’Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions, or affirmations, as many of my friends choose to call them. Whatever the label, I’d like to encourage you to make a sound investment in your self by intentionally working with the power of sound even more in 2005. The good news is: it’s easy, it’s fun, it’s less expensive than ever, and it’s legal! Not only that, but it will enhance the effectiveness of your affirmations many times over. For instance, if you only spent ten minutes a week listening to music you enjoyed last year, double it! A much better strategy would be to spend at least ten minutes a day! You might be surprised at how many people fail to do this on a regular basis. You may be surprised that I have been known to fall into this demographic in the past—so was I! I affirmed that I would change that situation, and I have.

I also (re)discovered that listening to music on a low end portable mini-stereo is not nearly as pleasurable as listening on a mid-range unit. The price difference may only be $50 or $100, but when you hear how much music you’ve been missing, you’ll be happy you upgraded. I don’t know if there are scientific studies comparing the increased amount of endorphin released as a function of increased frequency response of one’s sound system, but I know, intuitively, that it is so. Endorphins, of course, are the feel good neuropeptides, also called “joy juice,” that our own bodies manufacture.

Being able to be self-sufficient in producing endorphins and more alpha brainwaves has been shown, in scientific research, to decrease one’s need to use legal and illegal substances, such as alcohol or drugs. So if you’re counting your pennies, do the math: treating yourself to better sound pays for itself in a short while.

What music to listen to? You have a world of choices. Of course, I have a few special recordings I highly recommend for aural pleasures. Listen with headphones, if you have never done so, and you’ll discover a whole new dimension of Deja-Blues, Chakra Suite and Tonal Alchemy.

Many people think they have to play music loud to enjoy the physical feeling. Not so. The better your system, the less you’ll need to blast the music, to still get the positive sensations.

Make Your Own Music-Assisted Affirmation Recordings

Many computers now have microphone inputs This makes it much easier to begin recording. There are a number of music mixing software programs available, and you can create your own personal audio affirmation tape or CD. If you prefer to stay low tech, you’ll need at least one tape recorder and one unit to play the music—or you can get a unit at one of the big box superstores that will give you a good first step to get your feet wet in the process.

If you write the script, you can record it with your voice at full volume. You can also experiment with a “threshold” or subliminal voice level. This is especially useful if you are concerned about the quality of your voice.

For added environmental sounds, you might try recording in the bathroom with the shower running (for the waterfall/white noise effect). Begin with a five minute version. That will conserve water, as well as save your tape from getting too soggy.

The Healing Power of your Voice

Two of the most popular portions of the workshops that I’ve done for the past 35 years have always been the brief but highly engaging Toning and Drumming sections. It’s amazing how many people have had unpleasant experiences in their youth, typically resulting from a family member, friend, or teacher telling them they had a “bad voice,” or encouraging them not to sing.

When I was in junior high school, I was encouraged to sing solo, actually, so low that no one could hear me! It’s never too late to get back on good terms with your singing voice. One of the simplest ways is to sing each vowel for about twenty seconds.

This is one aspect of Toning. An added benefit is, if you haven’t had a good vowel movement lately, this will remedy that imbalance. For those of you who need research to help you rationalize such behavior, be it known that research has indeed proven the benefits of toning.

On a related note, if you haven’t already seen the movie, affirm that you’ll see Ray, the biopic about Ray Charles. The way he worked with tone, with rhythm, with the Muse, is dramatically captured. When I saw it last week, I realized I had forgotten that one of the very first songs I ever learned on piano was “What’d I Say” back in high school. Ray was a mentor and a model in many ways, and deserving of all the accolades he’s receiving. (For extra credit, listen to his older recordings on your new, improved sound system and notice how much better they sound!)

Be it also known that ongoing research is proving the positive effects of drumming in a group with others. With rhythm making in a group context, you don’t have to worry about finding a rhythm. The rhythm will find you. I will share some late-breaking research about the work of Remo Drums, Dr. Barry Bittman, and others next month. As always, I welcome your comments, stories or questions.

Wishing you a harmonious, happy and healthy New Year,

Steven Halpern

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Steven Halpern is an award-winning composer, producer and recording artist who has touched the lives of millions around the world. “The maestro of sound healing” is currently celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of his first release. His most recent CD is Tonal Alchemy. Visit www.stevenhalpern.com to hear samples.

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