From the time we birthed this site in 2007, the word happiness has been used in a very specific way by us, especially in relation to music.
The concept of happiness we’re interested in comes from scientific studies that are looking for the things that make life truly rich and satisfying.
We’re not bringing you “happy” music so much as music that can make you more aware, awake, and alive. (Of course, some of that is also “happy” music!) See our last post.
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So far research suggests that character strengths and activities which:
- stimulate positive emotions
- foster engagement in worthwhile activities alone and with others
- have a strong sense of purpose
- give us feelings of accomplishment
contribute the most to human well being.
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Music is an art that can do all three things.
- It can simply be a pleasurable experience (and that includes sad songs, by the way)
- It can be enjoyed with others or alone
- It can be an extremely meaningful experience
- It can challenge you to learn and grow, whether you perform music or listen to it
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You could say that if you enjoy music, it is one of the most natural and easiest ways for you to enjoy all the benefits of mind/body/spirit-enhancing activities in your daily life.
Our goal is to make you more aware of the amazing number of benefits music can bring you.
That’s why you can find us on the internet under a lot of names besides MUSIC AND HAPPINESS.
We’re also called:
- Music for Flourishing
- Music for Brain Fitness
- Music for Mind Fitness
- Music for Mindfulness
- Music for Resilience
- Music for Positive Aging
- Music for Mind Body Spirit Health
- Good Music Good Life
We don’t think so.
Research in brain science is finding that listening to music stimulates the whole brain.
Research is also finding that people exercise more when they do it to music.
We’re interested in music as a bridge between generations too.
And in strengthening mental alertness through guided listening and learning about music.
And in music as a way of experiencing key character strengths right in your bones.
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Where do you start so that you can get the full benefit of music’s gifts to the human race?
- Sign up to join us. Go to the subscription box on any page of our site and just type in your email address and the name you’d like us to call you by.
- Go to this research site and find out what your character strengths are. The questionnaires are free and you will be contributing to the research.
- Read our posts and tell us what you would like to know about music by filling out the comment box. We value your requests!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Music does indeed bring me happiness in several ways.
I love to dance and I can feel the rhythm of the music in my body. Moving with the music is fun and it also brings a smile to my face.
I enjoy singing. I usually sing along with songs that have words which resonate with me. They are a reflection of my view on life. So the singing becomes an affirmation of what is important to me.
I listen to inspirational music, especially when I am going through a tough time. The music, the words, the message permeate every aspect of my being. When I use music in this way, I actually consider it to be a form of spiritual practice, because it heals my mind and my heart.
And then I listen to meditative music. It calms my mind, relaxes my body, and brings peace to my soul.
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