The healing power of music

"Without music life would be a mistake."
Nietzche


I have a small notebook that I've carried around with my since 2005 which I fill with things I read or hear that shock or interest or move me. It is also filled with all kinds of inspirational quotes and so that I can re-apply these messages to my life, at the start of each of these blogs I'm including one of these. Also, it may help me to think creatively about how these words can help me with my sleeplessness.

Despite having had no sleep yesterday, I can honestly say I had a good day yesterday. Maya and Lily were being gorgeous the entire day, I finished writing a short story that I'm pleased with, we had a fun time at the library and my favourite shop/cafe in Bangalore, Mother Earth and at 7.30pm I managed to drag myself off for a session of yoga. I didn't want to go, I really didn't. I was soooo exhausted and this is not just sitting on the floor doing a few stretches and breating exercises, this is a full-on dynamic workout yoga. But herein lies the catch 22: that on so many occasions before I've just been too tired to do any exercise, thereby potentially reinforcing my inability to sleep. So because I was in a positive frame of mind, I thought I'd push myself and just go. And I'm very glad I did, because I certainly had a far better night last night.

Bharat Thakur yoga is unlike any other yoga I've ever done. As I said before, it's incredibly dynamic and fast-paced and at times I've just thought, hang on, slow down, we're not in a race here. But there are other elements to it I love and one of these elements is that it's accompanied to Indian music. This gives a wonderful rhythm to the asanas (positions) and helps make the whole experience meditative, joyful and also fun. Going to yoga doesn't guarantee me a good night's sleep but it certainly increases the likelihood of one. So, while I'm in this position to be able to do some proper exercise I enjoy, I need to keep going. At the moment I try to go twice a week but may increase that.

When I got back last night, after a yummy dinner cooked by Andy I then lay on the sofa and listened to a relaxation CD that the Reiki lady made for me. It was very simple music, a complete contrast to the music I'd been listening to earlier at yoga but it was perfect for winding down at the end of the day and definitely helped to slow down my generally manic thoughts.

This is such an obvious statement to make, but music can be so enriching and empowering. And that's the beauty of listening to all types of different music, that if you're lucky enough to listen to the right type of music at the right time, it can take you to the most profound heights.

(The photo above is of my sister Louisa playing the violin at Maya's welcome to the world ceremony in 2006)