“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
– Plato
I am so grateful to have been raised in a home filled with music! My father loved a variety of music including Big Band, Classical, Jazz, and Rock n Roll and you could always hear his music playing loudly in the house. I was also blessed to have a sister who played the piano beautifully and we regularly had Mozart and Chopin melodies resonating throughout the house. For every family gathering we have music playing and my sister and I like to listen to loud music and sing while we are cooking together.
My father took my best friend and me to our first concert as preteens, where we swooned for Rick Springfield! When my husband and I met over twenty-six years ago, we began dating by going to see live music. We were fortunate to live in Boulder, Colorado at the time and had so many opportunities to see amazing music in fabulous intimate venues, as well as at the stunning Red Rocks Amphitheater.
It was at the Boulder Theater in 1994 when we first saw Michael Franti and Spearhead. I was so moved by the music and his message of love, compassion and social justice that I made an intention to see him whenever possible to reconnect with that incredibly joyful energy that filled me up like nothing else.
For twenty-three years we have followed Michael Franti around the Western United States and continue to be so inspired by his music, message and mission and the pure joy of seeing him live with an amazing and loving community of people at his shows. His shows never fail to nurture my mind, body and spirit and Sunday was the best concert of all!
We were blessed to be at the Belly Up Tavern for the first night of his “Love Out Loud” world tour with our daughter Fiona who has grown up with his music, her boyfriend, my sister, brother-in-law, my nephews and their girlfriends and my dear friend and her husband. Being surrounded by so many people I love at a concert, while singing all the lyrics with my daughter, dancing with my family and friends and yes jumping (you know exactly what I mean if you have been to a Michael Franti concert) was absolutely magical and so much fun!
So many of my most nourishing self-nurturing practices include music. My husband and I have continued to see live music as often as we can and saw over forty bands last year. It is such a joy that our oldest daughter can now join us at some of the venues and we see music at festivals where the whole family can attend. I also sing with a women’s singing group weekly and with the Hands of Peace participants during the summer program.
Whether you have the opportunity to see live music or listen to music in your home, car or on your mobile device – music uplifts, inspires, transforms, transports and nurtures your mind, body and spirit! And playing an instrument and/or singing are also incredibly self-nurturing, with the added joy of connecting with others.
So I encourage you to make a self-nurturing playlist to listen to, dance to or play. Choose songs that inspire you, uplift you and fill you up! Then you will always have a powerful tool for self-nurturing at your fingertips!
May you embrace the nurturing power of music and may you nurture peace in the world from the inside out!
Sending you so much peace, love and gratitude,
Kelley Grimes, M.S.W.
Counselor, Author & Speaker
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I love the healing power of music! All of my favorite songs are on my IPOD to dance to. Thanks Kelley for this important reminder.
Hi Kelley, This is so important! Music and dance have been a vital part of my life and yet sometimes when I get too busy I kinda “forget” to include it. When I recently began co-facilitating a women’s group in my area for the 11th time we drew Angel cards the first night – mine was “music”. It was a gentle reminder from the Universe to bring it back in. The last 8 weeks groups has been in session I have been mindful to turn on music when working, relaxing, cooking, driving if even for 5 minutes and wow it makes a difference! Thanks for this! <3 Sending Love!
I need to make a playlist 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration.
I grew up with all sorts of music, too. My parents were young and had both been involved with their high school band so there was certainly a wide variety. Dad used to put on favorite music when it was time for us to go to bed… I always smile when I think about trying (not) to fall asleep during March of the Toreadors!
I agree that music can be healing. I also use it for inspiration and always write to music. As an introvert who avoids crowds, live music isn’t really my “gig” but I do get out on the dancefloor! 😉
I just saw Rick Springfield in concert last summer as a birthday present from my sister! It’s amazing how I can’t find something I laid down 5 minutes ago, but I could remember almost all the words to all of the songs! I grew up with Frank Sinatra, Mario Lanza and Tony Bennett at home, then graduated to The Beatles (who I saw live in 1966) and moved through my rock years to where I now listen to new age, opera, and, when I need it, rockin’ golden oldies! Music is the soundtrack of my life!
Love the healing power of music and venture out weekly to support local live music. Dr. Emoto also did experiments of water and music too with fascinating results.
I love that you nurture yourself with local live music Laura and that you brought up Dr. Emoto’s experiments with water and music. I am so grateful for your comment!
I will work on a more comprehensive list today Kelley. Thank you. I just love how music transcends every realm of life and cuts to the deepest part of your soul. This is an ability only the Divine has.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder.
I agree Leila – music has a powerful ability to connect us to our soul and what is deeply nurturing and healing. I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Music is such an amazing tool for healing! Beautiful write up on this topic that needs attention! I like your approach to the self nuturing playlist!!
I could not agree more Krystal – music is a powerful healer whether you are playing or singing yourself or being a grateful listener! Thank you so much for your comment!
On my holy day’s to do list: “So I encourage you to make a self-nurturing playlist to listen to, dance to or play. Choose songs that inspire you, uplift you and fill you up! Then you will always have a powerful tool for self-nurturing at your fingertips!”
Been meaning to and now you’ve prompted me to take inspired action Kelley.
PS Sending you a meme that seems to fit with your tender reflections. xo L
I would love to see your playlist Lore and am thrilled I have encouraged you to take inspired action to nurture yourself with music! I loved the meme you sent and thank you so much!
Reading this again remind me why I do some of my best writing with my favorite music playing in the background!
How fabulous Barb! I love that music inspires your writing and so appreciate you sharing here. Thank you!
I love music and I believe in the amazing healing power. My house is filled with musicians, from my husband to my youngest children. They create, sing and play instruments. Such an inspiration that really helps my own creativity.
I love that your house is filled with musicians and that the healing power of music flows freely in your home inspiring creativity for all! Thank you so much Camy for sharing!