Three Minutes Will Change Your Day
The Art of Listening
Hello,
Another week of news that has you down? How do you cope with that in a healthy way? Exercise, meditation, journaling, time in nature, being with friends, laughter, a good book? Yes to all of that.
Recently, The New York Times’ “Well,” which is part of their Lifestyle section, has been publishing content designed to help us slow down, build the skill of paying attention, and promote engagement with the arts. They have posted images of artworks and challenged us to spend 15 minutes engaging with them. They have slow-walked us through memorizing a poem. Last week, one of their music critics published a short piano piece by Brahms, with a primer on how to listen. It is short, and listening to it will enhance your day. Please take three minutes to listen. You will feel the emotion in the music, and you will be refreshed afterward.
Music is healing. Research and experience have shown that listening to music is demonstrably good for you. Listening to music releases dopamine and activates the brain’s reward system. It boosts your brain health and facilitates neuroplasticity. You don’t have to be a musician to benefit, but as with so many things, the more you engage with music, the bigger the benefits become.
Start small. Click here or on the photo below to get started.
As we face challenges to our well-being, music and the arts are available to help us. Let them!
Have a great week.
I’m travelling, so there will not be a post next week. Enjoy the long holiday weekend!
I hope to see you back here soon.
xx Page