At this time of year, most everyone’s stress level increases.

How do you handle it?

One of the simplest and most effective strategies is also one of the most ancient. The secret? Take a deep breath!

Using music specifically composed to assist in managing stress and enhancing relaxation can be your “breathing partner.”

If you don't have a CD handy, here's an easy online option: Go to my website and listen to the audio sample of the first song of CHAKRA SUITE: Keynote C, here: http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=2 The opening arpeggio will help you entrain effortlessly into the natural rhythm of a deep breath.

One of the most popular areas of interest for individuals involved with yoga, meditation, spiritual growth and physical well-being concerns chakras. This word refers to the seven main energy centers of the electromagnetic energy body, or subtle anatomy. These centers are traditionally said to be located along the spine, with the first chakra at the base of the spine and the seventh at the top of the head.

In most esoteric knowledge traditions, each chakra has a characteristic vibrational makeup, which also relates to psychological issues. The most important thing for you to understand is that chakra energies respond to sound, color and intention. Therefore, by learning how to self-orchestrate your chakras, you can assist your “human instrument” to function at a higher level.

One of the easiest ways to tune up and balance your chakras is by “serenading” them with sound. I'll show you how to do that in future posts.

Until next time, Stay Tuned,

Yours for Inner and Outer Peace

Steven Halpern © 2007  

The secret of balancing chakra energies with music is so simple and yet so profound. It is grounded in one of the primary ways that we respond to sound vibrations.

In fact, all atoms, molecules, cells, muscles-and chakras- have their own characteristic frequency at which they naturally vibrate. The phenomenon of resonance describes how every structure naturally responds (resonates) when it is stimulated at its own natural frequency.

It's automatic. You don't have to think about it. That's why when you play the first song of my landmark recording, CHAKRA SUITE, it automatically engages this balancing and healing effect. To hear, and experience, what I am describing, go here: http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=2

Balancing the first chakra is a good beginning, but to receive maximum benefit you need to bio-resonate all the chakras. You can do this by listening to the entire sequence of this recording.

Many people write down their New Year's resolutions. If you're really interested in keeping these resolutions, let me suggest that you supercharge them by speaking them aloud and recording them.

You'll first want to make sure each resolution is scripted as a positive affirmation. Research has proven that addressing a situation in this way enhances the chances of success of your New Year's resolutions. In other words, you'd say "I achieve my ideal weight" rather than "I do not gain weight."

Next, you'll need a way to record your voice. Even an old-school cassette tape recorder will work, but there are many handy digital recorders on the market now. It's a small investment in your own well-being that is virtually guaranteed to pay noticeable dividends.

Tune in to my next post for more suggestions.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours

Steven Halpern © 2007  

After relaxation, the ability of a specific piece of music to enhance or interfere with concentration and focus and performance is the next easiest activity to objectively measure to know if you're actually getting the results you desire.

I consider this a matter of both attention and intention. In my experience, it also qualifies as “evidence-based” research; i.e. long before Bill Cosby commercialized it, our grandparents used to say, “The proof is in the pudding”.

A less scientific but aptly descriptive and more identifiable phrase would be “the spacing out effect.”

Here's what I mean: If you're studying for a test or just reading a book for pleasure, and you find yourself reading the same sentence over and over again, that's a pretty clear indication that the music is interfering with your ability to concentrate and focus.

In my next post, I'll give you other examples I'm sure you can relate to.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

I bought the Jan/Feb issue of Psychology Today for the cover article, so imagine my surprise when I got to page 59, with its headline: “Health in Harmony: Music fights stress and keeps you sound of mind-and body.”

So far, so good. Then I read the text, and was amazed that there was no accurate information on reducing stress. What they did have were some of the same old clichés and misinformation that continues to be perpetrated on an uneducated public.

Let me give you an example, and you'll soon know more than the writer of this article: "Just half an hour of iPod time not only lowers the stress hormone cortisol and boosts feel-good endorphins..."

What's wrong with this picture? I'll answer that in my next post.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

Making a statement as the one in Psychology Today that “listening to music lowers your stress level” is meaningless without appropriate recommendations as to which music to use. As the old saying goes, “the devil is in the details”

Most music has been proven to be an ineffective choice to reduce stress for a number of reasons. Here's just one example that you can verify for yourself. It's the physical phenomenon of rhythm entrainment.

Simply put: your heartbeat will automatically change its speed to match the tempo of the music you're listening to.

I've spoken with many writers who've written articles about music, and whose words indicated to me they did not understand the subject. I'm a musician as well as a researcher; they, on the other hand, are neither, but were assigned the topic by their editor.

There are so many books and articles on the market now that promote misinformation about choosing music to reduce stress. I've written extensively about this in my monthly newsletters over the past 20 years. (You can find recent newsletters on my website at www.innerpeacemusic.com,  with archived years coming soon.) I encourage you to pay attention to the way your own body responds to music, and that way, you'll be able to assemble a collection of music that works for you.

This year, instead of giving your Valentine a standard gift of chocolate or flowers, why not give her/him an experience that can last all year long?

I'm talking about music. But not just any music. I mean music that actually gets your heart to beat as one, in sync, and simultaneously seduces you into the romantic ramifications of relaxing body and mind.

My next post will go into more detail, but for now, check out any track on MUSIC for LOVERS Vol. 1: https://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=74 or MUSIC FOR LOVERS Vol. 2: https://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=53

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

There are many different meditation techniques, but someone who is just beginning should consider guided meditation. This is simply meditation with a person guiding you who helps you concentrate on your mediation technique. To help overcome distractions, the person trying to meditate focuses on what the guide is saying or singing.

Guided meditation can be done with the aid of a CD or MP3 featuring recordings of a guide reading inspirational script or poetry. The guide may tell the meditating person what to do and what to focus on. There are many such recordings. Someone new to meditation should have no problem finding something uplifting.

There are guided meditation classes that teach meditation techniques and how to best stay focused. These classes sometimes have a specific goal such as physical health, relaxation, spiritual support or spiritual growth. Meditation can be a powerful tool for achieving these goals.

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Using music to meditate is as old as the art of meditation itself; audio frequencies provide a rhythmic beat to help focus the mind and breathing. The choice of music is a personal thing, based on what resonates with you. Your audio files could also include a variety of music to suit different moods and meditation techniques.

Some time ago, in the post “Sound Advice for a Sensual Valentine’s Day”, it reminisced about how it used to be a big deal to make a special “mix” tape to give to someone special. Technology these days makes it even easier to put together a personalized soundtrack. With your computer you can download audio files, often for free. Making your own personal meditation CD is a snap.

If you are new to meditation, you might consider websites offering free audio downloads. This will allow you to explore the world of meditation music while deciding what you like.

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