The Power of Music

Can you imagine living in a world without music? I can't. I love music! I love how it makes me feel, how it reminds me of past experiences and what the words or rhythm motivate me to do. But in the past 15 years, mostly because of a lack of time and the cost of changing over from records and audiotapes to CD's, I've not spent much time creating a personal collection of favorite music.

The radio has been good enough. Until last Christmas. My family gave me an iPod. They said "it would be great for when you travel." I looked at it quizzically wondering what to do with it. They said "'load' it with your favorite songs." "Load" it? What does THAT mean? And what were my favorite songs anyway? It's been a while since I thought about the music I really like.

Well, life has changed as I know it. Together with my 12- year old son, we figured out how to download the iTunes program, search for and buy songs of interest and "loaded" the little iPod with a huge library of songs I hadn't heard in years! I take it with me all the time and use it when I walk the dog, on long drives in the car, on airplanes and trains and even used it after a medical procedure to get my mind in a better place while healing.

I continue to use music in all my workshops. I use music to help people feel comfortable when they arrive, entertain them while on break and energize them when they leave. Since most classroom content taught is left-brain (logical and sequential), I have found that adding music, which is more right-brain (creative and random) encourages whole brain learning.

Listening to favorite music has been proven to reduce stress and increase overall happiness. Some experts even say if you listen to Mozart, or other music at 60 beats per minute (matching your heartbeat at rest), you can learn easier and remember better.

Now when I listen to the radio and like a song I hear, I write it down and add it to my iTunes library for syncing (adding) to my iPod. I've even found some interesting podcasts and other MP3 files I can download for personal and professional development.

For those of you who have iPods, I'd love to know what your favorite songs or artists are and for those who don't have one, what are you waiting for?!

TERMS OF PERMISSION TO REPRINT

This tip may be reprinted when the following byline is included:

Abby Marks Beale is founder of The Corporate Educator, a professional speaking and training company specializing in helping with busy people work smarter, faster and just plain better. Go to www.TheCorporateEducator.com.