EXCELLING FROM WITHIN
EXCELLING FROM WITHIN
1.Music – I am not sure why, but I haven’t been playing music at home lately, and it wasn’t until Saturday evening when I was at the Women on Wings Masquerade Ball with a live band that I realized I have been missing out. Music can help us with both physical and emotional pain. While this article from Healthline is older it outlines how music therapy helps mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, but also Parkinsons, stroke and MS. I have often used upbeat music to dance around my kitchen to boost my mood, or played sad songs to help me cry when the tears won’t come. This quote from the Psychology Today article explain why.
The key reason people listen to music lies in the reward center of the brain. Listening to pleasurable music activates areas of the reward system. The same brain-chemical system that enables feelings of pleasure from sex, addictive drugs, money, and food is also critical to experiencing musical pleasure. This rewarding effect makes music universally valued. Musical pleasure arises when a pattern is interrupted in some way. Listeners experience strong emotions when something unexpected happens.
6-ways-music-can-lift-your-mood – Psychology Today
The other interesting thing about music is that our internal rhythm syncs to the rhythm of the music that is playing. That is why the music in apps such as calm, are just that, soothing and relaxing. So, pick your music to suit your needs in the moment.
2. Angel Wings – This is a theme that has appeared in my life over the last month. The first came on a day when I really needed encouraging. Reading the words allowed me to cry as the depth of the feelings expressed moved me. I am so grateful to the person who took the time to write the note and send me a beautiful pair of angel wing earrings.
Then Saturday night at The Women on Wings Masquerade ball I received my angel wings pendant. It was completely unexpected. This non-profit organization is doing amazing things for women leaving domestic violence and it has truly an honour to help support this organization. They are the angels who are making a significant impact on the lives of women who need support in the darkest moments of their life.
Women on Wings is our charity of choice at the Women in Leadership retreat Nov 3 – 5, 2023. There are still a few spots available, and the Malcolm extended the room rate until Oct 18th. If you are interested in joining us, email me today to save your spot and book your room immediately. (403.812.0680 code EX1103)
