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  

Back in the day, it was a big deal to make a special 'mix' tape to serenade your special someone. Nowadays, with MP3 players and playlists it's easier than ever.

Pay attention to the sequencing.

I recommend disabling the 'shuffle' function, so that you can structure a rising and falling intensity that works for you both.

You might want to create two soundtracks; one with words, the other purely instrumental. While words can touch us on a deep emotional level, many songs include lyrics that may be inappropriate to your current situation.

I'd be happy to post your Top Ten list of romantic music to share with other bloggers.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

Over the years, many people have asked me how healing and relaxing music is relevant to Valentine's Day. In other words, can this genre of music really have a positive effect on the heart and other vital organs?

The answer may surprise you.

One of the fundamental characteristics of evoking one's relaxation was popularized by Dr. Herbert Benson in his landmark book, "The Relaxation Response." He detailed physiological research that documented that an immediate benefit of achieving a relaxed state was enhancing blood flow throughout the body.

The first beneficiaries are the heart and brain. But think about it.

Biofeedback studies proved that individuals can use relaxation techniques to warm up cold extremities, like fingers and toes.

I know what you're thinking. And you're right.

My next post will offer more specifics.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

Indeed, one of the easiest ways to improve circulation to the organs most obviously involved in romantic activity is to become more relaxed. This has proven to be of immense benefit to many men I know, and many that I do not know, but have received letters and emails from.

They are amazed that they can enhance their performance simply by changing the soundtrack of the music they were using. (Many kinds of music create more of a stress reaction than most people realize.)

Their partners, needless to say, were also very thankful.

When you relax, the blood vessels that are constricted by stress become less constricted, thereby allowing blood to flow more freely. Your body's innate intelligence takes over from there.

Is music more powerful than the little blue pill? Doubtful. But if you're looking for a non-drug alternative, you may want to consider fine-tuning the music you listen to with your lover, on Valentine's Day or throughout the year.

Listen to samples from my album Music for Lovers, Vol. 1 for an excellent example: http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=74

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

In the prior postings, I discussed some soundtrack considerations. Obviously, you probably already have some of the more obvious choices, such as "Let's Get it On" and other songs with words. The beauty of using instrumental music is that if the words aren't quite right for your situation, those songs might set up a cognitive dissonance.

For instance, if the lyrics involve marriage and being together for the rest of your lives, and you both know that you're involved in a more 'right for right now' relationship, that can be awkward.

But it's not enough just to suggest instrumental music. Some of the rhythms used on many recordings are stressful in and of themselves. Dr. John Diamond documented this in his landmark book, "You're Body Doesn't Lie" about the same time as I wrote about this from a musician's viewpoint. It involves the fact that certain rhythms create stress because they are opposite to the natural beat of the heart.

For instance, the rhythms I use on my album, Music For Lovers - Volume 2 (The Rhythm Method) http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=53 uses rhythms that are in sync with the natural patterns of the body.

So pay attention to what you're feeling, and how you're breathing, when you listen to the music with the one you love. The vibe you save may be your own!

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007