How Does Music Affect You?

     The topic of this blog was completely different before I turned on Spotify and started listening to my "starred" songs saved in a folder. I got so distracted by what each song meant to me that I couldn't concentrate on the original topic (something health/fitness related). Being an impulsive person with an attention deficit who tries to pay attention to the "signs the universe sends", I felt I should just go with what was moving me at the moment...MUSIC!

     How many times have you heard a song on the radio and can remember exactly where you were or what you were doing (and with whom) the first time you heard it? It's more than just a memory, it's a physiological reaction. Part of the reason that music tends to be so meaningful to us is that it's deeply intertwined with memory. Because the brain is so completely engaged in listening to music, it's one of the parts of a situation that is remembered most clearly later on. Songs and pieces of music can serve as powerful triggers for memories - hence the cliche about couples and "their song." (http://io9.com/5837976/what-happens-to-your-brain-under-the-influence-of-music).

     So what causes such an intense reaction? Not all songs have lyrics, such as "Taps" a musical piece sounded at dusk, and at funerals, particularly by the U.S. military. It is sounded during flag ceremonies and funerals, generally on bugle or trumpet. happy" music stimulates the reward centers of the brain, causing the production of the chemical dopamine. That's the same chemical produced from eating great food, having sex, and taking drugs. That's why songs that were played the first time you fell in love will always bring back intense emotions (anything by Lionel Richie if you're over 45 years old!), more so than other songs of that era.

but the ones that do draw upon the language centers of the brain. Brain imaging studies have shown that "

      Researchers at Brigham Young University found evidence that infants as young as five months are able to discern when a happy song is playing, and by nine months they've added comprehension of sad music to their repertoire. (http://io9.com/5837976/what-happens-to-your-brain-under-the-influence-of-music).

     

     About 50 percent of people get chills when listening to music. Research shows that’s because music stimulates an ancient reward pathway in the brain, encouraging dopamine to flood the striatum—a part of the forebrain activated by addiction, reward, and motivation. Music, it seems, may affect our brains the same way that sex, gambling, and potato chips do.  (http://mentalfloss.com/article/51745/why-does-music-give-us-chills).

     So how does music affect you? Does playing musical instruments trigger something inside of you?

I've learned how to play a guitar several years ago and can honestly say I don't get chills or any emotional feeling from it other than a sense of accomplishment to learn something new. Certain songs, however, can completely change my thoughts and mood within seconds! Comment below with 3 songs that trigger emotions for you and tell me what it reminds you of!

Control Your Thoughts and Appreciate Life Everyday

     There is no human being that does not get negative thoughts from time to time regardless of how spiritual or motivated he or she is, and if you do exist, please comment here with your secret! Some people are more capable of controlling their own mind and their thinking than others and that is just due to awareness. There is a whole industry filled with books, videos, and audio tapes dedicated to teaching "Mind Control" and "How to Think Positively", not to mention conferences held by those same people who produced those materials.
     Anthony Robbins is one of the top Motivational Gurus of our time traveling the world to give seminars to millions of people trying to help them redefine themselves, their lives, and their view of the world around them. You can't always change the people and surroundings you're in but you can change the way you think about them. Anthony Robbins is just one of the many Motivational Speakers who teach step-by-step ways to overcome fears, become more confident, strive for and obtain higher goals, and many other helpful "Mind Control" tips.

     About 10 years ago while I was reading one of Napoleon Hills books, someone bought me a book called "Awaken The Giant Within" by Anthony Robbins which I think is an awesome book! At that time of my life I had overcome so many terrible situations and felt that one of the only things that still had control over me was my irrational fear of snakes. I wasn't even afraid of getting bitten by one but I just couldn't even look at one in a book or on TV without having nightmares about them. After reading the book I felt it was time to TRY to conquer that fear at least a little bit. I started by going into Petco and with the assistance and understanding of the sales girl, I was able to "choose" which snake I would attempt to hold (of course one that barely moved!). Although I was just short of a panic attack and probably stopped breathing for those 30 seconds, I did let her put the snake into the palm of my hand....well, maybe it was only 5 or 6 seconds, but I did it!!! Unfortunately I am still just as afraid of them in an "uncontrolled" environment, such as in the woods where they can just appear at any time, but I can at least look at them without having nightmares. The photo of me in Times Square as the Naked Cowgirl was when someone walked up to me unexpectedly with a snake because someone told him I was afraid of them and that he should let me hold it (which I only touched it). Notice my smile was totally fake!

     I am currently listening to audio CD's called "Power Thoughts - 12 Strategies to Win The Battle of The Mind" by Bible teacher Joyce Meyer. One of her favorite phrases is "where the mind goes, the man will follow" which is why it is so important to recognize our negative thoughts at the moment they are occurring and turn them around into positive thoughts. After reading Joel Osteen's book "Become A Better You", I started watching him preach on TV occasionally for some spiritual reinforcement and a reminder of how fortunate I am for everything and everyone in my life and especially the good health of myself and my family.
     I am also a firm believer of the "Law of Attraction" as explained in the the metaphysical book "The Secret". I know some religious people feel that science and religion are conflicting when it comes to God and a higher power but I believe it is all related and everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. For any of you intrigued by the metaphysical world, rent the video "What The Bleep Do We Know?" available on Netflix or from a local library.

I had to watch it several times to even start to follow this mystery of life and the universe as explained in this video...very interesting!
     I admit to having mood swings that sometimes bring me down, and although it seems like there's no "light at the end of the tunnel" sometimes, it is my faith in God and all of the positive reinforcements I've brainwashed myself with that gets me through those rough times. Some of my other favorite books are "The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire" and "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" by Deepak Chopra, MD,  and "Manifest Your Destiny" by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Please comment and let me know what your favorite uplifting or motivating book is.
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