| Some say that it's the musician and composer who | | | | empathy. Music can take you from where you are |
| are inspired, others say it's music that inspires. No need | | | | now and gently (or emphatically!) usher you towards |
| to debate. To me, it's like sharing the air we breathe. | | | | where you wish to be. There is comfort to be found |
| Isn't that the meaning of the word "in-spire"? The | | | | just in knowing that someone else understands where |
| composer/musician inhales the inspiration of whatever | | | | you are and how you feel. The right music can |
| muse presents itself. Then exhales the most | | | | energize you to move beyond procrastination, denial, or |
| exquisitely inspirational music, that touches everyone | | | | whatever blocks you have. |
| who listens as they in turn are in-spired. | | | | Music holds our memories. Tv commercials show us |
| What music is inspirational? We think first of all of | | | | how this happens. Its easier to remember the jingle |
| what we call "spiritual" music. This can be gospel music, | | | | than whatever product was being sold; I find that's true |
| hymns, Christmas carols or other music with religious | | | | of jingles I heard as a child. Because music holds our |
| affiliations. It can be traditional tunes with uplifting lyrics | | | | memories, it has been found to be useful with those |
| like "Amazing Grace". | | | | afflicted with neurological disorders, such as |
| But truly, isn't music medicinal, each to his own | | | | Alzheimer's disease. A song with words like the |
| medicine? For some, it's hip hop or rap. For others, it's | | | | familiar children's rhyme "one, two, buckle my shoe" |
| ethnic music, Irish, Greek, Punjab, or reggae. Still others | | | | can help them remember simple tasks. |
| are most inspired by country, bluegrass, or folk. Maybe | | | | Lastly, the healing power of inspirational music, to me, |
| its movie or tv soundtracks and themes, or classical, | | | | also comes from it's ability to open our hearts. There |
| avant garde, or techno. | | | | are songs and melodies that open our hearts to |
| It doesn't matter what kind of music inspires you, it's | | | | feelings that we didn't even realize we were closed to! |
| what it does to you that matters. Music can open your | | | | We can listen to something that brings us to tears |
| eyes, make you think, make you think more deeply. | | | | when we were not feeling sad. This can be through a |
| Music can energize you, fill otherwise empty moments, | | | | connection to Universal sadness or to our own |
| and keep you company. | | | | personal sorrow. |
| Maybe your life has you tied up in knots. Music can | | | | The same is true of joy. A song can make us realize, |
| help you get through your day, unwind, solve your | | | | "that's what I needed!" when we had no idea. We don't |
| problems, and just take that load off your mind. It can | | | | realize what we bottle up inside, until it's been set free |
| inspire you to face yet another day... | | | | and we feel the sense of relief, cleansing, and renewal. |
| Music can heal. The right music can fill you with awe | | | | Music connects us to the ineffable, the sublime, the |
| and wonder, lift you out of your everyday life and | | | | One that we long to reconnect with. With or without |
| send you soaring with the angels. It can give you hope, | | | | words. |
| stimulate your imagination, and help you change your | | | | So explore your music world. Close your eyes and |
| life and then change the world. | | | | really listen. And then open yourself up and let the |
| Music expresses. Music can soothe and heal by | | | | music inspire you. |
| expressing commonality, humanity, compassion, and | | | | |