The power of music is incredible. I have experienced so much happiness from music that I can't imagine my life without it. I also passed that love onto my 4 kids and they have introduced me to an amazing amount of great music.
When I was a kid I had severe asthma and in those days ( late 50s ) they did not have medicine to relieve an attack. So I came up with my own remedy. If I was out playing and took an attack, I would make my way home. Get a stack of 45s ( small single song records ) and stack them on the spindle of the Hi-Fi. Then I would lay on my back on the floor and put the speakers on either side of my head and listen to music until I could totally relax my body and get over not being able to breath. That's where my love for music came from. It definitely would heal an attack and bring me back to health.
As I grew, my love of music expanded. I ,of course, was a Beatles fan. My brother became a guitar player and that increased the amount of different music in the house. I was thrilled by all the new sounds and it seemed my asthma was more controllable. I started becoming more interested in the music and less introverted about my asthma. Don't get me wrong. I still had terrible bouts where I would end up in the hospital in oxygen tents and on breathing apparatuses and of course my fair share of experimental drugs. I remember being in the hospital the summer when The Loving Spoonful came out with Summer in the City. I remember singing along with it together with 2 other guys my age in there.
Then my brother took me on the road with the band he was in!! This was incredible even though it was just in our local provinces. We had so much fun that my love for music grew a thousand fold. I met a lot of musicians and different people and actually got a reputation as a good person to have on the road. As a result another local band hired me and I stayed on the road for about 4 years. As a young man, I must say that it helped me grow in many, many ways. And still my love and knowledge of music and understanding of what it takes to get to the top grew.
Nowadays I work for the largest musical instrument sales and rental company in Canada as a band instrument repair technician. All day I repair and test flutes, trumpets, trombones, French horns, tubas, euphonium and saxes. I love this job!! I work with musicians and listen to music all day while I work. What could be better.
So the power of music for healing , health and happiness is something I think can help in an otherwise troubled world.
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
How You can Use Music for Emotional Intelligence During the Holidays
Let's face it, the holidays work over our emotions. They also work on our emotions, which is to say it's an emotional time. We inherit what seems like another full-time job, we have to cope with Scrooges, grumpy co-workers, stressed our postal workers and shop clerks, increased traffic, bittersweet memories of holidays-past, and ... YIKES!!
What we can we do to soothe, level, motivate, energize ourselves and otherwise get on top of these cascading emotions that won't stress us out more by requiring money and time we don't have?
Well, how about some music! We include the great arts in our highly acclaimed emotional intelligence programs, because culture is one of the components of emotional intelligence. The salutary effects of music are well known, and, for the most part, easy to come by.
When you’re feeling stressed, need to relax or to pep up, get some energy, or work out the kind of nameless sadness that can happen at the holidays, music works. Even if you can’t get your hands on a CD or don't own a big collection of tapes, you can get on the Internet (see Club Vivo Per Lei) or turn on a radio.
Here are some suggestions for how to "use" this to your advantage and good health over the holidays.
1. Need to get solidly centered?
Like, as the metaphysicians say, when you vision yourself growing a tail and having it grow like an anchor down to the center of the earth kind of centered?
Try anything with a big solid bass, up loud, and brass – trumpets! Just make sure the lyrics don’t interfere. The right-brain will dominate and you’ll hear the music first, but your left-brain will still be getting the lyrics. So, for instance, don't use "Oh Elizabeth," though the beat is right, because the lyrics are sad.
OUR SUGGESTION: “I Loved ‘Em Everyone,” by T. G. Sheppard
2. Need to deal with something heavy, such as last year your father died on Christmas Eve and here comes the first anniversary
OUR SUGGESTION: Only classical music will work for this and that’s why we call it classical. For such a deep need, to maintain your grip when something’s rocked the foundation of your world, we recommend, Beethoven’s “Eroica”. Beethoven is the most popular composer in the world, for a reason.
"Eroica" means "heroic" and that you will need to be.
Beethoven lived through the worst thing that can happen to a person, and prevailed. He wrote some of his most triumphant work after going deaf. It’s there, in his music. For you.
3. To get lightly level
OUR SUGGESTION: Pachelbel’s "Canon" tops the list. The Trans-Siberian orchestra has a beautiful recording and video ([http://wm.atlrec.com/Trans-Siberian_Orchestra/new_03/christmascanon_300.wmv] ) of this with children singing lyrics they composed. Leveling music contains no crescendos or shifts in rhythm, what you’re after, right?
4. To rip the heart out of Christmas, like when you want to just sit down in front of the tree and cry at the beauty and the splendor of it all and get it over with and then eat a pint of Haagen Daz and go to bed
OUR SUGGESTION: Pavarotti's Christmas video, Panis Angelicus duet with the little boy, especially if you had a little boy who now has whiskers on his cheeks. Or Mario Lanza singing “Ave Maria” with the boys choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I-Z26gkNVk . Then you can pull out your heart and put it on the table beside you, right there beside the dish of peppermints, and the cinnamon-scented candle, and you'll know you had Christmas.
5. Want something Christmassy but light
OUR SUGGESTION: Harp music is good for this, like for baking cookies to. It doesn’t pull the emotions. It’s close to the lyre, the instrument the Greek god Orpheus played to soothe the savage and to win a favor from Hades, the god to whom there is no altar (death), the god with whom there is no bargaining. He used it to put people to sleep, and you can use it to put your emotions to sleep.
Completely upbeat, light and fun is "A Reggae Christmas," (http://tinyurl.com/y6sp ) by Various Artists, and yes, my friend, "sensei" does rhyme with "pear tree." Listen to it on the way in to work. That's girl's laughter will carry you through your day - The Ras Family, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas and June Lodge's "Joy to the World" will add joy to YOUR world.
6. Need to get some physical work done, sick of Christmas,got the kids around
OUR SUGGESTIONS: (1) "Great Balls of Fire," Jerry Lee Lewis. How could you possibly be “mindful” with that going on? It’s great fun. It will clear the air. (2) "Don't Worry Be Happy," by Marley. The key is the beat, the rhythm, and getting away from "Christmas."
7. The out-laws are coming, I mean the IN-laws, and you, exhausted, crabby and high on sugar as you are, must clean the house and you aren’t exactly in the MOOD for a Christmas Carol, if you know what I mean
G RATED SUGGESTION: If you haven’t cleaned house with your two preschoolers marching along behind you to a John Philip Sousa march, you haven’t lived. Give the little one a paper hat and get out his toy drum. Ok, quit laughing and taking photos and get back to work, you!
PG RATED SUGGESTION: Got older kids you need to get working with you? Call it "the main event," and put on the Jock Jams, "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" (http://tinyurl.com/y6tw ).
X RATED SUGGESTION: You and your partner put "Cotton Eyed Joe" on -- I mean the Texas version – and invent your own lyrics appropos to the, um, challenges of the moment. (This is popular at office holiday parties with adjusted lyrics as well - at the after-the-party-party, when the "bosses" have left) And DO the Cotton Eye Joe as you push that vacuum around. Here's how: http://www.partydirectory.com/guide/cotton.htm .
8. Need to be inspired and also to get in touch with the spiritual side of Christmas
OUR SUGGESTION: Handel's “Messiah, Hallelujah Chorus,” of course. Just the chorus, unless you're an aficianado and can afford to tire yourself out.
Remember, if you will, that when you hear "The Hallelujah Chorus," you are to stand up.
Do this. Right there at home in your living room. In your grubby bathrobe and slippers. It will do something for you.
9. Now, or any time you’re beginning to feel just slightly resentful of all your “blessings”
OUR SUGGESTION: “Lord, What Did I Ever Do?” by the Oak Ridge Boys is great for attitude adjustment.
10. For the peace that passeth all understanding
OUR SUGGESTION: Stille Naq, Noite de Paz, Noche de Paz, Sainte Nuit, Cicha Noc, Glade Jul, Stille Nacht, Po La`i E, or, as many of us know it, Silent Night, the lullaby that's been translated into every language on earth, composed by the greatest unsung duo in musical history, Mohr (lyrics) and Gruber (melody). And here it is in Japanese, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MssiavJIp-Y, Lee Heung Lan sings it in the Japanese film, “Scandal.”
We also recommend "Ave Maria."
Let them still your heart and bring you peace.
To increase your understanding and enjoyment of music, and help you bring more of it into your life, join Club Vivo Per Lei / I Live for Music, http://www.susandunn.cc/vivoperlei.htm .
What we can we do to soothe, level, motivate, energize ourselves and otherwise get on top of these cascading emotions that won't stress us out more by requiring money and time we don't have?
Well, how about some music! We include the great arts in our highly acclaimed emotional intelligence programs, because culture is one of the components of emotional intelligence. The salutary effects of music are well known, and, for the most part, easy to come by.
When you’re feeling stressed, need to relax or to pep up, get some energy, or work out the kind of nameless sadness that can happen at the holidays, music works. Even if you can’t get your hands on a CD or don't own a big collection of tapes, you can get on the Internet (see Club Vivo Per Lei) or turn on a radio.
Here are some suggestions for how to "use" this to your advantage and good health over the holidays.
1. Need to get solidly centered?
Like, as the metaphysicians say, when you vision yourself growing a tail and having it grow like an anchor down to the center of the earth kind of centered?
Try anything with a big solid bass, up loud, and brass – trumpets! Just make sure the lyrics don’t interfere. The right-brain will dominate and you’ll hear the music first, but your left-brain will still be getting the lyrics. So, for instance, don't use "Oh Elizabeth," though the beat is right, because the lyrics are sad.
OUR SUGGESTION: “I Loved ‘Em Everyone,” by T. G. Sheppard
2. Need to deal with something heavy, such as last year your father died on Christmas Eve and here comes the first anniversary
OUR SUGGESTION: Only classical music will work for this and that’s why we call it classical. For such a deep need, to maintain your grip when something’s rocked the foundation of your world, we recommend, Beethoven’s “Eroica”. Beethoven is the most popular composer in the world, for a reason.
"Eroica" means "heroic" and that you will need to be.
Beethoven lived through the worst thing that can happen to a person, and prevailed. He wrote some of his most triumphant work after going deaf. It’s there, in his music. For you.
3. To get lightly level
OUR SUGGESTION: Pachelbel’s "Canon" tops the list. The Trans-Siberian orchestra has a beautiful recording and video ([http://wm.atlrec.com/Trans-Siberian_Orchestra/new_03/christmascanon_300.wmv] ) of this with children singing lyrics they composed. Leveling music contains no crescendos or shifts in rhythm, what you’re after, right?
4. To rip the heart out of Christmas, like when you want to just sit down in front of the tree and cry at the beauty and the splendor of it all and get it over with and then eat a pint of Haagen Daz and go to bed
OUR SUGGESTION: Pavarotti's Christmas video, Panis Angelicus duet with the little boy, especially if you had a little boy who now has whiskers on his cheeks. Or Mario Lanza singing “Ave Maria” with the boys choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I-Z26gkNVk . Then you can pull out your heart and put it on the table beside you, right there beside the dish of peppermints, and the cinnamon-scented candle, and you'll know you had Christmas.
5. Want something Christmassy but light
OUR SUGGESTION: Harp music is good for this, like for baking cookies to. It doesn’t pull the emotions. It’s close to the lyre, the instrument the Greek god Orpheus played to soothe the savage and to win a favor from Hades, the god to whom there is no altar (death), the god with whom there is no bargaining. He used it to put people to sleep, and you can use it to put your emotions to sleep.
Completely upbeat, light and fun is "A Reggae Christmas," (http://tinyurl.com/y6sp ) by Various Artists, and yes, my friend, "sensei" does rhyme with "pear tree." Listen to it on the way in to work. That's girl's laughter will carry you through your day - The Ras Family, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas and June Lodge's "Joy to the World" will add joy to YOUR world.
6. Need to get some physical work done, sick of Christmas,got the kids around
OUR SUGGESTIONS: (1) "Great Balls of Fire," Jerry Lee Lewis. How could you possibly be “mindful” with that going on? It’s great fun. It will clear the air. (2) "Don't Worry Be Happy," by Marley. The key is the beat, the rhythm, and getting away from "Christmas."
7. The out-laws are coming, I mean the IN-laws, and you, exhausted, crabby and high on sugar as you are, must clean the house and you aren’t exactly in the MOOD for a Christmas Carol, if you know what I mean
G RATED SUGGESTION: If you haven’t cleaned house with your two preschoolers marching along behind you to a John Philip Sousa march, you haven’t lived. Give the little one a paper hat and get out his toy drum. Ok, quit laughing and taking photos and get back to work, you!
PG RATED SUGGESTION: Got older kids you need to get working with you? Call it "the main event," and put on the Jock Jams, "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" (http://tinyurl.com/y6tw ).
X RATED SUGGESTION: You and your partner put "Cotton Eyed Joe" on -- I mean the Texas version – and invent your own lyrics appropos to the, um, challenges of the moment. (This is popular at office holiday parties with adjusted lyrics as well - at the after-the-party-party, when the "bosses" have left) And DO the Cotton Eye Joe as you push that vacuum around. Here's how: http://www.partydirectory.com/guide/cotton.htm .
8. Need to be inspired and also to get in touch with the spiritual side of Christmas
OUR SUGGESTION: Handel's “Messiah, Hallelujah Chorus,” of course. Just the chorus, unless you're an aficianado and can afford to tire yourself out.
Remember, if you will, that when you hear "The Hallelujah Chorus," you are to stand up.
Do this. Right there at home in your living room. In your grubby bathrobe and slippers. It will do something for you.
9. Now, or any time you’re beginning to feel just slightly resentful of all your “blessings”
OUR SUGGESTION: “Lord, What Did I Ever Do?” by the Oak Ridge Boys is great for attitude adjustment.
10. For the peace that passeth all understanding
OUR SUGGESTION: Stille Naq, Noite de Paz, Noche de Paz, Sainte Nuit, Cicha Noc, Glade Jul, Stille Nacht, Po La`i E, or, as many of us know it, Silent Night, the lullaby that's been translated into every language on earth, composed by the greatest unsung duo in musical history, Mohr (lyrics) and Gruber (melody). And here it is in Japanese, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MssiavJIp-Y, Lee Heung Lan sings it in the Japanese film, “Scandal.”
We also recommend "Ave Maria."
Let them still your heart and bring you peace.
To increase your understanding and enjoyment of music, and help you bring more of it into your life, join Club Vivo Per Lei / I Live for Music, http://www.susandunn.cc/vivoperlei.htm .
Monday, 21 December 2009
Dancing Divas For Health and Fitness
When was the last time you learned a new dance? For women interested in losing weight and getting in shape, dancing your way to a thinner you might be just the exercise program you need. Dancing burns calories, promotes flexibility and improves coordination. Because it is a social activity, dancing also offers spiritual and mental benefits too.
Dancing is a magical experience that can transform your life. Much like an exercise program, it can change your body, mind and soul. An awakening of the spirit, dancing is a great way to express the inner you. The bonus package of weight loss, newfound energy, and beautiful curves is another reason that you might want to become a dancing diva.
There is nothing as beautiful as a woman's body. If you don't believe me, I challenge you to visit any art museum. You'll find that of all God's creations, woman is the one body that has been drawn, painted and sculpted more than any other. Not to mention, the countless songs, poems and literature praising the feminine figure. Moving that gorgeous body to music in the form of dance is one of the most pleasing sights known to man.
As a personal trainer who specializes in women's fitness, I encourage ladies to dance as a form of aerobic exercise. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day will help any woman lose weight and stay in shape. Dancing your way to health is just another way to ensure you get the most from your workout routine.
There are many dances that help you get in shape but no matter which dances you choose to learn, remember to engage your core with every move that you make. This means to keep your spine straight, your navel drawn in towards your spine, and your shoulders held down your back. Much like holding your stomach in, but staying mentally aware of your posture at the same time. Keeping your core engaged helps to protect your back from injury. A Pilates principle developed with dancers in mind that helps to tone and strengthen your torso and give it that lovely, long lean look reminiscent of a dancer's body.
There are many dances that will work as part of your aerobic program. You can choose Salsa, Line Dancing, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pole Dancing, Belly Dancing, or Creative Dancing. Keep in mind that whichever one you choose, it should elevate your heartbeat and keep it accelerated for at least 30 minutes. That's how long it takes to ensure a healthy aerobic activity for any women's workout.
As a Certified Fitness Trainer, I've developed a women's fitness program to help women get in shape, no matter what their age or athletic ability. Because I believe that every woman should have the body that she truly desires, I've designed an exercise program that incorporates strength training and aerobics like dancing, to help busy women attain the beautiful body that they desire. Best of all, it takes as little as 30 minutes a day.
So whether you are a seasoned athlete a professional dancer or just a newbie getting started, there is a women's workout program that will work for you and help you to get the beautiful body that you deserve. Just dance your way to happiness and health, the pounds will melt away and reveal the most beautiful body of all creation.
Karen Ficarelli is the founder and CEO of Fitness4Her.com, a diet, exercise program and women's fitness blog, developed especially for women. A mother of three, Karen knows how hard it is to fit everything into a busy schedule. A fitness author, personal trainer, Pilate's instructor, sports nutritionist, fitness model, wife and mom, Karen is passionate about helping other women reach their fitness goals.
She knows firsthand that the desire to attain a healthy, slim and well-toned body is just as important as any other dream that a woman can have. But going a step further, Karen understands that to achieve that dream, you first must believe in it. Think it, believe it, achieve it... Fitness4Her.com - the website for women's fitness.
Dancing is a magical experience that can transform your life. Much like an exercise program, it can change your body, mind and soul. An awakening of the spirit, dancing is a great way to express the inner you. The bonus package of weight loss, newfound energy, and beautiful curves is another reason that you might want to become a dancing diva.
There is nothing as beautiful as a woman's body. If you don't believe me, I challenge you to visit any art museum. You'll find that of all God's creations, woman is the one body that has been drawn, painted and sculpted more than any other. Not to mention, the countless songs, poems and literature praising the feminine figure. Moving that gorgeous body to music in the form of dance is one of the most pleasing sights known to man.
As a personal trainer who specializes in women's fitness, I encourage ladies to dance as a form of aerobic exercise. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day will help any woman lose weight and stay in shape. Dancing your way to health is just another way to ensure you get the most from your workout routine.
There are many dances that help you get in shape but no matter which dances you choose to learn, remember to engage your core with every move that you make. This means to keep your spine straight, your navel drawn in towards your spine, and your shoulders held down your back. Much like holding your stomach in, but staying mentally aware of your posture at the same time. Keeping your core engaged helps to protect your back from injury. A Pilates principle developed with dancers in mind that helps to tone and strengthen your torso and give it that lovely, long lean look reminiscent of a dancer's body.
There are many dances that will work as part of your aerobic program. You can choose Salsa, Line Dancing, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pole Dancing, Belly Dancing, or Creative Dancing. Keep in mind that whichever one you choose, it should elevate your heartbeat and keep it accelerated for at least 30 minutes. That's how long it takes to ensure a healthy aerobic activity for any women's workout.
As a Certified Fitness Trainer, I've developed a women's fitness program to help women get in shape, no matter what their age or athletic ability. Because I believe that every woman should have the body that she truly desires, I've designed an exercise program that incorporates strength training and aerobics like dancing, to help busy women attain the beautiful body that they desire. Best of all, it takes as little as 30 minutes a day.
So whether you are a seasoned athlete a professional dancer or just a newbie getting started, there is a women's workout program that will work for you and help you to get the beautiful body that you deserve. Just dance your way to happiness and health, the pounds will melt away and reveal the most beautiful body of all creation.
Karen Ficarelli is the founder and CEO of Fitness4Her.com, a diet, exercise program and women's fitness blog, developed especially for women. A mother of three, Karen knows how hard it is to fit everything into a busy schedule. A fitness author, personal trainer, Pilate's instructor, sports nutritionist, fitness model, wife and mom, Karen is passionate about helping other women reach their fitness goals.
She knows firsthand that the desire to attain a healthy, slim and well-toned body is just as important as any other dream that a woman can have. But going a step further, Karen understands that to achieve that dream, you first must believe in it. Think it, believe it, achieve it... Fitness4Her.com - the website for women's fitness.
Friday, 18 December 2009
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Emotional Healing and Music
Isaiah: 42:10 Sing a new song to the Lord!
When your heart is heavy and the world is crashing down on you sing a new song to the Lord. It doesn't matter what you sound like. It doesn't even matter if you sing in the right key. What matters is you sing. I know it is hard to sing positive songs about God or to God when things are not the way you want them to be but sing anyway.
Saul the great king of Israel had emotional and mental problems. He didn't call for the local psychiatrists. He called for a young man named David to play a pleasant song on his harp. The bible doesn't indicate how long David played his harp for the depressed king but we do know it had a healing affect on the king.
Music is a powerful instrument for healing. Music can also reflect confusion and damage emotional stability. The music you pick to listen to plays an extremely important roll in your emotional, spiritual, and mental health.
When you are discouraged, listen to positive praise orient music. Find a song, which focuses on the goodness of God. If you happen to feel emotional upset listen to music, which focuses on the power of God to heal. If you will use music as a healing instrument, you will find it works.
Sing a new song to the Lord. Write a song. Try writing your own praise song. Write a song that reflects the goodness of God and who you are in Jesus. You are a winner in Christ Jesus. Write winners songs. Music is so very important in your spiritual growth and peace of mind. Let me encourage you to sing and new song.
Prayer Focus: Dear Lord today I am going to change my listening habits in music. My Lord, I want my music to help in the healing process. Lord, I give my music to you.
Dr Bob Wilkerson is author of the book, "I Will Not Be Defeated Anymore". He is dedicated to helping others recover from life altering circumstances. Dr. Bob is a motivational speaker/singer with a true life story of God's power to change any individuals life. If you would like more information go to http://www.freewebs.com/bobwilkerson
When your heart is heavy and the world is crashing down on you sing a new song to the Lord. It doesn't matter what you sound like. It doesn't even matter if you sing in the right key. What matters is you sing. I know it is hard to sing positive songs about God or to God when things are not the way you want them to be but sing anyway.
Saul the great king of Israel had emotional and mental problems. He didn't call for the local psychiatrists. He called for a young man named David to play a pleasant song on his harp. The bible doesn't indicate how long David played his harp for the depressed king but we do know it had a healing affect on the king.
Music is a powerful instrument for healing. Music can also reflect confusion and damage emotional stability. The music you pick to listen to plays an extremely important roll in your emotional, spiritual, and mental health.
When you are discouraged, listen to positive praise orient music. Find a song, which focuses on the goodness of God. If you happen to feel emotional upset listen to music, which focuses on the power of God to heal. If you will use music as a healing instrument, you will find it works.
Sing a new song to the Lord. Write a song. Try writing your own praise song. Write a song that reflects the goodness of God and who you are in Jesus. You are a winner in Christ Jesus. Write winners songs. Music is so very important in your spiritual growth and peace of mind. Let me encourage you to sing and new song.
Prayer Focus: Dear Lord today I am going to change my listening habits in music. My Lord, I want my music to help in the healing process. Lord, I give my music to you.
Dr Bob Wilkerson is author of the book, "I Will Not Be Defeated Anymore". He is dedicated to helping others recover from life altering circumstances. Dr. Bob is a motivational speaker/singer with a true life story of God's power to change any individuals life. If you would like more information go to http://www.freewebs.com/bobwilkerson
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Outdoor Music and Healing Gardens
Gardens are wonderful places to calm the spirit and to relieve tension and throughout history gardens have been used to aid in the healing process - from the Japanese Zen Garden to the Monastic Cloister garden. Restorative gardens have existed since the middle Ages, seeing 'healthcare' centres located in medieval monasteries. Exposure to the gardens was an essential element of the recovery, the prescribed treatment being herbal remedies from the garden and prayer.
With increasing interest in complementary and alternative therapies, emphasising the healing of the whole person (mind, body, and spirit), rather than simply alleviating symptoms, interest in healing gardens has been revived. It is thought that simply viewing natural scenes or elements can foster stress recovery by evoking positive feelings, reducing negative emotions, effectively holding attention and interest, and blocking or reducing stressful thoughts. Activities that cause involuntary attention, or capture ones imagination spontaneously, for example watching birds' splash in a birdbath, quietly playing an outdoor musical instrument or even watching leaves falls from a tree captures ones attention and takes ones mind off any worries or anxieties, thus allowing for mental restoration.
A stressful setting such as a hospice is ideal for a restorative garden. A Hospice is for those people who are said to need palliative care, or end of life care. A Hospice allows people to achieve their best quality of life, and also supports families and carers. Hospice care is based upon the simple idea that a person has unique, physical, emotional and spiritual needs and the belief that every patient should be treated as a whole person. A successful hospice garden creates a safe and welcoming environment, full of vegetation for the patients, family and staff to enjoy, a place to clear ones mind and allow a restorative experience to take place, thus reducing anxiety and tension.
Designing a healing garden requires many of same considerations as designing any other garden. However, to create a truly restorative healing environment there are some essential factors to consider and design pitfalls to avoid.
Functionality is imperative because the garden needs to accommodate the limitations of the users of the space. It is also important that the garden is easily maintainable both for physical safety and therapeutic benefits. Paths should be wide enough to accommodate the turning of a wheelchair with surfaces that are firm, smooth, and provide traction to allow for easy movement of wheelchairs, and other essential mobile medical equipment. Musical instruments or water features must be accessible for all to be fully interactive.
Choose plants that engage all the senses. Use a variety of textures, scents, colours, as well as plants that make pleasant sounds as wind rustles their leaves. Providing seasonal interest allows people to connect with the cycle of nature. Choosing plants that attract select wildlife, such as birds or butterflies, can add value and interest to the garden. Thoughtful plant selection will keep the flora intriguing in all four seasons. The use of some evergreens plants will aid in sustained winter interest.
Provide a comfortable social environment with plenty of places for families and staff to sit and share the space. Ideally the garden will provide a variety of spaces to accommodate different activities and levels of privacy to allow group activities as well as spaces that allow solitary contemplation. Where ever possible ensure the garden offers both sunny and shady areas for people with varying tolerances to light. Frail patients may be particularly sensitive to cold, heat and wind and a sheltered outdoor area will extend the use of the garden.
Most importantly, healing gardens are meant to provide pleasant surroundings to produce restorative effects for its users. In addition to plants, secondary elements such as water features, outdoor musical instruments and bird feeders can help animate the garden with life and bring sound to the patients, family members and staff both inside and outdoors. Outdoor Musical Instruments in a healing garden can provide an outlet for creative and emotional expression, are perfect for music therapy session that encourages patients to use music to deal with emotional issues, especially when they are unable to express them through speech. Where words fail, music may be a medium through which to explore one's inner world and experiences.
Finally, a wonderful example of how effective a musical healing garden can be was seen in Jo Thompson's Courtyard Garden 'Demelza' at the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This healing garden was designed for the children's hospice charity Demelza, a hospice for life threatened children and their families, who come to stay for palliative and respite care. The 'Demelza' garden perfectly demonstrated how a garden space is able to provide for the different needs and moods that families require, a garden brimming with plants and colour for families to interact with their children and spend time together in a peaceful place. Sight, smell, even taste are the normal senses associated with gardens, but it was hearing that was accentuated in this garden. Besides the beautiful sounds of nature, gentle, musical sounds infiltrated the garden, reflecting the importance of music in bringing happiness into the lives of terminally ill children. A water harp played quietly in one corner; a metal structure set in a low pool strung with stainless steel wires, which created soothing sounds as water played down them. A Japanese sui-kin-kutsu, an underground water chamber, introduced an invisible, mysterious, echoing sound whilst aluminium chimes from Freenotes gave children the opportunity to make their own music, combining two things all children seem to love - music and the outdoors.
Kris Cullum represents Outdoor Playground Equipment suppliers Freenotes, instruments that create enchanting music that anyone can play and are also proven to contribute to Music Therapy.
With increasing interest in complementary and alternative therapies, emphasising the healing of the whole person (mind, body, and spirit), rather than simply alleviating symptoms, interest in healing gardens has been revived. It is thought that simply viewing natural scenes or elements can foster stress recovery by evoking positive feelings, reducing negative emotions, effectively holding attention and interest, and blocking or reducing stressful thoughts. Activities that cause involuntary attention, or capture ones imagination spontaneously, for example watching birds' splash in a birdbath, quietly playing an outdoor musical instrument or even watching leaves falls from a tree captures ones attention and takes ones mind off any worries or anxieties, thus allowing for mental restoration.
A stressful setting such as a hospice is ideal for a restorative garden. A Hospice is for those people who are said to need palliative care, or end of life care. A Hospice allows people to achieve their best quality of life, and also supports families and carers. Hospice care is based upon the simple idea that a person has unique, physical, emotional and spiritual needs and the belief that every patient should be treated as a whole person. A successful hospice garden creates a safe and welcoming environment, full of vegetation for the patients, family and staff to enjoy, a place to clear ones mind and allow a restorative experience to take place, thus reducing anxiety and tension.
Designing a healing garden requires many of same considerations as designing any other garden. However, to create a truly restorative healing environment there are some essential factors to consider and design pitfalls to avoid.
Functionality is imperative because the garden needs to accommodate the limitations of the users of the space. It is also important that the garden is easily maintainable both for physical safety and therapeutic benefits. Paths should be wide enough to accommodate the turning of a wheelchair with surfaces that are firm, smooth, and provide traction to allow for easy movement of wheelchairs, and other essential mobile medical equipment. Musical instruments or water features must be accessible for all to be fully interactive.
Choose plants that engage all the senses. Use a variety of textures, scents, colours, as well as plants that make pleasant sounds as wind rustles their leaves. Providing seasonal interest allows people to connect with the cycle of nature. Choosing plants that attract select wildlife, such as birds or butterflies, can add value and interest to the garden. Thoughtful plant selection will keep the flora intriguing in all four seasons. The use of some evergreens plants will aid in sustained winter interest.
Provide a comfortable social environment with plenty of places for families and staff to sit and share the space. Ideally the garden will provide a variety of spaces to accommodate different activities and levels of privacy to allow group activities as well as spaces that allow solitary contemplation. Where ever possible ensure the garden offers both sunny and shady areas for people with varying tolerances to light. Frail patients may be particularly sensitive to cold, heat and wind and a sheltered outdoor area will extend the use of the garden.
Most importantly, healing gardens are meant to provide pleasant surroundings to produce restorative effects for its users. In addition to plants, secondary elements such as water features, outdoor musical instruments and bird feeders can help animate the garden with life and bring sound to the patients, family members and staff both inside and outdoors. Outdoor Musical Instruments in a healing garden can provide an outlet for creative and emotional expression, are perfect for music therapy session that encourages patients to use music to deal with emotional issues, especially when they are unable to express them through speech. Where words fail, music may be a medium through which to explore one's inner world and experiences.
Finally, a wonderful example of how effective a musical healing garden can be was seen in Jo Thompson's Courtyard Garden 'Demelza' at the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This healing garden was designed for the children's hospice charity Demelza, a hospice for life threatened children and their families, who come to stay for palliative and respite care. The 'Demelza' garden perfectly demonstrated how a garden space is able to provide for the different needs and moods that families require, a garden brimming with plants and colour for families to interact with their children and spend time together in a peaceful place. Sight, smell, even taste are the normal senses associated with gardens, but it was hearing that was accentuated in this garden. Besides the beautiful sounds of nature, gentle, musical sounds infiltrated the garden, reflecting the importance of music in bringing happiness into the lives of terminally ill children. A water harp played quietly in one corner; a metal structure set in a low pool strung with stainless steel wires, which created soothing sounds as water played down them. A Japanese sui-kin-kutsu, an underground water chamber, introduced an invisible, mysterious, echoing sound whilst aluminium chimes from Freenotes gave children the opportunity to make their own music, combining two things all children seem to love - music and the outdoors.
Kris Cullum represents Outdoor Playground Equipment suppliers Freenotes, instruments that create enchanting music that anyone can play and are also proven to contribute to Music Therapy.
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