Musical Reflections

After all of the hurrying and busy-ness during the month of December, it always feels good to breathe and actually enjoy the season’s sacredness, doesn’t it?! We look forward to this special, peaceful time every year.

From Musical Reflections, may your holidays be peaceful, joy-filled with moments of deep connection.

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?

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.

I was recently practicing my harp for the upcoming holiday season. When my phone rang, I noticed I was playing the “E” note – it was the same sound of my phone! The “E” note in the energy world is connected to the third chakra or the solar plexus area of the body. The solar plexus is about our power, our will, our purpose and moving forward in life.

When my phone rings now, I think of “E” and move into the mode of “How will I help this caller connect to moving their life forward and how will it connect with my purpose?” Since I’ve had this awareness, the richness of conversations and connections has been amazing!

When your phone rings, what musical note is it? Knowing this may give you insights into your connection with your body, as well as communicating/connecting with the caller. Have fun exploring this!

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! 

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.

We offer several suggestions to help reduce your stress and bring peace to your holiday season include: 

• 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.
• Play your favorite holiday CDs at 25% less volume than you would normally listen to it.
• 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.

There’s something really powerful that happens when women gather in community … especially around the holidays!

I will be doing a series of events in early December. The purpose is to bring peace and calm to each group of women during this busy time of year. When those attending feel peace, they can extend it out to their friends and family, those they touch during the upcoming busy month. 

• “A Morning of Holiday Peace,” Peace Lutheran Church (1954 County Rd U in Green Bay, WI), December 1, 9:00-11:00 a.m. For more information, contact Carla Heintz at 920-865-7595.
• “Musical Moments of Hope and Healing” in the Cotton Exchange Banquet Room (345 Hickory Hollow Road in Waterford, WI), December 2 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. For tickets, please contact Rosemary Bilgrien at rosemarymassage2000@yahoo.com.
• “An Evening of Christmas Peace,” St. James Catholic Parish, (830 County Road NN East in  Mukwonago, WI), December 2 at 4:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact 262-363-2416.
• “An Evening of Christmas Peace,” St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish (S89 W22650 Milwaukee Ave. in Big Bend, WI), December 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Rosemary Bilgrien at rosemarymassage2000@yahoo.com.
• “An Evening of Holiday Peace” for Mayo Hospice at St. Elizabeth’s Chapel, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Wabasha, MN, on December 6^th at 6:45-800 p.m. Free to the public; call 651-565-5550 for more information.

Come join us if you are in the area and available!