Musical Reflections

Are you breathing a sigh of relief that the holidays are over? We are, too!! Whew … we made it!

New Year’s is a welcome break with very limited expectations compared to all the busy-ness of Christmas! As we reflect on the year ahead, we are consciously choosing to “ramp up,” but in a very mindful way. Our selected focus word for 2018 is gratitude. We will share more about this journey as the year progresses…

And over the next few days, we will be setting our yearly intentions. Have you created your list yet?

Several years ago, we were humbled to receive this review for “The Christmas Story” by the Daily OM. We share it here…

“Harpist Tami Briggs is a sound healer whose angelic, gentle playing bypasses all resistance to touch the root chord of the human soul. She honed her healing skill via personal appearances at hospitals and hospices, bringing her soothing sounds right up to the beds of those most in need. Bringing her knowledge of healing into the recording studio, Briggs makes harp music that’s simple, sweet, and deeply soothing. Embracing a less-is-more strategy, The Christmas Story interprets classic holiday standards into gentle solo-harp pieces, potent enough to hush a room of chatting relatives, relaxing enough to play in a child’s bedroom to help them fall asleep on Christmas Eve. And if you should find yourself alone for the holidays, Briggs becomes an angelic friend, her music a shimmering presence rooting you back to humanity.

Capturing the vibe of a live performance, The Christmas Story offers audio quality sharp enough to give the illusion that Briggs is playing right in the same room as you mull through your presents or nap on the couch in a sea of torn wrapping paper….The CD wraps up with the feeling of belonging to something larger than oneself, as Briggs’ gentle touch with the harp suffused even her frequent impassioned glissandos with warmth. More than just a bunch of carols played on the harp, Briggs skirts in and around the familiar melodies with the finesse of a jazz soloist, albeit one with no agenda of showing off chops, but rather of hitting all the right notes to warm the back of your neck and open your heart. Put on The Christmas Story when you need a gentle reminder of what the holidays are about: peace, love, and spiritual regeneration.”

You can order either CDs or download it.

Didn’t I just write about holiday prep yesterday?! It has sure been a fast year … and now, ready or not, here come the holidays!

Need help with gift ideas and shopping? We can help with harp CDs, books and music devices (Amazing Mini Music Machines and MP3 Players). And perhaps downloads of relaxing music will help you feel some peace and calm throughout this holiday season.

Wishing you joy and love this special holy season. May your holidays be blessed and don’t forget to carve out moments of peace and calm … good for the soul and all those around you!  Enjoy … in joy,

We have posted this before … and it warms our heart that Daily OM loves this CD, so we decided to post again! Here’s the review they wrote about The Christmas Story CD:

“Harpist Tami Briggs is a sound healer whose angelic, gentle playing bypasses all resistance to touch the root chord of the human soul. She honed her healing skill via personal appearances at hospitals and hospices, bringing her soothing sounds right up to the beds of those most in need. Bringing her knowledge of healing into the recording studio, Briggs makes harp music that’s simple, sweet, and deeply soothing. Embracing a less-is-more strategy, The Christmas Story interprets classic holiday standards into gentle solo-harp pieces, potent enough to hush a room of chatting relatives, relaxing enough to play in a child’s bedroom to help them fall asleep on Christmas Eve. And if you should find yourself alone for the holidays, Briggs becomes an angelic friend, her music a shimmering presence rooting you back to humanity.

Capturing the vibe of a live performance, The Christmas Story offers audio quality sharp enough to give the illusion that Briggs is playing right in the same room as you mull through your presents or nap on the couch in a sea of torn wrapping paper….The CD wraps up with the feeling of belonging to something larger than oneself, as Briggs’ gentle touch with the harp suffused even her frequent impassioned glissandos with warmth. More than just a bunch of carols played on the harp, Briggs skirts in and around the familiar melodies with the finesse of a jazz soloist, albeit one with no agenda of showing off chops, but rather of hitting all the right notes to warm the back of your neck and open your heart. Put on The Christmas Story when you need a gentle reminder of what the holidays are about: peace, love and spiritual regeneration.”

We are honored and humbled by the Daily OM’s lovely words. And if you want to experience it for yourself, The Christmas Story is available as a CD or download. Enjoy!

We are so excited to offer this new product … just in time for the holidays!

“Angelic Vibrations” is an MP3 player. The size of credit card, it is pre-loaded with four hours of Tami Briggs’ harp music. It is a great value ($19.95) and a perfect holiday gift for your family and friends. Click here to order today!

Musical Reflections offers “Holiday Blessings” – a unique holiday card with a CD enclosed of Christmas harp music. With a place for you to hand address it, you can send it to those on your holiday card list.

Songs on the CD include:

• Pachelbel’s Canon/The First Noël
• Ave Maria
• An Angelic Medley
• Still, Still, Still
• O Holy Night

Prices are:

(Shipping charges not included)

This product is not on our website. To order, call Tami Briggs at 952-829-1919 or send her an e-mail with your phone number. We love providing unique items for the holidays – we look forward to hearing from you!

With the holidays drawing closer each day, this is a last-minute reminder that Musical Reflections offers books and CDs … perfect stocking stuffer gifts! Order by December 20^th for Christmas delivery. We look forward to providing smiles on Christmas morning! 

During the month of December, I had the opportunity to go to Salt Lake City and see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas production. And a production it was! They had two special guests and over-the-top theatrics. The only thing missing was the Choir actually singing Christmas carols … really!

While it was entertaining, I was disappointed to not experience the simple beauty of this timeless music by this awesome Choir. Traveling to Salt Lake City to see this Choir was on my “bucket list,” so I feel blessed to have had this experience. But it was also a reminder that simplicity is still much-needed in our culture, especially during the month of December and throughout the holiday season.

While we just finished the holidays, I am already booking Advent gigs for 2014. They will be focused on beautiful Christmas carols, meditative readings and touching stories. Contact me if you are interested in booking a holiday gig now.

At Musical Reflections, we keep thinking about how we can help reduce your holiday stress. Here’s a few ideas:

• Be mindful of your breathing several times a day.
• Pause a few times daily paying attention to how you feel. Journal about or express all emotions to release them.
• Listen to calming music, moving you to your peaceful core. (May we suggest either The Christmas Story or Christmas Music for Tranquility.) Play these and your other favorite holiday CDs at 25% less volume than you would normally listen.
• Many radio shows feature beautiful holiday music. Find your favorite station and listen while you are driving or doing any holiday preparations.
• Set realistic expectations. Sometimes family gatherings increase our stress levels, so think about self-care strategies that work for you … and follow through!
• Prioritize! If possible, decrease the number of obligations during the month of December and put one or two things on your calendar that bring you joy, nurture your spirit.

Finally, model holiday peace to those we serve. When you are centered and calm, everyone you touch will pick up these peaceful “vibes” during this spiritual time of year.