“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest,
heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”
(Unknown)

Point to Ponder:
When was the last time you allowed yourself to let loose and dance without caring how you looked?

Action Item:
At least once this week, turn off the television in your house and turn on some fun, upbeat music. Notice how your mood and the vibe in your house changes!

by Neissa Brown Springmann

Surprisingly, this past year has been “the year of music” for me.  This was certainly not planned, but since September I’ve had the amazing opportunity to seen Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, and Chris Botti in concert.  And, one month month from now I get to attend the Chicago and REO Speedwagon concert! Even though I do enjoy music, this is extremely unusual for me.  I’m not fond of huge crowds, so going to a venue where there are thousands of people does not appeal to me — which is likely why I’ve only attended one ACL festival in the eighteen years I’ve lived in Austin.  But, I must say that my “year of music” has brought me unexpected and tremendous joy.  In fact, I think I’d go as far as saying that each of these concerts sets my soul on fire! It’s possible that this reaction was a result of me desperately needing and wanting a girls’ night out, and while I am sure that had a lot to do with it, there’s no doubt that it’s mainly the product of talented musicians sharing their passions, by which, I am inspired.

Music, as I’m sure we’ve all experienced, has a similar effect on us as smells do.  It can take you to a sad or happy time.  It can move you to tears, or cause you to dance.  In fact, when I finally ‘let go’ and stopped caring if I looked like a dork while I danced around at the concerts, the experiences were even more exhilarating. In fact, it was amazingly liberating!

The conclusion I’ve drawn is that music quickly takes me to my happy place and always causes me to dance, which I’ve decided I will no longer deny myself of.  Music and dancing transform the moods of me and my family in two seconds flat. All I have to do is turn off the t.v. and plug in the iPhone and the energy of the house changes. It is because of this that during our final week of July I am recommending and encouraging you to try turning off the discouraging and non-inspirational television or talk radio and turning on your iPhone, Pandora, etc.  Wherever you are spending significant time (car, office, bathroom, kitchen, living room), turn on some music and bust a few moves.  And while you’re at it, feel free to send us a video of your dancing!

If we’re all lucky, we’ll still be dancing at the age of the man in this video and looking this good!

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