How to Read this Blog
Music and Happiness is our means of communicating two separate yet intertwined kinds of information to you, our readers.
Josh writes brief posts about music he loves, conveying facts and insights which we hope will dramatically increase your knowledge and appreciation of many different kinds of music. Josh has taught music appreciation for over 40 years, has written about music “from the inside out,” and credits music with saving his life when he was young and in very difficult circumstances.
Lynne writes posts about the relationship between music and what we are learning in the developing field of Positive Psychology regarding optimal human functioning. Our sense of well-being, especially as we grow older, can be seriously compromised by life’s vicissitudes. If we can learn how to help ourselves retain–and even increase–good feelings like optimism and zest, we can move forward in our lives with greater confidence and comfort. Music is a universal means by which we can do this very easily. We will try to show you how in this blog through suggesting various activities you can try on your own.
We also give workshops, by request, where you will have the opportunity to join in creative play with us, because music is meant to be listened to, moved to, danced to, sung or hummed along with. It can stimulate the brain so that you want to write or paint or express yourself in some other way as you listen. It can enhance visualization exercises, opening you to unexpected new ideas that revitalize you.
We haven’t even begun to describe the many ways that music can enrich your life. The older you grow, the greater its power can be.