to
stay healthy.
What many people don't realize is the role music could play in
their life, throughout the course of their life. Music is our
connection between the everyday spoken word, and the power of
our spirituality. Music operates on sound waves that fall in the
range between vocal sounds, or our voice, and spiritual prayer,
or meditative brain wave lengths. What does all that say? It is
a link, an avenue to connect with our higher conscious on a
moment to moment basis, to relive stress, comfort us, or simply
lift our spirit.
Professors and other leaders of the education environment have
long known the benefits of musical talent. Learning to make
music and play musical instruments increases our mathematical
and scientific analysis abilities. In the course of the learning
process, the musical notations and reading of musical notes,
works within the vastness of our brain to stimulate the
processes associated with working mathematical problems, solving
analytical problems, and excelling in the sciences.
What have we learned from watching our young people, as they
learn to perform and play musical instruments? There is a direct
association with the hopeful mindset of youth, and the pouring
out of musical creation. Both the young mind and the musical
note bring about joy and hope, in an untainted, unlearned
environment. The young mind is oblivious to the constraints of
life that the middle-aged person has learned well, and the
musical note serves as a constant invitation to belief in the
impossible.
What have studies revealed about the power of music? In
studies performed on older citizens, the effect of learning to
play music, and participate in music performances, lowered
stress and anxiety levels, feelings of isolation and loneliness
decreased, and here's the real surprise, participants actually
showed increases in the production of the human growth hormone.
The human growth hormone positively affects aging phenomena such
as energy levels, wrinkling, osteoporosis, sexual function,
muscle mass and general aches and pains.
What important information does this impart to health
practitioners? It brings to the forefront the need for increased
exposure to group activity and social interaction. The benefit
of learning musical instruments and enjoyment of the music they
generate only sees its true potential when applied in a group
setting, where laughter, music and fellowship can take place.
Studies of this nature serve to reinforce the long-held belief
that music is a way to connect with our higher selves, our
peers, and to bring about increased enjoyment of our lives.