It's a pleasure to be in contact with you through this exciting new community. I'll be sharing my ideas, perspectives and suggestions that can help you get more out of life by getting more into sound and music.

You don't need any prior experience or musical training- just a willingness to listen with 'new ears' and an open mind.

Most of my recorded music is related to evoking experiences of relaxation and healing, but I've always been especially interested in 'magic moments' and the 'chill factor', when you listen and get goose bumps on your skin. I invite you to send me the titles of the music that thrills you in this way. Of course, we'll also point out those special places in my own recordings as I suggest ways to have the music take you deeper into the magic, and 'into the gap' ...the place of infinite potential, so eloquently described by Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer.

It's an ideal way to access higher states of consciousness and have fun at the same time.

Until next time, Stay Tuned,

Yours for Inner and Outer Peace

Steven Halpern
 

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  

Although different cultures around the world may correlate slightly different characteristics with each center, there is general agreement that the energy of each chakra relates to the area of the body surrounding it.

When I first was introduced to this concept, I had the same question as you may have now: Which tones go with each chakra?

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that many traditions related each tone of the familiar musical scale with a particular chakra. The secret was starting with the right keynote frequency.

I had the honor and privilege of working with several world renowned scientists, including Itzhak Bentov and Dr. Andrijah Puharich, who allowed me to use their proprietary measuring instruments to ascertain that the chakra energies of the first chakra resonated at the basic frequency of the keynote C. The other chakras resonated to ascending keynotes D, E, F, G, A and B. To hear musical examples, visit: http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=2

There indeed seemed to be a relationship between the seven notes of the scale and the seven chakras. I'll explain more next time.

Until next time, Stay Tuned,

Harmoniously Yours

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.

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.

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  

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  

Research has proven that the sound environment of a newborn is very important. But you'd be amazed at how many contradictions you'll find if you read the scientific literature.

In the next several posts, I'll share an insider’s perspective on how to choose the best music for your baby.

There is a lot of mis-information and marketing masquerading that has become accepted as fact.

For instance, playing Mozart's music for your baby does not produce the results, like increasing IQ, that some would have you believe.

Besides, which composition by Mozart would you play? “The Marriage of Figaro”? (Many people really did use this, and wondered why it didn't work!)

No, there is much more to choosing the right soundtrack than opting for a composer who hasn't been alive in over 200 years.

My next post will include some provocative insights that I'm sure you'll find helpful.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

If you're a mother to be, what do you think is the best music to play while giving birth?

If you've read some of the same newspaper or magazine articles as I have, you might choose loud, pounding rock music. For example, "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen.

The idea, of course, is that you can synchronize the squeezing of your pelvic muscles in rhythmical contraction. And the loud volume would make it easier to make your own loud sounds.

And you'd be right--up to a point.

My next blog entry offers you another perspective.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

About 20 years ago, I was honored to present my work to the annual conference of the International Pre-and Perinatal Psychology Association in New York City.

I had been invited by Dr. Thomas Verny, whose international bestseller "The Secret Life of the Unborn Child" had revolutionized the field.

He had found, like many others, that there was a viable alternative to playing loud rock music while giving birth. In fact, for the well-being of the newborn, playing music that provide a nurturing field of sound, like the liquid and flowing music that I compose, might be much better.

One of the keynote speakers expanded upon the breakthroughs featured in Dr. Verny's book, which demonstrated that babies are much more aware of their world than we ever imagined.

One researcher did something no one else ever had. He asked the babies themselves.

My next post may really surprise you.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Steven Halpern © 2007  

Dr. David Chamberlain presented his research that contradicted a prevailing misconception (pun intended) about using rock music during labor. He asked kids as soon as they could speak--in many cases, their memories hadn't faded away yet. And what they told him was: "Loud, pounding music hurts and frightens them."

Think about it. Their nervous systems have not built up any filters yet. Their little bodies are much more sensitive to stimulation of all the senses, especially sound and light. That's why you may want to consider your baby's needs as well as your own.

Over the last 30 years, I've received many letters from mothers who confirmed that the kind of music they played during birthing and at home made a significant difference in the behavior and well-being of their offspring. Three of the CDs they most highly recommended are:

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