Music: The Instant Mood Changer

Nothing can change the vibe of a space more quickly than music. Have you ever switched on some calming music when you were feeling frantic and found yourself taking a deep breath, relaxing those tensed up shoulders and coming back to yourself? Or maybe you’ve been feeling melancholy or lonely and you turned on a version of upbeat dance music that got you wiggling around the room and feeling as if your spirits were lifting? This happens to me all the time. I love music. Such a powerful tool for sanctuary. 

When my kids were little, my special-needs daughter Chloe would get all hyped-up before dinner every evening. I would be trying valiantly to get dinner on the table after work and she would be swirling around the kitchen: a one-girl destruction force. We used to laughingly call it the bewitching hour. I realized that when I put on some relaxing, spa music, it changed the energy of the house and she was calmer. Everyone exhaled and we enjoyed a more peaceful dinner together. 

On the other hand, when I wanted to get my kids (or myself) to clean up, I found that upping the energy with music got everyone moving through their chores in record time. 

So with this in mind, I have been working on a pre-holiday treat for all of you who love the concept of sanctuary — a special Finding Sanctuary playlist on Spotify. Yes, a special, just-for-you playlist that you can use for any activity and as a backdrop for anything from driving to contemplation to writing, walking or taking a bath. Anytime you need to have a down-shift and slip into sanctuary, this music will support you. I listen to it often and will continue to curate it, adding songs that inspire me. If you click on it, you’ll notice I created it under my husband Philip’s Spotify account, @psamakesnoise. 

Speaking of Philip! He has been heads-down in the studio for the past few months working hard on a new holiday album and finally shipped it off to the disk maker on Friday. Hooray for new music! We can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned. 

So share with me what music you use to calm down or warm up — I’m always looking for new inspirations.

With love and gratitude,

Lisa