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Sailing …

Aug 30, 2016 02:58AM ● By Annette Briggs (Owner/Publisher)

“Well, it's not far down to paradise, at least it's not for me. And if the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquility. Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see. Believe me.” Happy September, NA readers! One of this month’s editorial themes is Healing Music, so I offer to you as a personal prelude the opening lyrics to one of my favorite songs, Sailing, by Christopher Cross—timeless, deeply inspirational, soul-stirring and motivational. Oftentimes, when the issues of life and its perplexing challenges come my way, I pull out my “secret weapon” (music) to protect and defend my personal faith, hope and optimism, from which I draw fresh cups of living water and inspiration every day. Music can do that for me.

What about you? Do you feel that music is an important and strategic ally in your quest to walk in the sunlight of optimism, and as Cross phrased it, “believe” without wavering? There is no doubt that music can be powerful and impactful—the billions of consumer dollars spent each year on CDs, iTune downloads and concerts attest to that fact. Music can lift the heart to soar on wings of exhilaration to climb the highest mountains of despair. Sadly, music can also reinforce negative thoughts, encourage bad or destructive behavior or bring back painful memories and moments we wish to forget. Many of us have come to associate a song, even a good one, with memories that we wish would just “sail away.”

It’s a matter of science, too! Clinical studies have revealed that listening to music can help reduce pain and anxiety, relieve stress, and revitalize one’s psyche and mental health. It has even been used effectively in the treatment of brain injuries and seizures. A 2011 study by researchers from McGill University, in Canada, found that listening to music increases the amount of dopamine produced in the brain—a mood-enhancing chemical.        

Music is soup for the soul! Friends, my challenge and mandate to you moving forward in your sailboats of life to traverse the open seas of everyday living can also be found in the chorus of Cross’ iconic song, Sailing. Let’s sing it together: “Sailing takes me away to where I've always heard it could be. Just a dream and the wind to carry me … soon I will be free.” Live your life between these lines. I wish you well and wellness … in every way. You can and will win … believe me.

Sailing together …

Annette Briggs

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