We’ve all heard of soulful music, but what about music that soothes the soul?
Today, my thoughts are drawn to what Henry Wadsworth Longfellow famously said with these immortal words:
O Music! language of the soul, of love, of God to man; Bright beam from heaven thrilling, that lightens sorrow’s weight.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
And similarly, here is what Plato had to say:
Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.
Plato
And lastly from Victor Hugo:
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
Victor Hugo
The soul soothing effects of music
According to research conducted at Stanford University, “Listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication.”
WOW! In other words, music, which everyone has access to, can be quite effective in reducing stress and calming one’s soul.
However, you and I both know that just because something is called “music” doesn’t necessarily mean it will have a calming effect. Indeed, there are certain styles and genres that have a particular power to bring peace.
According to a write-up on the University of Nevada, Reno’s Counseling Services website, they say that the types of music that reduce stress the best are:
- Native American
- Celtic
- Indian stringed instruments
- Drums
- Flutes
- Light Jazz
- Classical
- Easy Listening
For me, I’m particularly drawn to Celtic, Native American, and Classical music. When I’m prepping for bed, a lot of times I’ll do so with calming music playing in the background. Doing so not only calms my nerves, but it helps clear my mind.
Come to think of it, none of my music playlists have jarring or harsh tunes. Playing such music would be toxic to my spirit, so why would I do so? I wouldn’t willingly drink poison into my body, would I? No. The same principle applies to what I listen to.
So, in case you’re wondering, here are some go-to YouTube recordings of calming music that soothes my soul.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let me just say that a soul without music is like life without water! You need music more than you realize! However, just because something is called music isn’t good enough. You need to be judicious about what you listen to. As you fill your life with uplifting, lovely music, you’ll find your stress will reduce, your happiness will improve, your energy will increase, and your chi will align.
Namaste
