Some of us use music to get revved up, to set the tone in preparation for the day.  Others may use it as a source of relaxation or to create, enhance or even alter  a particular mood.  A quote by William Congreve  demonstrates how music can be used as a calming influence, "Musick has Charms to soothe a savage. "

 Music has such extraordinary powers it would be an understatement to refer to it as "magical". It has the ability to communicate without words, the power to  speak to the very essence of who you are, commune with the Soul. Music is often used  as a source of entertainment,  pleasure and enjoyment can be derived from it.  It can also be used as a form of expression or escapism. 

Music has played a  significant part in my life. Among his many talents, my dear father Doris was  a percussionist. My beloved mother Nancee, a talented pianist, she  had a penchant  for  jazz,  the sounds of John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson and others would permeate our home.  There was  music to clean by, sing with or simply enjoy. My grandmother "Mother Dear" gravitated towards  blues  and country western. I can recall waking up to B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Brook Benton and Charley Pride to name a few when spending the night at house.  On Saturday nights Lawrence Welk was a welcome guest along with Bing Crosby, Andy Williams or Mitch Miller.  She would often whistle while gardening or working around the house.  Aunt Nina watched American Bandstand with Dick Clark and listened to  Chuck Berry, Jackie Wilson, The Platters  Ray Charles and the Drifters to name a few.  In the Summer we attended The Muny Opera.  Family outings often included attending musical productions  such as Brigadoon, Carousel and of course The Sound of Music.  I am sharing to give  a composite of how the diversity of my musical repertoire  developed. 

As a result of my upbringing and background, I have a profound respect and appreciation for Music. Listening/enjoying music is one of my all time favorite activities. It  speaks to my very essence and sets my spirit free.  My musical tastes cross all  genres, like a sumptuous menu, from classical selections like Beethoven, Bach. Mozart or rock the Rolling Stones, John Bonjovi, Elton John,  Billy Joel. If you are feeling laid back and relaxed,  there are smooth jazz tunes that may appeal to you like. Stanley Clark, Kirk Whalen, Marian Meadows, etc.  Music has the ability to make a smile form across your lips, its stirs up joy inside of you like when Dorothy Dandridge sings "I've Got Rhythm.

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The power of music: how it can benefit health - Medical ... www.medicalnewstoday.com Music has the power to trigger a range of emotions, but increasingly, researchers have suggested it can also offer some amazing health benefits. We investigate.

I have provided some resources for your review relative to the "Power of Music" along with some selections from my extensive repertoire for your enjoyment.

Duke Ellington eloquently stated "Music is My Mistress", well in this case, "Music is my Muse"  It is like the air that I breathe it is such an amazing and integral part of my life. When you think about it, I am sure we are  in  agreement.

Please take a moment and share What does Music Mean to you?

What types of Music Do you Enjoy and Why?

Do you have any rituals that include Music?

Do you incorporate Music with Meditation or Worship?