A Pocket of Peace: January

Tones of Tranquility

When our mind is wild with runaway thoughts, when our body is abuzz with unwanted energy, there is a simple and readily available antidote—music.

Humankind has known for thousands of years about the power of sound. Imagine ourselves as tribal folk and we can easily re-live how we may have been energized by the sound of a beating drum, or lulled to sleep by the soft voice of an elder chanting. Music has a unique hold upon us. Without our even being aware, it can affect us mentally, viscerally, emotionally, and spiritually. A “Pocket of Peace” can indeed be found within the rhythm and tones of music.

I've loved and appreciated music all of my life (having been raised in a music-loving household), and because I know the positive effect it can have upon me, I have my favorites that predictably soothe and inspire. I often write and relax to the music of Soundings of the Planet because the songs carry within them a technology the creators call "earth resonance frequency": a depth of tone that, within minutes of listening, allows the mind to slow, and a deep sense of calm to move through.

After the holidays, I was feeling a bit of anxious about all the work that awaited me back at my desk. I tried many other “Pocket of Peace” techniques (deep breathing, for one), but nothing worked. The anxiety escalated and I decided a "quick fix" of music might be the cure. I turned off the phone and computer, went into the bedroom, lay on the bed, and listened to a few song tracks on my MP3 player through headphones. Within five minutes I was feeling remarkably calm and light.

Listening to music for inner peace works on two levels. First, it reins in the mind's chaotic thoughts. Remember, that we can only think one thought, focus on one thing, at a time. By removing our attention from these thoughts and placing them elsewhere—attentively listening to musical tones or vocals—we allow the mind to stabilize itself. Music corrals our thoughts and brings them back to center.

Second, various pitches (tones) actually soothe different parts (energy centers) of the body. New research in the field of sound healing shows that lower, deeper tones relax the lower chakras (heart, stomach, and trunk). Mid-range tones calm the heart. Tones that go slighter higher, increment by increment, affect the throat, third eye, and crown.

Music is such a simple and obvious tool to use, but we often forget its power. It is helpful to have on hand a ready-made library of calming music for times of dis-ease. Why not begin today to create yours? Peace of mind, body, and soul may just be a few notes away.

Find Your Soothe Groove

When it is convenient, set aside some time to explore how various forms of music affect you. Notice how a selected piece energizes you, perhaps even makes you want to get up and dance. Or, how another invites you into deep rest. When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, you can draw upon one of these to soothe your jangled nerves. I have comforting music in my office, living room, car, and portably in my MP3 player. Music can be another form of "portable peace."

Lie comfortably and quietly and try to "feel" how certain musical tones affect various parts of your body. Feel how a rhythm slows down your breathing or calms your heart. Observe how a lyrical voice, male or female, may pacify or irritate. Allow yourself to sink into the arms of the more nurturing ones.

Breathe deeply, taking them into your body. Let go, and allow your breathing to become effortless. Imagine and feel the tones wash over you, lulling you into deeper relaxation, the soft rhythm of sound currents buoying you in waters of comfort and safety. Listen, breathe, and let go some more. Peace is now yours.

Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker, interfaith spiritual director, and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.com To learn more about Jan, visit her website, http://www.awakenedliving.com, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book, The Awakened Woman's Guide to Life. Jan welcomes your comments and questions: jan@awakenedliving.com.