As we segue into the new year, many of us take inventory of our lives: what's working, what's not working, what we 'd like to improve. One of the areas that I'm working on is to re-organize my CD and tape collection. In the process, I've been reminded of how many CDs I have purchased that I only listened to once! And I recall reading a report in l975, when I was launched by an independent record label, that the 'industry average was 3-5 times'. I didn't believe it, so I went to my shelves of albums (remember those) and sure enough, most of them, I hardly listened to. Yet some of them, I listened to a LOT. Statistically, that's what brought the average up. Omit those 20 albums from the mix, and most albums only got listened to once or twice.

How about you? How many albums do you own? How many times have you listened to most of them?

That's why it's such a blessing to have a core group of CDs that you can count on ---to give you the mood lift, the energy, or the spiritual ambience that you desire. I'd like to invite you to submit your Top Five or Top Ten favorites for an article I'm writing. The key categories are Spirituality, Creativity, Making Love, and 'your choice'. As I write this, I'm playing the soundtrack entitled ENHANCING CREATIVITY. Not only is it blocking out the obnoxious noise of a neighbor's leaf blower, but it helps me stay in "the zone" so I can focus and finish this column quickly. (That alone is worth it's purchase price many times over!)

Having just finished the holiday season, many people are still experiencing "auditory flashbacks" of snippets of melodies spontaneously arising in their minds -- songs like "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells". Why does this occur?

Well, imagine my surprise to find out from an internet news group that there is actually a well-funded study being conducted that is investigating "the song in your head". Amazing, isn't it? I'm trying to find out WHO is funding this work. With all the profound uses of sound that need to be researched and yes, funded, why did this topic get the money? Politics, inside connections? Who knows. If you have any insights, please let me know.

New research continues to demonstrate that sound -- and not just when it's organized as music -- has the power to alter individual cells. In my books, "Tuning the Human Instrument" and "Sound Health," I reported on the work of Dr. Peter Manners in England, who was using sound to treat serious diseases with great success.

But you don't have to wait for "studies" to prove what you already intuitively know. You can use sound in profound ways right now. Over the past fifteen years, I have offered many suggestions and strategies in my monthly columns. In response to many requests, I am now accepting a limited number of applications for those who would like individual coaching and mentoring in using sound more effectively to enhance their health and well-being. Musicians who want to improve their "inner game of music" as well as their recordings are also welcomed.

Whether you would prefer a one-time or on-going opportunity, the time is right for more 'sound-assisted lifestyle' information. And since most of us are flying less, and going to fewer conferences and workshops, a virtual connection is the obvious way to stay in touch. You may contact me via AskDrSound@innerpeacemusic.com for more information.

Until next time, I encourage you to honor yourself by honoring the music in your life.