__________________________________________________________________ Making Lives Simpler Practical News and Tips for Living the Life You Truly Desire __________________________________________________________________ September 2000 Volume 4 Issue 5 __________________________________________________________________ IN THIS ISSUE: I. Simplify Your Life with Music II. 5 Quick Tips to Adding Music in Your Life III. 5 of Their Tips IV. References _____________________________________ I. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE WITH MUSIC About a year ago, after a hiatus of more than 20 years, I decided to buy a cello and start playing again. I had grown up studying the cello, as well as the piano, but somewhere along my life's path, it got just "too busy" to devote time to music. But in thinking about it from time to time, I knew it was an activity I wanted to enjoy again. And I'm glad I did. Today, as I experience the pure pleasure of spending time by myself making my music, appreciating the discipline of practice, and experiencing the physical joy of holding the instrument and mentally floating upon its rich tones, I am reminded how wonderful music can be. We find music everywhere throughout the world, in every culture. In traditional societies, creating is part of daily life. Women sing together while they work the fields or prepare feasts; men sing or chant to put a productive inspiration into marching or heavy teamwork; shepherds and cow herders fashion flutes out of reeds and play tunes for hours at a time. And there is always music and dancing for community celebrations. Music is a universal language. So I'm not talking about just the highly refined music of a superstar performing before an audience of thousands, the hundreds of musical styles available at your local CD store, or the ever-so- common elevator music that has become part of the background din of daily life. I'm talking about the simple straight-from-the-heart music of a mother singing a lullaby to her baby, the teenager singing his soul out while strumming a guitar behind closed doors, and the office worker whistling as she strides from the parking lot to the office. I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't love at least some kind of music. It can be a powerful tool to help bring us into simpler moments. When we're concentrating on playing an instrument, singing a song or even listening mindfully to a favorite recording, our mind is less likely to be off worrying about unanswered e-mails, that personnel problem at work, or the never-ending list of "to dos." Relaxing music has been shown to help improve health, reduce stress, and even help people deal with road rage. But it's not always easy to find time for music when your life is jammed with obligations, commitments, plans and goals, especially if one of your goals ISN'T to become a professional musician! I've found time to work on music again because I've quieted my life down to the point where I can take on new activities and projects I really want, and music is one of those for me. Personally, I love to listen to Gregorian chants in the early morning as part of my way to greet the day. I sometimes use "The Mozart Effect" recordings to help inspire creativity. And I treasure the time I spend playing my cello. I've found that taking time for music is an unexpected and delightful tool for nurturing, self-care, and enrichment of my life. Could this be something that has renewed meaning for you too? Linda __________________________________ II. 5 QUICK TIPS TO ADDING MUSIC IN YOUR LIFE 1. Make a conscious choice about what music you listen to in the car. Instead of automatically tuning to the news, ask yourself whether a musical radio station might match or even improve your mood. 2. Sing whenever you can, no matter how talented you may or may not be! Even if you think you can't carry a tune, your singing voice is an essential part of your own self-expression. Go for it! 3. Consider taking some music lessons. Maybe you've always had a secret yearning to play an instrument you never took up in the first place. Some lessons could help you express a neglected part of yourself. 4. Build a community with music by joining an amateur choir or ensemble. The satisfaction of creating music with other people can be a very uplifting and joyous experience. 5. Be careful not to turn "making music" into one more obligation on an infinite list of "to dos." Instead, see what small steps you can take to incorporate more music into your daily life. __________________________________ III. 5 OF THEIR TIPS 1. "Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it." - Greg Anderson 2. "Decide what your priorities are and how much time you'll spend on them. If you don't someone else will." - Harvey MacKay 3. "Do something that makes you happy, do something for which you have a passion, keep on learning, and take the time to dream." - Peg Eddy 4. "To freely bloom - that is my definition of success." - Gerry Spence 5. "It never occurs to me that there are things that I can't do." - Whoopi Goldberg ________________________________________ REFERENCES To find more resources or to order these go to http://www.simplifylife.com/reference.html CD: Chant by The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos Performer(s) (Room 9 - Music to Your Ears http://simplifylife.com/stratgy9.html) The ultimate state of peace and tranquility. Make this CD a part of your daily routine as a way to add calm and a sense of peace to your hectic life. CD: Higher Ground by Barbra Streisand (Room 9 - Music to Your Ears http://simplifylife.com/stratgy9.html) When Barbra first heard the song "Higher Ground" it immediately stuck her as a good title for this album. In a sense, these two words seemed to sum up the album's central message. There are singers with great voices and then a smaller percentage who are also great artists. Barbra is both. Her talent is that she makes a connection from her mind...to her heart...to her soul...which then magically finds its way to her throat. Her gifts will surely inspire the world for all time. (From Session Notes by Jay Landers) _________________________________________ MORE ABOUT "MAKING LIVES SIMPLER" Linda Manassee Buell is a full-time Personal and Business Coach, and author of the audio tape, "Simplify Your Life, 7 Simple Strategies for Doing What You Love to Do." She has also recently revised her helpful eBooklet, "Simplify Your Life: 101 Ways to Create the Life You'll Love." To order your personal copy by check or credit card, just go to http://www.simplifylife.com and click on Shop the Store. Anyone is welcome to subscribe to "Making Lives Simpler." To subscribe or un-subscribe, send an e-mail to requests@lists.webvalence.com with "subscribe MakingLivesSimpler" or "unsubscribe MakingLivesSimpler" as the subject. (Be sure there aren't any spaces between the words MakingLivesSimpler.) This mailing list is confidential and will not be sold, traded, or bartered. Linda's e-mail address: Linda@simplifylife.com Linda's Website: http://www.simplifylife.com The contents herein are solely the opinions of Simplify Life and Linda Manassee Buell. "Making Lives Simpler" (c) 2000 Simplify Life All Rights Reserved