MUSIC: The Gateway to a Centered Life
“Music is not a distraction away from reality, but rather a clue toward it. Consider how music can awaken your heart today.”
By Philip K. Hardin, MDiv, LMFT, LPC
By Philip K. Hardin, MDiv, LMFT, LPC
As Moses comes to the end of his instructions to the Jews in the wilderness and they prepare to cross the Jordan into the promise land without him, he is given a song by God to teach them.
“Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua son of Nun. When Moses had finished saying all these words to all Israel, he said, “Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it’s your life. In keeping this word you’ll have a good and long life in this land that you’re crossing the Jordan to possess.” – Deuteronomy 32:44-47 – The Message.
God offered the children of Israel a means to stay centered and anchored in their connection to Him, themselves, and one another.
Music can awaken our heart to life, keep us anchored in truth, and guide us to love. Music whispers, I mean something. I am telling you about something Profound and Beautiful.
Music is not a distraction away from reality, but rather a clue toward it. It is not like drugs to a man in a struggle for his life, but like a window of hope to a man in a hole—a light shining into the darkness, revealing something beyond.
Songs are like windows through which HOPE touches our lives, whispering to us of a world we long for. Our imagination is awakened to where we came from, where we are headed, and helps us rise above the challenges of life.
IMAGINE…
Imagine a man trapped and living in a hole. It’s dark—wet—dirty. He has no clue how to get out. He cannot see the trees around him, but only smell them. He has never seen the trees standing tall, or the beautiful streams he hears, or a full view of the night sky lit up with stars. He knows nothing of this. But he can look up and see the light pouring in through the opening in the hole, and sense that there “must be something more.”
What if music, and the feelings it arouses, is like that opening in the hole?
What if we are the man in the man in the hole?
Music matters.
Music offers healing to emotional suffering.
Research indicates that clearly.
We now know through controlled treatment outcome studies that listening to and playing music is a potent treatment for mental health issues. Research demonstrates that adding music therapy to treatment improves symptoms and social functioning with mental health issues.
There are several ways music can have this effect:
1. Music has positive physical effects.
It can produce direct biological changes, such as reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
2. Music has emotional effects.
Studies suggest that exposure to prosocial lyrics increases positive thought, empathy, and helping behavior.
The message in a lyric such as “We shall overcome” may be able to reach more people than all of the psychotherapists in the world combined.
Further, music interventions demonstrate effectiveness as an independent treatment for reducing depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
3. Music has relational effects.
Music is a connecting experience. Bob Seeger was well known for his use of the sing-along, and he made his goal of building communities explicit, saying, “The idea of using music to try to get the world together is now all over the place.”
Research clearly demonstrates that improved social connection and support can improve mental health outcomes. Thus, any music that helps connect people can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health.
Your mind is a powerful instrument.
God created you with a melody in your brain, a song capable of keeping you balanced, which brings you peace from within and shapes your neurochemistry. In fact, all of us can use music to enhance and stimulate both physical and mental performance— as well as create positive change in our everyday lives.
Through the proper use and balance of music, we can learn to remain mentally sharp, increase peak performance, alleviate stress, reduce insomnia and anxiety, and even fight addiction.
Consider 3 ways to utilize the power of music in your life:
1. Create a Playlist
By creating your own “playlists” of music—and selecting songs that create positive responses within you—you can actually regulate your mood, attitude, and stress levels.
If you feel pleasure from listening to a piece of music, then it’s possible for you to use that music as a tool to lead you to increased feelings of comfort, satisfaction, and happiness in specifically targeted situations.
With a little practice, it’s possible to “train” your brain to automatically start sending instructions throughout your mind and body to create those feelings. Philosophically, psychologically, and physiologically speaking, you will find yourself living in a positive flow.
2. Listen & Feel
Allow the music to awaken your heart. Always listen to your heart and allow the emotions that are stirring in you to surface. “The healing is in the feeling” because that’s where the pain is stored.
Music can help you access your feelings. Music's a powerful thing. A song can change your mood. Make a Memory and help you remember. One song can change your whole life.
3. Journal
Music opens your heart. Write what you hear and what you feel. Writing in a journal each day, with a structured, strategic process allows you to direct your focus to what you did accomplish, what you’re grateful for, and what you’re committed to doing better tomorrow.
Journaling is a practical and accessible way to stay connected to your inner self, your body, your dreams and your purpose in life.
Consider these two journaling resources:
You are valuable! This is your life! Make Today a Great Day by listening to the music of God in you and around you!
He really does put a song in our heart!
Ride ON!
Phil
Phil Hardin works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Hardin Life Resources practicing in both Jackson, MS and Fairhope, AL.
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