Connection

Music is always impactful, but there are definitely moments where the power of music is breathtaking. Today was one of those days. I went to make my monthly hospice visit with a lady residing in a memory care unit. I’ve been seeing this lady each month for a good portion of the year, and each visit has been hit or miss as to how she responds. The very first session, she was in a pleasant mood, sang along with some old favorites, and was able to communicate back and forth. Then there have been times (more often than not) when she does not want to be bothered and has swatted me away with her words and her hands! Whether it is her dementia, her loss of control and communication, her current living situation, or a combination of many things, she seems to mostly function at a very agitated and hostile level. 

Before continuing the story, a little background behind my thinking is needed:

In school, we were taught about the physiological impact music can have on the body. The body will entrain with the rhythm and tempo of music, and so we can, as therapists, use the iso-principle to take someone’s current functioning level and increase or decrease the speed at which their body moves. This technique is especially useful for when someone is anxious or agitated and you can help slow down their breathing by gradually decreasing the tempo of notes or chords. On another note, I began a yoga training program this past Friday and if you don’t know anything else about yoga, the BREATH is the pinnacle of the entire practice. The breath is also seen as the “life force” within our bodies… can’t argue with that— the breath literally keeps our bodies operating. So, with all of these thoughts in mind, my story continues…

So, when I arrived at the memory care unit, I found my patient in her normal, isolated position, staring blankly at a television with others who are doing the same. I tell her that I am going to take her back to her room so I can play some music for her. Per usual, she stares off into space, without acknowledging my presence. When we get to her room, I let her know that I am going to play some soft music and that she is welcome to either just listen or participate. Her eyes are closed and held in a grimace as I begin playing songs that may have a positive impact on her based on her spiritual background and age. Nothing changes in her physical demeanor. I want so badly to connect with her and to be able to bring some comfort to her… then, I remember the breath. I don’t want to use my music to change her breath, though… I want to use the music to simply connect to her breath. I gauge the tempo of the guitar and voice to the rising and falling of her chest. I know the dementia has robbed her of the ability to interpret words or express her self, so I am looking for a way to bring back human connection. As the music and vibrations move with her breath, I am essentially saying, “I see you and I honor the life inside of you”. This non-verbal, energetic, emotional connection continues through 3 or 4 songs until at the end of the session, this beautiful spirit opens her eyes and I say to her, “Hello, Ms. _____. How are you?” She smiles and says, “I’m very well”. I ask her if she likes the music and she responds, “Yes, it is very beautiful”. She continues nodding her head to the music with a lighter affect until the final cadence. She then goes back into her silence and I take my cue to say goodbye. I wheel her back into the main room and hope and pray that our connection will continue to vibrate through her as she sits in a crowded solitude. I head to my car with gratitude in my heart for the moment we had together and for the gift of music; a gift than can reflect our essence and communicate pure love.

Namaste (the light in me honors the light in you), 

Miquel Shanine, LPMT, MT-BC, NMT

Attune.

Attune: [uh-toon, uh-tyoon];

verb (used with object), attuned, attuning.

1.to bring into accord, harmony, or sympathetic relationship; adjust:

2. Archaic. to tune or bring into harmony, as a musical instrument.

This is the word that comes to mind when I think about the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. These three components that make up our human form are made to work together in HARMONY. One thing that I like about playing music is that it awakens and invigorates each part in this trio: we use our minds to interpret and create, we use our bodies to give sound and rhythm, and our spirits move and respond as we experience art. Another way of attuning this trinity of self is by simply connecting to our breath. Our breath is what keeps our bodies moving, our minds thinking, and our soul grounded. Our breath is so powerful; it is the essence of our being. Once we learn how to be more aware of our breath and how to control it, we can create so much good for ourselves. 

Continuing on this stream of consciousness, I want to bring the focus now to the art of yoga. Yoga is a beautiful art form that brings the mind, heart, soul, and body into sync. It requires a focus of the mind onto the physical demands of the body and the grounding of the breath in each pose. Your heart is focused on creating space for yourself and being accepting of where you are currently in the moment... No judgment... just love. Yoga puts a huge emphasis on the breath, which is called the "pranayama". Breath is the source of our "prana", or "vital life force". No matter what is happening in our bodies or our minds, we can bring focus and gratitude to the inhalation and exhalation of life through our breath. Our breath can be used to calm, center, focus, and create space for love and gratitude. 

Yoga also helps open up our bodies so that we may, in turn, open up our hearts and our minds. Finding confidence, strength, and faith in our bodies allows for discovering more confidence, strength, and faith in our mind and spirit. Because of how well yoga complements the goal of discovering one's HEART SONG, I am excited to announce that this fall I will be receiving my certification in yoga instruction and will be implementing yoga techniques into the practice next year! Stay tuned for exciting discoveries and opportunities ahead!

Namaste. (The light inside of me honors the light inside of you.)

Miquel Shanine, LPMT, MT-BC, NMT

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em"

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em"

This quote came to mind yesterday as I was teaching a general music class to 20 something preschoolers. Although this is not music therapy, I still use my music therapist brain and skills set to assess every situation. Preschoolers LOVE to be silly. Give them a task and they will turn it into a raucous. It is hard sometimes to not want to fight against their silliness and bring more calm and quiet into the learning environment (which may be appropriate at times) but I have learned that the most effective way to move forward is to enter their world. I engage them and grab their attention the best when I speak their language. DUH. People can understand you better when you speak their language. I believe preschooler language is "SILLY". Through silly, I can achieve learning and growth for these precious babies. On a tangent, it is actually very special (though sometimes irritating in the moment) to be involved in a world where laughter is the minute-by-minute goal. 

When I was in school and receiving training on Dance and Movement therapy, we watched videos of Dance and Movement therapists working with different populations. One population really stuck out to me: Autism. There was a video from the 80s or 90s of a therapist mirroring everything her client with autism was doing. It was incredible to see this young girl going from being in her own world to noticing the therapist with her to engaging with the therapist. This therapist went into the young girl's world and was able to connect by using the girl's language. Once they understood each other, the therapist was able to then bring the girl along to new places and ideas; hence, growth. 

In the book, "The Whole-Brain Child:..." by Siegel and Bryson, they describe a strategy called "Connect and Redirect". They say, "When your child is upset, connect first emotionally, right brain to right brain. Then, once she is more in control and receptive, bring in the left-brain lessons and discipline". They are speaking about using "Connect and Redirect" in regards to when children are distressed, but I think it is a great principle for lots of situations... especially in therapy.

Music therapy is never working AGAINST people, it is always working WITH people. We are working on goals that are difficult and goals that are stretching people little by little but we always start where each person is physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, etc.  We do initial assessments that give us an idea of where someone is and what goals we can move towards but constantly re-assess week by week and session by session to make sure we are still speaking our client's language during each meeting. This interaction builds trust between client and therapist that says, " You understand me and I feel safe following your direction". 

The cool thing about music therapy is that music is known as "the universal language". It is a place where people can easily meet and connect. So on top of being able to speak my client's language, I can also introduce and utilize a language that we are both fluent in and use that language to connect and direct or redirect. This language can be used between therapist and client or between one client to another in group settings. So, to end this blog, I have updated the time-old quote. "Music: where you can BEAT 'em AND join 'em".  Get it? Beat... like musical beat?? Ok, I'm done.

Miquel Garland, LPMT, MT-BC

Science Vs. Miracles

 

Science:

[sahy-uh ns]

noun

a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws

Miracle:

[mir-uh-kuh l]

noun

a wonder; marvel.

Some people believe that science and miracles are two different schools of thought: one can be proved and one can only be seen; one is systematic and one is full of wonder. As a music therapist, I get to see these two "contradicting nouns"  combined every day... I get to see the best of both worlds. 

"The Miracle of Life"

This is a common phrase used to describe the process of creating and delivering a baby. Why don't we say "The Science of Life"? ... That's what's going on, right? ... Chromosomes, zygotes, organ systems, genetics... Of course we know and understand (at least somewhat) the science behind creating life! But still, it's not "The Science of Life", it is "The Miracle of Life". Why? Because it is AMAZING! The intricacies of everything that happens when life is developing is AWE-INSPIRING. We know what happens in development but HOW DO OUR BODIES KNOW WHAT TO DO!? No one is connecting all the neurons for us or lining up our chromosomes... And hence, the WONDER!

As a music therapist, we use EVIDENCE-BASED practices to help clients address certain needs. We have learned the science behind using steady beats to help with gait-training. We have learned the science behind tapping the left hand to help stimulate the right side of the brain that has been unaffected by a stroke. We have learned the science behind using music to help premature babies adjust to a stimulus-driven environment in order to help them thrive in the NICU and continue to develop their life-sustaining organ systems. But even though I know the systematic research behind music therapy, I am still inspired all the time by the scientific and miraculous elements of music.

If you study just the theory of music, you will learn about the systematic creation of melodies, harmonies, keys, modes, and more things then you ever thought you wanted to know about music.... or at least more than I wanted to know! haha.. But NO ONE can explain exactly how a song can touch one person's heart one way and another person's heart another way... why one melody can bring sorrowful tears to one person's eyes and can bring joy to the next person. To me, this is the WONDER. This is the part of music that I cannot fully comprehend.

It brings me so much joy when I get to see the tool I use (music) work in a way that was backed by research but also brings the miracle of renewed life to people. I am so thankful for both the science and miracles that I experience in this line of work. 

I hope you enjoy the science and miracles of life today!

Miquel Garland, LPMT, MT-BC

 

"The Whole-Brain Child"

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.

I have recently read a book (title above) that I highly recommend to all of my families with children 0-12 years of age. I came across this book after reading an article posted by Dr. Siegel online. I was intrigued by the article and started to investigate what else Dr. Siegel had discovered through his research and practice. My oldest brother, also a practicing pediatric psychiatrist, highly recommends Dr. Siegel and his work, so know that this book has been "Doctor Approved" :). I wanted to just jot down some quotes from the book that might spark some interest for you (it certainly did for me!). This book ties together the brain development of different age groups to certain behaviors that are being exhibited within those age groups. It can be helpful for anyone involved with children (parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, teachers, etc.) in understanding what is happening in the brain and how to react when one part of the brain is dominating over other parts of the brain. In the end, the main goal is to achieve total brain integration where all parts of the brain are working together equally to maintain a state of balance. So without further ado, Dr. Siegel and Dr. Bryson:

"Your brain can't perform at its best unless its different parts work together in a coordinated and balanced way."

"It's easy to see when our kids aren't integrated-- they become overwhelmed by their emotions, confused and chaotic. They can't respond calmly and capably to the situation at hand. Tantrums, meltdowns, aggression, and most of the other challenging experiences of parenting -- and life-- are a result of a loss of integration, also known as dis- integration."

Brains need to be "horizontally integrated, so that their left- brain logic can work well with their right- brain emotion. We also want them to be vertically integrated, so that the physically higher parts of their brain, which let them thoughtfully consider their actions, work well with the lower parts, which are more concerned with instinct, gut reactions, and survival."

"What molds our brain? Experience."

"Everything that happens to us -- THE MUSIC WE HEAR, the people we love, the books we read, the kind of discipline we receive, the emotions we feel-- profoundly affects the way our brain develops."

"A person's brain isn't considered fully developed until she [or he] reaches her [or his] mid- twenties."

"Rate of brain maturation is largely influenced by the genes we inherit." (THANKS, MOM AND DAD)

"An integrated brain results in improved decision making, better control of body and emotions, fuller self- understanding, stronger relationships, and success in school."

"In terms of development, very young children are right- hemisphere dominant, especially during their first three years. They haven't mastered the ability to use logic and words to express their feelings, and they live their lives completely in the moment..."

"When a child is upset, logic often won't work until we have responded to the right brain's emotional needs. We call this emotional connection 'attunement,' which is how we connect deeply with another person and allow them to 'feel felt'..... 'connect and redirect'."

"It's also crucial to keep in mind that no matter how nonsensical and frustrating our child's feelings may seem to us, they are real and important to our child. It's vital that we treat them as such in our response."

"It's generally a good idea to discuss misbehavior and its consequences after the child has calmed down, since moment of emotional flooding are not the best times for lessons to be learned."

"Research shows that merely assigning a name or label to what we feel literally calms down the activity of the emotional circuitry in the right hemisphere."

"When we can give words to our frightening and painful experiences-- when we literally come to terms with them-- they often become much less frightening and painful. When we help our children name their pain and their fears, we help them tame them." ( HELLO, SONGWRITING)

"The behaviors and skills we want and expect our kids to demonstrate, like sound decision making, control of their emotions and bodies, empathy, self- understanding, and morality-- are dependent on a part of their brain that hasn't fully developed yet." (AKA, the prefrontal cortex)

The "upstairs brain" or prefrontal cortex "becomes inaccessible during moments of high emotion or stress."

"Our kids are often doing the best they can with the brain they have."

"When one of your children has lost touch with his upstairs brain, a powerful way to help him regain balance is to have him move his body... Research shows that when we change our physical state-- through movement or relaxation, for example-- we can change our emotional state." 

"We are biologically equipped to be in relationships, to understand where other people are coming from, and to influence one another... every discussion, argument, joke, or hug we share with someone else literally alters our brain and that of the other person."

"...by teaching about connection through conflict, you give your child the invaluable gift of seeing that even unpleasant arguments are opportunities to engage with and learn from the minds of others."

"It's not your responsibility to avoid all mistakes, any more than you're supposed to remove all obstacles your children face. Instead, your job is to be present with your children and connect with them through the ups and downs of life's journey."

 

There are so many more beautiful nuggets of wisdom in this book. As my good childhood pal, LeVar Burton would say, "You don't have to take My word for it". Check it out for yourself!

Full brain integration to you,

Miquel Garland, MT-BC

Self-Care for the Caregiver

Self-Care is defined by the Student Affairs of the University of Kentucky as the following: "Self care includes any intentional actions you take to care for your physical, mental and emotional health." 

They have a great publication about the different areas of self-care and some tips and ideas for ways to implement self-care. Read more about it here.

As a therapist, self-care is a big part of being successful. Because therapists are constantly confronted with the physical, mental, and emotional needs of others, it is important to take time to remove that "stress" from our bodies, minds, and spirits. But this post is not about self-care for the therapist, but about encouraging care-givers (parents, grandparents, siblings, and other people that are responsible for other human beings) to practice self-care. 

As a therapist, it is a part of our education to be very aware of self-care and the importance it plays into us being able to do our job to the best of our ability.... but it doesn't seem to be a priority in other areas of education or society. As a therapist, I am able to see the benefits of a care-giver who takes time for his or her self and, vice versa, the hindrances of a care-giver who does not set aside time and resources for his or her own needs. This is in no way a criticism of any person. We ALL have times in life where we forget about ourselves and what WE need. Life gets busy and we do our very best just to put one foot in front of the other. 

In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (pictured below), he lists specifically what a person needs to take care of in order to reach "self-actualization". In order for a care-giver to be able to attend to another person's needs, he or she must make sure they are fulfilling all the levels of care for his or her self. 

There might be other areas that need addressing in order for someone to feel "whole" (i.e. physical wellness and spirituality), but whatever it is that needs attention, it is IMPORTANT. 

Caregivers who practice self-care are better able to provide care to their child or loved one. They are able to really HEAR what their loved one's needs include. They are able to PROBLEM SOLVE or LOOK FOR RESOURCES to meet their loved one's needs. They are able to really ENGAGE and BE PRESENT in their loved one's journey of growth. 

I'll just go ahead and say that pedicures are a really great form of self-care... Not that I would know anything about that, though. (cough, cough). :) I've just heard that they are really good for the soul. 

Take care of yourselves.

-Miquel Garland, MT-BC

"Loving-Kindness Meditation"

There is a traditional Buddhist practice called "loving-kindness meditation". It was designed to develop goodwill and passion towards ourselves and also towards other human beings. There are phrases that are used to invoke benevolent feelings and are repeated and aimed at different targets. Loving-kindness is supposed to be directed towards oneself before it can be directed towards others. This "loving-kindness" involves compassion, self-worth, and acceptance of ourselves and our human flaws. Ways of implementing "loving-kindness" can be to visualize yourself or someone else in a joyous situation, reflecting on positive qualities, or using phrases/mantras. In the book "Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind" by Dr. Kristin Neff, the following set of "loving-kindness" phrases are used: "May (I/he/she) be safe, May (I/he/she) be peaceful, May (I/he/she) be healthy, May (I/he/she) live with ease". After you have achieved loving-kindness through these practices, you start directing them towards a respected mentor figure, then towards a dear friend/loved one, then towards a neutral person, then towards someone difficult in your life (WE ALL HAVE 'EM!).. and finally towards all conscious beings. 

To me, this creates a few things in us: 

• It helps create self-compassion instead of self-criticism. When we make mistakes or fall short, we can use "loving-kindness" mantras or visualizations to bring us back to a place of kindness and care for ourselves.
• It helps us start having positive regard and compassion towards those who we willingly aim positive vibes towards and then helps us get to the place where we can (eventually and hopefully) think lovingly towards our nemeses. ;)

So you're probably thinking... "Ok, great... but what does this have to do with music therapy?"

I think that the "loving-kindness" practices/meditation works great with music therapy-- in an individual environment and even more so, in a group environment. 

For individuals, music therapy strives to work on needs based on a person's strengths. It is success-oriented and shines a positive light on challenges. 

For groups, it gives individuals a chance to be surrounded by the human condition and to become more understanding and compassionate of others's struggles. This also helps us to become more compassionate and kind towards ourselves because we learn that everyone has their own obstacles and challenges... and we're all in this together. 

Music can be used as a catalyst to discover wonderful things about yourself and those around you. It can be used to facilitate group interaction where people learn about each other on a deeper level and develop an appreciation and concern for each person. Musical entrainment happens on a physiological level and brings our bodies and minds to a meeting place where "loving-kindness" can be extended across the board.

Wouldn't it be nice if the world could participate in music therapy and "loving-kindness" practices all the time?

-Miquel Garland, MT-BC

Beat Teams Atlanta

This past Saturday was the Beat Teams Atlanta event in Norcross, Georgia. Music therapists from all over Georgia came together to perform and support this event that collected instruments for music therapy and music education programs in need. The event also helped to raise awareness for the field of Music Therapy as music therapists described stories of inspiration that accompanied their song performances. This event was made possible by Terra Rising Records and Metro Music Therapy. Terra Rising Records is a production company touring America, making a documentary about music therapy and all of its uses and successes in different areas and within different population settings.... coming to a theatre near YOU... at some point! Heart Song will be sure to keep you posted! If you would like to find out more about Terra Rising Records or Metro Music Therapy, be sure to click on their names to find them on Facebook!

-Miquel Garland, MT-BC

The Circle of Health

"It's the Ciiiiiirrrrrrcllleeee of ... HEALTH"... If you now have a hankering for the Lion King, I went ahead and posted it HERE. SO. GOOD.

Okay, back to this post... stay focused, Miquel.. So, along with being a music therapist, I am also a vocal instructor. As a vocal instructor, I understand the need for having a healthy, relaxed body and vocal chords to produce the best, healthiest sounds possible. One of the biggest battles in producing vocalizations is first letting go of tensions found throughout the body. It is important to have a relaxed body and relaxed vocal chords so that all the singing mechanisms work as efficiently as possible (i.e. not hindering good breath support and being able to move notes quickly and smoothly through the chords and through the mouth). I do not know a single person who is "tension-free". Some tension is good... it helps us to not be big blobs of jelly, for instance... However, tension is usually a sign of stress or some kind of emotional cloggage (just made that word up.. you can do that when you're the author of your own blog ;) ) So... HERE is where the "circle of health" comes in to play. Our emotional self and physical self are so connected that when something is in disarray emotionally, our bodies will feel it and vice versa, when there is tension in our bodies, we know that there might be some things we need to stop and examine emotionally to see what we might be holding in. It's a big circle.. a big circle of health, if you will :)-- our emotions affect our bodies and our bodies tell us to check on our emotions..... AND THEN, there are times when the tension in our bodies drives us to being stressed out! .... STOP THE MADNESS.... Awareness is the first key in stopping the madness. Be aware of your body... what is it trying to tell you? Take a break from the craziness of life and check your emotions and ask if they are trying to signal your attention through your body... I would suggest not asking your body and emotions these questions out loud, in front of others... Although... no judgment here! ;)

Here are some quotes from one of my favorite books about body-mind connection, "Peace, Love, and Healing: Bodymind Communication & the Path to Self-Healing: An Exploration" by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.

• "The body and mind are a unit, bound together via nerves and messenger molecules. Love, hope, joy and peace of mind have physiological consequences, just as depression and despair do. That's what the science of mind-body communication is all about."
• "Pay attention to the messages from your body and heal whatever may be hurting you and be aware of the information you are giving your body."
• "Most important of all is the ability to say no to things you don't want to do."
• "Find things you love to do and fit them into your schedule."
• "Don't get depressed by depression but use it to learn and help change your life."
• "If you share your difficulties, you will find that you become a healer for others and they for you."
• "Humor and joy enhance immune function and lower hormone levels related to stress."
• "'Holy Shit.' I think those words are a great description of life."
• "I believe that a healed life need not exclude the so-called negative emotions. Anger, for example, may be a more positive response to a grim diagnosis than passive resignation. Feelings are not to be judged. Anger has its place, so long as it is freely and safely expressed rather than held inside where it can have a destructive effect and lead to resentment and hatred."
• "The body can be very ingenious in getting what it needs."

I could go on and on with the pearls of wisdom from Dr. Bernie but if you want to know more, check out his book!

I wish you all much peace, love, and joy as you go through the day today... and don't forget to listen to your body!!

Miquel Garland, MT-BC

P.S. The picture up top is a Mandala, which is used in art therapy a lot... Print it out and color to relax and breathe. :)

"Inch by inch, life is a cinch..."

**Disclaimer: Heart Song promises that it is not out to falsify every quote known to man. Thank you.

In a lot of instances, I am all for living life "inch by inch" but when it comes to making progress, I want to move "yard by yard". 

I am currently subbing for a piano teacher at our studio who is on maternity leave for the month. I had taught a lot of the same kids last year when another of the private teachers went on maternity leave... (Don't drink the water!).. It is AMAZING to me to see how much progress these students have made from one year to the next. It is very neat to jump a year ahead from where they were last year and come in again being blown away by the skills they have gleaned over the past 365 plus days.

As a teacher and a therapist, however, working inch by inch can be very difficult at times. It is probably just as difficult for students/clients/and parents. There are days where "more than average" progress is made, days where "average" progress is made, and days where "less than average" progress is made. It is the culmination of ALL of these days that add up to making leaps and bounds over a long period of time. So, if you are a participant in the learning or therapy process-- hang strong: inches turn into yards and yards turn into HUGE GROWTH!

-Miquel Garland, MT-BC

"What's in a name?..."

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet."

-Romeo and Juliet 

Are titles really that important?... Shakespeare was on point with this line in that a rose would indeed still smell like a rose even if it were called "sardine"... but if you heard someone mention a "sardine", would you then associate the velvety petals of a rose?.. or the vibrant colors that stand out among other green vegetation? There is a lot packed into the title of something.. characteristics that play on all of our senses. 

What is it about music therapy that gives that title it's kaleidoscope of characteristics?

If it were just "music", here are some associations that your brain might make:

• instruments
• melodies
• harmonies
• rhythms
• collaboration
• improvisation
• solos
• movement
• dynamics
• tempo
• timbre
• texture

{Just to name a few ;) }

If it were just "therapy", here are some associations your brain might make:

• treatment
• physical
• speech
• occupational
• counseling
• FREUD.....
• massage (yes, please)
• individual
• group
• growth

{ Just to name a few ;) }

It is the marriage of "music" and "therapy" to form the title "music therapy" that encompasses all of the wonderful facets of both words and more! It is the name, "music therapy", that reaches out to every part of our being and brings wholeness and peace to our life. It is the name, "music therapy", that motivates us and connects us. It is the name, "music therapy" that moves our soul while helping our bodies and minds grow. It is the name, "music therapy".

So, in conclusion, I am going to have to say that I disagree with dear old papa Shakespeare. There is a lot in a name, especially if the name is "music therapy". ;)

-Miquel Garland, MT-BC