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Steven Halpern
Resources to quell too-loud sounds, and a tribute to Harold Rhodes
If you're traveling by plane this summer, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars and untold millions of inner ear cells.
In my books, lectures and workshops, I have always included a list of recommended music and other resources for "sound health." Here is a resource I first reported on several years ago: the development of anti-noise devices using sound cancellation technology. One of the first commercial products came with headphones, and was promoted in in-flight magazines. I bought a pair, and was impressed by the greatly reduced fatigue I felt during and after the flight.
These noise-busting headphones are now available from several different companies. I haven't yet compared all of them, but I can report that American Airlines--who recognizes the value--is now equipping their First Class and Business sections with built-in units. However, you can bring your own on board and get the same benefits.
Speaking of conserving our hearing, consider -- what would your life be like if you lost your ability to hear? After a recent acoustic trauma, I find it is easier than ever to maintain an attitude of gratitude, and recommend that you take a moment to acknowledge your body. Recent research is demonstrating that your hearing cells respond to these positive thoughts.
For those of you who work in noisy environments, I would also recommend that you take note of the current developments in hearing protection in the workplace. I recently visited an occupational health convention and was delighted to find that there were three times as many booths offering information and products as there were two years ago. For more information about [some of these very important products,] call 614-258-4455 or www.noisesuppression.com, or 800/854 6860, www.conney.com.
In my writings, I cover the broad spectrum of sound healing. That's why I have always advocated that we learn how to pay attention to our threshold for sound-induced damage. After all, it's hard to listen to healing music if you've lost the ability to hear frequencies above 3000 cycles per second. Everything sounds like mush, and you miss out on much of the healing energy transmitted by the higher harmonics.
This is another reason, if you need one, to buy yourself a better set of headphones. If you're among the 90% of individuals I meet who have only the inferior sound-transmitting units that came with a personal Walkman, it's time to do something for your Higher Self. Nurturing your being by listening to music on good headphones is not only pleasurable, but healing as well.
You'll automatically self-produce endorphins, and bathe yourself with joy-inducing neurotransmitters. More good news; there are many different headphones selling in the $49-89 range. The investment in your own well-being is well worth it!
Tribute to Harold Rhodes
On a sad note, a pioneering sound healer and a personal hero and mentor, Harold Rhodes, recently made his transition. Very few people know his name, but many know his "sound."
He invented the first electric piano. It's the instrument I play on Spectrum Suite, and on many of my albums over the years. The sound is unlike anything else. It's not a synthesizer. There are no strings; rather, a series of tuning forks create fundamental tones that are then amplified by transducers, producing a warm and luminous tone.
I had heard this sound in my dreams and meditations starting in 1965. The first time I heard the instrument in person was 1969 at a jazz club, and I went into instant samadhi. The next day, I sold my spare trumpet and guitar to finance my acquisition of this exquisite healing tool.
Harold originally came up with the idea to bring music-making opportunities to injured World War II veterans while they were hospitalized. Little did he know that his invention would subsequently provide the basis for a whole new genre of music (some of which is now completing the cycle, and being played in veterans hospitals around the country).
A recent article by Mark Vail in Keyboard magazine provides an in-depth tribute (www.keyboardonline.com). It ends with a quote from jazz/fusion/R&B great George Duke. "The Rhodes electric piano could arguably be the most important instrument to come along in the 20th century. Before the synthesizer was actually available and became an active member of the music world, the Rhodes had become a standard in jazz, pop, rock R&B [and New Age]."
Thank you, Harold. We know you are embraced by the light.
Celebrate his life. Listen to a sample of this extraordinary healing instrument on my website, www.innerpeacemusic.com and click on Spectrum Suite.
Then, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and listen with your new headphones.
Until next time, stay tuned.
Steven Halpern is an award-winning composer, recording artist and sound healer. For over 25 years, he has been a passionate advocate of the healing powers of music for health, healing and spiritual growth. His latest releases, Deja-Blues, and Chants to Awaken the Buddhist Heart may change forever the way people perceive his musical career as he branches out into new and exciting dynamic rhythmic and vocal dimensions.
To receive a free catalog, email us at innerpeacemusic@innerpeacemusic.com or call: 1-800-909-0707.
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