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