Regarding latter, a number of research projects have convincingly demonstrated that music can be harmful or beneficial dependent upon type. Most notable is work of Dorothy Retallack, Dr. T.C.Singh, Dr. Harvey Bird and Dr. Gervasia Shreckenberg. (see below)

Unlike research mentioned above, other sources of information often prove to be more conjectural than factual. For sure, one can find usual authoritative comment in any good library...but much of that opinion appears to focus on effects of music rather than its ethereal nature and origin. However, deciphering and understanding ethereal may ultimately require more than human rationalism and logic can provide. Perhaps this is one reason why puzzle of human response to music has yet to be solved.

Logically, one would think that thousands of years of musical endeavor should have produced something in way of bona fide evidence; something that would provide an irrefutable explanation for that musical-empathic link that so often lifts human spirit. Obviously, that link has yet to be established and if history is any indicator, solution to puzzle may be a long time in coming. Meanwhile, inspiring music continues to fulfill a strong human need. It speaks to heart and because of this, improves and enhances our lives. This is why certain music has been so successful as a stress management tool. It calms and provides respite wherein recovery may take place. As for solving puzzle, that is best left to musicologists. Listeners need not and should not be too concerned with complex issues and technical aspects of music. As a matter of fact, focusing on complex tends to block one's ability to feel. Why? Because it is impossible to analyze and feel simultaneously.

A passing mention should be given here concerning existence of something called Negative music. Negative music has one major flaw: it cannot subsist for long without support of high-powered marketing hype, major theatrical effects and high decibel amplification. It is called music by its practitioners and followers but that is a misnomer. Rather, it is a form of abrasive-aggressive entertainment. This subject will be pursued further in a future article.

So where does all of this leave us? Well, we have a world of music at our disposal and where we go from there is up to us. Perhaps, during process of listening to music, we may experience one of those magic moments wherein we discover ourselves. Finally, inspiring music contains a message for everyone and to receive that message, all we need do is simply listen with an open heart and allow music to do what it has always done best - uplift human spirit and soothe soul.

For more about work of Dorothy Retallack, Dr. T.C.Singh, Dr. Harvey Bird and Dr. Gervasia Shreckenberg go to: http://www.channel1records.com/how_music_affects_your_kids.htm

Copyright © 2003-2005 Channel 1 Records All rights reserved

He's irritable, continually on edge, his gut hurts and lately, he's been bringing problem home. Not good.

Finally, Bob snaps. He angrily rushes over to co-worker's desk and within hearing distance of other staff members, begins shouting and leveling accusations. The co-worker is stunned by unexpected onslaught but to his credit, maintains a level attitude throughout tirade.

After Bob simmers down a bit co-worker quietly reveals information that proves he could not have had anything to do with situation. Embarrassed, Bob apologizes and wonders who real culprit can be. 

After discussing matter with his co-worker, it becomes obvious to them both that they have been cleverly manipulated by someone else in company who had been previously turned down and by-passed for position Bob now holds. This person had tried to cover his tracks by telling everyone that rumors were originating from co-worker whom Bob had confronted (a rather Machiavellian twist, don't you think?)

Let's consider how Bob could have handled his problem in a less stressful manner:

Upon becoming aware of problem, Bob's first mistake was in doing nothing and hoping problem would go away. He should have immediately drawn co-worker aside and discussed problem in a more rational and less emotional manner.

Had he done so, both he and co-worker would have quickly discovered what was really going on - and he would have prevented his own conditioning from triggering an embarrassing, irrational and emotional outburst based upon non-factual and paranoid assumptions. 

By maintaining his cool, co-worker was able to prevent further disintegration of situation. His quiet display of reason and control was, however, an exception to norm...because in face of anger and hostility, objectivity often suffers. 

When people become recipients of a verbal frontal attack, tendency for most will be to respond in kind, thereby effectively fanning flames. Why? Because just like antagonist, recipients are also conditioned, fearful and defensive and more often than not, they'll react negatively to what they interpret as a personal threat.

Luckily for Bob, co-worker kept his own emotions in check and effectively brought understanding to situation by remaining calm and sticking to truth or facts.

By now it should be obvious that procrastination does nothing to resolve stressful situations. A more productive way is to take corrective and positive action as quickly as possible by applying a few simple but emphatic rules: 

1. Search out facts or truth regarding situation 2. Do not assume anything 3. Get to root of problem!

When stressful situations arise, don't allow your emotions to dictate how you will respond or react - you could be going ballistic for all wrong reasons. Observe facts, remain objective and resolve problem as quickly as possible. In so doing, you'll save yourself a lot of future pain and you'll be much happier and more able to function effectively in a stressful and competitive world.

Copyright © 2003-2005 Channel 1 Records All rights reserved