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creativity SELF-CARE TIPS FOR MOMS M usic is, to many, many things. From relief to remedy, it is also more powerful than we may actually realize and can be used to transform our lives. Enter the Playlist, the unconscious music list of the universe. Whether we know it or not, we are exposed con- stantly to "songs"—music with words or instrumental offerings. Ev- ery day. Music and songs emanate from PA systems at hairdressers, gas stations, train and bus-stations, airports, grocery stores, and elevators. We may not even know to what we are listening, as it is actually subliminal. If you want to control your own space a bit more, create your own customized listening environment. This purposeful Playlist can address your unique states of being, from feelings of Frustration, Fear, Anger, and Pain (or "FFAP") to convert eventually to a state of thriving and well-being. Make your own kind of music, akin to a personal "Best of…" or "Life's Greatest Hits." Imagine a way to tune in, whether in the bathtub, bed, car, or whilst exercising. "This might lower your blood pressure and make you hap- pier and healthier," says Natasha Mellman, Los Angeles-based yoga instructor. Music, and thus playlists, are a fun, effective, and practical tool to manage stress, fatigue, and depression, say many published sources. Mellman uses Playlists as a major part of her teaching. "When I choose to play music it's with the awareness that it is part of the whole experience, so I choose songs and beats that enhance the rhythm of breath and support focus, concentration, and relaxation." The connection between mind and music is long-held. Accord- ing to Confucius, "Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." Albert Einstein loved music so much that he could just as easily have become a musician instead of a brilliant scientist. The sound of music is a both personal and uniting. Playlists can be shared and are available from many online sources including iTunes, Spotify, and the Platypus playlist. Digital playlists, like White Swan Records, specializing in yoga and meditative collections can be found at www.whiteswanrecords.com. Ossie Mair, LMFT (Licensed Marriage Family Therapist) who practices from his Burbank studio, the OM Center, said, "I have created a Playlist for a rehab group of older folks. Popular music like Louis Armstrong, you know music we've heard through the ages. Every now and then I'll see a face light up. I'll even see the staff respond." Mair has used sound therapy for ten years to reduce stress and induce relaxation and healing. Sometimes, the reverse may be more helpful and therapeutic. This can tap into your emotional wounds. Certain songs can actu- ally be used to elicit emotion. Take "Mother" by John Lennon, an intense, torturous song about abandonment and loss. This person- al acceptance of his life may be cathartic and freeing. In the scheme of things, we're hardwired to music receptivity. Yet most people are not aware of the organic nature of its power. Galina Mindlin, MD, PhD, founder of Brain Music Therapy (BMT) said, "The fi rst music encoded deep within your memory are the earliest vibrations that made you. The rhythms and tempos of your fi rst cells. These early musical infl uences stay with us for our entire lives." Co-author of the book Your Playlist Can Change Your Life, Mindlin explained, "All you need to do is choose a Playlist that activates the brain networks that will meet your demands and hit the play button. You can use your self-prescribed personal Playlist to achieve a higher level of mental function- ing and enhance your well-being in all that you do." Musician and songwriter Sting wisely wrote (about Playlists in Mindlin's book), "It shows you how to use your favorite songs to enhance your overall mental and physical performance." That's the purpose of Playlists. Both mental—and physical—elevated states of being. From the Walkman and Discman to the limitless iPod, portable music may not be anything new. It's just become more manageable and meaningful. Gordon Durich (Gordo), writer, artist, and percussionist, is a mental health Recovery Coach with Pacifi c Clinics, and former Peer Support Specialist with R.I. International. SELF-CARE TIPS FOR MOMS By Gordon Durich Make Your Own Kind of Music PLAYING WITH YOUR MIND to achieve a higher level of mental function- ing and enhance your well-being in all that Musician and songwriter Sting wisely wrote (about Playlists in Mindlin's book), "It shows you how to use your favorite songs to enhance your overall mental and percussionist, is a mental health Recovery "The first music encoded deep within your memory are the earliest vibrations that made you. The rhythms and tempos of your first cells." AD SALES REP WANTED! Come join our dynamic team and earn what you're worth. Potential to earn $500+ per week for the right person. Call NOW! Whole Life Times 310.425.3056 sales@wholelifemagazine.com 18 wholelifetimes.com