Image by Meryl Ann Butler by Meryl Ann Butler
While recent events have inspired a louder conversation about the influence of verbal vitriol on aggressive behaviors and mental health, the reverse side of that coin also invites inspection: creating an environment of support, safety, hope and happiness can enhance personal as well as societal wellbeing.
And positive music is making its contribution.
I interviewed Elizabeth Balcar, MS, developer of Quantum Field Clearing, a protocol for resolving fear-based mind chatter.
Quantum Field Clearing by Quantum Field Clearing
Balcar says, "what you choose to invite into your environment is what inspires your experiences in life. So, when you listen to the types of diatribes regularly delivered by Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin, you are drilling the beliefs that these people espouse into your subconscious mind.
"The resulting feelings of fear, lack, danger, and the need for protection, can seriously affect your physical, mental and emotional health: when you are focused on fear and protection, then, by definition, you cannot simultaneously be focused on love and well-being. This is why a survival mentality undermines your health."
Balcar cites Steve Bhaerman and Dr. Bruce Lipton's book Spontaneous Evolution, noting that during previous centuries science has been determined to separate spirit from matter.
Spontaneous Evolution by Steve Bhaerman and Dr. Bruce Lipton
Balcar notes, "Bhaerman and Lipton point to the scientific and social evidence that, as an evolving species, we are headed up the evolutionary tract toward reawakening to the reality which the ancients knew: that Spirit (also called the Field), and Matter are irrevocably married. The Field, and the thoughtforms we put into it, shape the quality of the matter that makes up our bodies."
Balcar notes that when you choose to put positive elements and influences into your daily environment -- such as positive music-- you nurture your subconscious mind with images and thoughts that support a sense of self as a vital, worthwhile and empowered human being.
Michael
Miller, M.D., director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland
Medical Center, was principal investigator in research studies in 2008 on the
effects of music on health. He documented that the emotions aroused by joyful
music have a healthy effect on blood vessel function.
Miller's studies showed that the average upper arm blood vessel diameter increased 26 percent after the joyful music phase of the experiment. Why is that important? Because cardiovascular disease is America's leading cause of death, and opening the blood vessels is curative.
Don Campbell, author of The Mozart Effect notes that "The healing chemicals created by joy and emotional richness" (in music) "enable the body to create its own anesthetic and enhance its immune function."
Dr. Lester Dubnick says, "Music increases the release of endorphins, the body's system of pain management. Whether you prefer Gregorian chant, New Age, jazz, big band , or rock "n roll, music with strong meaning affects your body and mood."
And music with positive meaning, affects positively.
The emPower Posi Music Awards were introduced in 2005 to honor the songwriters and artists who spread affirmative messages through their music. So it's timely that the winners of the 6th Annual Posi Awards have been announced tonight, because our nation could certainly use something positive right now:
