I'll assume that you've recorded your own voice speaking your affirmations. (Interesting, isn't it, that your voice sounds different on a recording than it does to you as you speak. This is due to the phenomenon of bone conduction. Don't worry, it won't affect the effectiveness.)

Over the past 30 years, millions of people have discovered that using music can enhance the effectiveness of the spoken word. Feel free to try different kinds of music when recording your New Year’s Resolutions. You may want to consider that since behavioral changes occur at a subconscious level, you may wish to choose music that puts you in the right frame of mind.

Music that evokes a relaxation response is ideal. All of the recordings in my Inner Peace Music™ series are composed to evoke the relaxation response, and are ideal to serve as your soundtrack for your audio affirmations.

Especially recommended are my albums Ocean Suite, http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=24 
and Comfort Zone http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=4

Click on the links to listen to audio samples.

I think you'll enjoy enhancing your New Year's resolutions this way.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours

Steven Halpern © 2007  

One of the questions I'm most often asked is, “How do you know the audio affirmations are working?”

It's the same principle, whether the affirmations are written or spoken.

Obviously, some results are quicker and more easily detected. Here's an example.

If you're interested in reducing your stress, take a moment to become aware of how you are breathing? Deeply and slowly, or rapidly and shallowly?

How fast is your heart beating?

Now, read these words aloud: "I am relaxed." Become aware of any changes in your breathing or heart rate.

In my last post, I suggested an easy way to begin to fine-tune your awareness, so you'd be able to more easily measure whether a particular approach to reducing your stress was working for you.

This time, I'd like to suggest a variation. Using the same basic process, tune in to your current state of being.

Now, instead of speaking the affirmation aloud, just think it.

Notice any physiological changes.

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  

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  

Having a private place to reflect and relax enhances the meditation experience. A meditation garden is a peaceful sanctuary where you can tune into the rhythms of nature.

Meditation gardens don’t have to be elaborate. You can construct a small platform in your yard with corner posts and horizontal braces for hanging gauzy material to create privacy. Consider a small table to hold candles and a stereo for meditation music. Add cushions on the floor for comfort and blankets for chilly afternoons and your spot in the meditation garden is almost complete. Your sanctuary should include items that invoke relaxation for you personally.

Perhaps the sound of wind rustling through ornamental grass, a small wind-chime or the soft tinkling of running water transport you into a peaceful state. Perhaps you would enjoy statuary or planter boxes or a birdbath. What colors inspire relaxation for you? Flowers come in an endless array of colors; soft and muted or bright and cheerful.

Your choices are only limited by your imagination.

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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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