Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Wellness Wisdom. I’d like to especially extend greetings to our new subscribers with gratitude that you’ve joined our community of Wellness Seekers.

Each week we explore the process of following our paths toward “Authentic Wellness”: Essentially this is an ongoing experience of growing into a place of balance and renewal which also honors our unique perspective and spirit.

I emphasize emotional, relational and spiritual well-being, with the awareness that when these dimensions of wellness are supported, the other aspects of well-being (such as physical health, our relationship with food, etc.) tend to follow more naturally. We inspire ourselves and feel pulled toward a place of balance; we are no longer “pushing” ourselves.

Beginning today, the next few weeks’ issues look at a variety of sensory experiences and their place within authentic wellness.

If you find this newsletter helpful and supportive, please share it with your friends and colleagues. Simply forward this email and invite them to subscribe. Thank you for passing it on! I grow through your recommendations and I’m grateful for it.

What’s New from Centered Living

In late fall/early winter I’ll be offering a complimentary Teleclass to introduce you to the concept of “Authentic Wellness”. Have you participated in a Teleclass? If so, you know this is a fun and convenient way to connect to folks all over the globe! If you haven’t tried a Teleclass, this is the perfect introduction.

Simply send a blank email to lori.boothroyd-273698@autocontactor.com (you don’t need to fill in any details) and your interest in this Teleclass will be registered! There is no cost and absolutely no obligations. This is a gift from me to my readers. Stay tuned for more details.

Wellness Wisdom Feature Article

Healthy Sounds and Authentic Wellness

Take a moment to consider: What kinds of sounds are you exposed to everyday? What kind of sounds do you choose to listen to? Music and all other forms of sound (intentional and otherwise) directly impact our sense of balance and well-being.

Have you desensitized yourself to the sounds of music? Throughout our day we’re exposed to an array of music (in the elevator, car, background music, etc.). When was the last time you intentionally chose some of your favorite music?

Music has been called the language of our souls. The Greek myth about Orpheus testifies to the power of music. While he journeyed through the dark Underworld, Orpheus sang and played his harp, drawing empathy from the Gods toward him. Most of our most emotional and powerful moments in life are connected with music. Listening to music literally changes the state of our body and mind. Research has taught us that plants grow better when exposed to certain kinds of music – why should we be any different?

What music (or sounds) might you choose to feel:

• Energized? (James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Berlioz)
• Calmed? (Bach, Enya, Harp, ocean waves)
• Heart centered/emotional? (Beethoven, spirituals, lullabies, opera)

If you like to make your own music…..but have neglected doing so, you might consider picking up that old guitar, sitting at the piano, humming a little tune of your own or inviting further lessons.

Your wellness challenge this week: Take 10 minutes a day to listen to the music of your choice. How do you want to feel? Commit to responding to the music, but not multi-tasking during your listening experience. As you listen you might consider:

• Lying down with your eyes closed.
• Dancing and singing with the music.
• Eating a mindful meal.
• Sharing the music with a dear companion.

What do you notice? How do you feel?

How will you make music an intentional part of your wellness practice?

Personal Reflections

My Mother took piano lessons when she carried me. Maybe that’s part of the reason why I’ve always loved music. As a child, I pecked at an old piano in our basement and my parents then nurtured my interest with years of music lessons. I’m so grateful for the lifelong influence of music in my life.

I have a particular sensitivity to sound of any kind. I surround myself with as much soothing sound as possible throughout my day and have little tolerance for noise pollutions. I like the quiet too.

One day this past week I was feeling a little low, kinda grumpy. Instinctively, I put on my headset and slapped in an old favorite CD, a mix I created years ago. Before I knew it, I was hopping around the house, singing out loud (to no one but myself) and laughing while our cats scurried away in bewilderment. There is something about James Brown and his classic tune “Get up offa that thang” that lifts my spirit. Thankfully, it’s impossible to remain grouchy.

To the harmony within each of you,
Lori

About Lori

Dr. Lori Boothroyd is known as the “Coaching Psychologist”. She has served her clients and students well over the years through integrating her knowledge from earning a Ph.D. in psychology, with her advanced training in coaching and wellness psychology. Appreciated for her warmth and down-to-earth style as much as her expertise, Lori is a dynamic speaker, author and coach. She lives in Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, Dr. Gregory Boothroyd. Together they authored the book “Going Home: A Positive Emotional Guide to Promote Life Generating Behaviors”.

For a complimentary coaching consult, to inquire about programs or to ask any questions, please email: lori@loriboothroyd.com