Follow - Get Refreshed
Kathy Sturgis, PhD
...creating momentum for positive change
Music & Meditation - Self Care
Music has the power to refresh the spirit and energize the soul. We hope that you will visit here often to jumpstart your day.
Stay tuned in - we'll occasionally refresh some pieces on this page. If you have a favorite or a piece of music you love that is not listed here, let us know.
When I quiet my mind,
I usually find my way.
~Kathy~
Activity:
Explore this page one day at a time - one piece at a time. Find a favorite. Explore. Rest your mind. Get rejuvenated.
Find Your Abandon
Music has been an important part of my life and a critical part of my own personal refreshment over the years. This slideshow represents our first production combining music and imagery. It is intended to offer refreshment, clarity and bring forth whatever it is that you need at this moment in time.
The text for Dirait-On, written by Ranier Maria Rilke, represents self-care and self-tenderness at its highest level. I hope that the music, written by Martin Lauridsen and performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, speaks to your heart and refreshes you in the same way that it speaks to mine.
The text is as follows:
Abandon surrounding abandon,
Tenderness touching tenderness…
Your oneness endlessly
Caresses itself, so they say;
Self-caressing
through its own clear reflection.
Thus you invent the theme
of Narcissus fulfilled.
May you find what you need in this moment and in this day. ~Kathy~
Find Peace
As I walked outside to get the newspaper this morning, the snow looked like glitter had been poured upon it. It was shining so brightly. Here is some beautiful music inspired and shared with you - inspired by pure white snow and sunshine. Refresh yourself this day. Take care of yourself as you take care of others so well. This is Mahler's Symphony No. 5 (Adagietto) performed by the New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein conducting.
Transport Yourself with Gratitude
Let Eric Whitacre's music transport you to a grounded peace of gratitude and appreciation for all of the good things in life. We each have so much to be grateful for - even in the midst of adversity there is hope. Find your gratitude and hope with this setting of "Alleluia" - a word intended to inspire feelings of joy, thanksgiving and triumph. Wishing you peace, joy and bountiful feelings of gratitude for all of the good things that are present in your life at this moment.
Energize Yourself
Nature understands the cycle of transition and change. Transition expert William Bridges notes that "we have to let go of the old before we can embrace the new." Let the music of "Autumn" inspire youtoday as you imagine the things you must let go of in order to move into the new beginning. What is your vision for the future? What is it that you would like to embrace (new ways of thinking, speaking and acting). Take few moments to visualize the future - and then write down what you see. Enjoy this performance of Vivaldi's Autumn "Allegro-Adagio Molto" (The Four Seasons) featuring Julia Fischer on the violin accompanied by Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.
Try a Little Kindness
For some reason, messages about "kindness" were pouring through me this week ~ and who should be whispering in my ear? Glen Campbell. My parents were fans of Glen Campbell when I was a little girl and as I was thinking about the power of kindness, this song literally popped into my head. It seems like I was supposed to pay attention ~ and share it. I hope you enjoy this blast from the past. Listen to the lyrics and remember to be gentle with yourself. ~Kathy~
Add Energy to Your Day
Play Andy McKee's "Art of Motion" when you need an energy boost. Imagine steady forward motion. Feel the focused and positive intention come into your day. I love to play this piece for myself in the mornings as I establish my energy for the day. It's also a great meeting energizer. Play it as participants enter the meeting; play it at a break or lunch to re-energize and set the tone for the next section. Wishing you energy for your work in the world.
Rest and Rejuvenate
Let this take you to a place of rest. You can even rest while you work. Wishing you rest and rejuvenation and supporting your highest good. Enjoy "Lark Ascending" by Ralph Vaughan Williams featuring Nicola Benedetti on the violin and performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton.
Shine with Gratitude
Let yourself feel the magic of this starry night. Music has a way of healing. Feel the joy of this beautiful evening as represented by "Sure On This Shining Night" (another beautiful song written by Morten Lauridsen). Let the music refresh you. Wishing you peace, cleansing joy and positive emotion.
Feel the Intensity of Close Harmonies
If you like Bluegrass, close vocal harmonies and Yo-Yo Ma, you'll enjoy the energy of this piece. "Here and Heaven" features the vocal talents of Aoife O'Donovan with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, fiddler Stuart Duncan, bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolinist Chris Thile. This piece is featured in "The Goat Rodeo Sessions" an ambitious and groundbreaking project that brings together these four string virtuosos. A number of amazing pieces can be found to inspire you with "Goat Rodeo Sessions." Wishing you the kind of collaborations that result in flawless harmonies.
Free Life, Vision and Goals
Love "Free Life" by Dan Wilson. It is a nice centering piece for thinking about your personal visions and goals ~ as Dan Wilson says, "what you gonna spend your free life on?" I also use this clip in some of my team building and strategic planning sessions. Before participants watch it, I ask them "what can we learn about 'x' from rock climbing" (i.e., x=goal setting, teams, etc.)? They will note words like determination, focus, etc. As a facilitator you might note that team members are connected by ropes - rock climbers are never alone although sometimes it might feel as though they are. The connection ensures safety, success and goal achievement for all. In addition, each person is focused on flawless execution of the "next step." There are a lot of things we can learn from rock climbing - what thoughts does it inspire for you? I'd love to know. ~Kathy~
Enjoy Nature
Celebrate Your Growth
Our growth journeys mirror nature. Your life is unfolding - your path is unfolding. Trust the path unfolding as you view this inspirational view of nature featuring Louis Schwartzberg's time lapse photography. Allow your path to unfold - observe it - enjoy it - just like nature. Wishing you joyful growth in all things.
Find Your Light
I hope that this song inspires light in your life and in this moment. "Lux Aurumque" is written and conducted by Eric Whitacre and performed by a virtual choir of 185 voices spanning 12 different countries.
Remember Who You Are
This song was performed by Guru Singh, Seal & Friends at the "Worldsong Peace Concert" at the global village at the 2002 winter Olympic Games. The message invites peace, acceptance of others and acceptance of self. The repetition of words is mantra-like and I find it quite comforting. I hope you do too.
Connect with Your Higher Purpose
You are here for a reason. Feel the inspiration - sung by Raul Midon at TED. Midon's story is inspiring - as a child he was told, "You're blind; you can't do this." Later when moving to New York he was told, "You're not going to make it." He has a clear sense of purpose which has helped him to create opportunities. Discover and feel the power of your purpose. What are you here to do? You are making a difference in this world. Know this. Do more of that. Enjoy. And by the way - thank you. ~Kathy~
Visit Your "Home"
What is "home" for you? This is such a fabulous live performance by Liz Wright at the Newport Jazz Festival ~ I hope it transports you to a place of comfort and joy ~ a place I like to think of as "home." (You'll find the original recording on her album "Salt").