Power of Music for Well-being

Nature abundantly blesses us with incredible creations, enchanting beauty, and  endless inspiration where joy, wonder, and music are deeply intertwined. Music is an integral part of our existence, omnipresent and essential for all forms of life in the Universe. It could be key for wellbeing as it nourishes the soul, calms the mind, and energizes the body, be it the rhythm of a drum, the hum of a mantra, or the melody of a favorite song. Music has the power to connect us deeply to ourselves and the world around us.

What is Aum ? – According to many ancient spiritual and philosophical traditions, particularly in Hinduism, Aum (or Om, sometimes called Omkara) is considered the first sound of the universe, the primordial vibration from which all creation emerged. Aum may not be “music” in the structured sense, but it is regarded as the source of all sound, rhythm, and energy, thus metaphorically and philosophically considered the “first music” or vibration. In yogic and meditative practices, chanting Aum is believed to connect one with the cosmic vibration and inner stillness. 

Let’s look at some of the wonderful ways music benefits us

Music as an art form is a great way of expression. It holds the power to enchant and completely captivate the soul. Music and dance are among the most profound forms of human expression allowing us to communicate emotions, stories, and experiences that words alone often cannot convey. Together, they create a space for creativity, release, and connection, making them essential to both personal well-being and cultural identity.

It keeps us happy and healthy. Our brain activity has a tremendous change when enjoying music naturally reduces the unwanted pressure or stress that we take and elevates our mood. Music helps lower cortisol levels, easing anxiety and creating a sense of calm and uplifting rhythms and harmonies stimulate dopamine, the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical. This also results in the increase of serotonin and endorphins which regulate overall wellbeing and acts as natural pain killers.

It improves focus and sleep. Music, especially soft instrumentals and sounds of nature can enhance focus and promote restful sleep, benefiting all ages from infants to adults. It supports emotional healing. In moments of despair or low phases, through lyrics or sound, music offers a safe outlet for processing emotions. It also deepens spiritual connection. Chanting, devotional music, and nature-inspired compositions gently encourage introspection and foster a deep sense of inner peace.

For specific ways to align music to wellbeing, one can choose from various kinds 

• Meditative sounds – Vedic sacred chants, Tibetan bowls, flutes, and ambient tones are some of the soulful ways to get into the spiritual path.
• Nature inspired sounds like rainfall, ocean waves, bird chirps, insect calls and so on create a sense of pleasantness and joy.
• Instrumental/Classical music calms the nervous system and improves mental clarity.
• Cultural/Devotional Music: Bhajans (devotional songs), chants, and world music, art forms that uplift the spirit.
• Playing instruments ourselves, singing or listening to our personal playlists could bring positive memories and add meaning to the purpose.

As music is rooted within us in one way or the other, we could integrate it into a meaningful manner for our well being by starting off our day with calming natural sounds and instrumental music. By listening to chants or chanting Aum or practicing yoga, exercise with energetic music, sing or hum to something we enjoy!

Music or even a simple sound, can be a source of deep inner transformation. It has the power to evoke emotions in profound ways and shift the dynamics of our lives. When we embrace music as a tool for self-exploration, it can lead us to states of wellbeing, mindfulness, and joy and ultimately, open the path to inner awakening.