Musical Reflections

A couple months ago, I spoke to the new International Harp Therapy students. In preparation for our call, the host asked me to speak about how I came to the harp, how I got interested in harp therapy and how I currently “structure” my harp therapy business. It was an honor to be present with this group!

During my presentation, I talked about how I had been going through a challenging time at age 30, when I gave myself harp lessons to soothe my soul. (This is how I came to the harp.) And then when I took the harp therapy classes, I hated hospitals to the extent that I passed out every time I entered a hospital building! After I talked about both of these situations on the conference call, the host said to me, “You have really overcome a lot to be able to do harp therapy work!”

This was very affirming and validating, and it reminded me of this quote from an unknown source, “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” I feel blessed to have worked through lots of issues and situations to get to do the beautiful work that I am called to. Indeed, it has been an interesting journey to get to this beautiful destination!

Since 2006, I have played the harp at the hospital bedside in tandem with a Healing Touch instructor/practitioner. We have experienced some amazing results working together! And now we have research to prove it…

For a couple of years, we have been talking about presenting our work together. And now we have that opportunity! In mid-March, we will be at the International Harp Therapy conference in San Diego, CA. As a graduate in the first class of this program, it is an honor to speak to my colleagues. And San Diego in mid-March will be a welcome break from the cold Minnesota winter! Can’t wait…

During the past year, I worked with intentions and did several presentations about them. As I defined intentions, I mentioned they are similar to setting a New Year’s resolution. And now, we’re in the “vibration” of the New Year. Did you set New Year’s resolutions and if so, what are they? These intentions are important for the upcoming year. When we “ground them in,” we increase the likelihood of manifesting and creating our heart’s desires.

Happy New Year … and here’s to your manifestations happenin’!

For the past 15 years (yes, really!), I’ve been blessed to do the work that I am most passionate about, as well as know it’s my deepest purpose for being on the planet at this time. I am most grateful … and I couldn’t do it without your continued support. Thank you!

Here’s a partial list:

• To all the contacts who say “Yes, let’s do a presentation!” including Iowa Parkinson’s, Summer Institute of Holistic Health and Healing, Mayo Clinic’s Holistic Wellness, Annual Family Caregiver Appreciation, Couples Celebrating Life, Summer Eve of Music, Bacon Club, Day for Cancer Care Providers and many others. Special moments … special memories!
• To those who ordered “Holiday Blessings” card/CD. Anytime I introduce a new idea/CD, it always feels like a risk. I am humbled by many people who always say “YES!” to my ideas!
• This past year, I have been much more intentional on having a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. I am amazed at the number of friends, connections, followers … be sure to join in the fun if you haven’t already!
• To my wonderful team of BioMat distributors. I have loved getting to know you, as well as watching you grow and evolve as you share this wonderful product to help so many others. WOW!
• For my customers who order CDs and downloads every month to bring relaxation, comfort, peace and calm to your families and those you serve.

I’m deeply passionate about spreading healing, hope and relaxation. Let me know if you have contacts that you think I need to connect with … it would be my pleasure!

I always love speaking and wanted to let you know about several opportunities to attend:

• September 27 – Annual Family Caregiver Appreciation Event. “Sound Care for Yourself and Those You Love” at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, MN, at 9:30 a.m. (contact Jill to register at jill.agyekum@co.anoka.mn.us).
• October 5 – Couples Celebrating Life (a retreat for couples living with metastatic cancers). “Sound Care for Yourself and Those You Love” at the Iowa House Bed & Breakfast in Ames, IA, at 9 a.m. (invitation only).
• October 25 – “Women as Healers: Your Heart, Your Story” at the Metamorphosis Center in Burnsville, MN, 9 a.m. to noon (contact Laura at Laura@Metamorphosis.cc to register).

Looking very forward to a wonderful autumn!  And as always, if you need a speaker, I welcome these opportunities. Click here for more information about my presentations. I look forward to working together!

I am passionate about sharing my message and am honored to be at the following places this week:

• July 22 – Holistic Health & Healing Summer Institute. “Heart-Centered Healing” at Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury, MN at 8:30 a.m. (Registration required.)
• July 25 – Mayo Clinic’s Holistic Wellness Conference (Engaging Body, Mind and Spirit). “Self-Care Salon” at Siebens Building in Rochester, MN at 11:40 a.m. (Registration required.)

​If you are interested in having me conduct a presentation or Healing Harp Concert at your location, I welcome these opportunities. Click here for more information about my presentations. I look forward to working together!

This presentation has been in the works for months … and tonight’s the night!! I’ll be speaking and playing the harp in a session called Sounds of Healing: Using Music in Our Everyday Lives. Come join us at 7 p.m. at the Metamorphosis Center, 1301 E. Cliff Rd., Suite 105, Burnsville, MN. You will leave in a relaxed state, ready for a good night’s sleep … guaranteed!

I was recently doing a presentation and at the end, someone asked me how much I practice. (I jokingly said, “Are you asking because you think I need more practice?!”)

The answer is “It depends … on what I’m working on and/or if I’m memorizing the song.”

And a practice tip (and it also works for memorization):  practice 10-15 minutes in the morning and 10-15 minutes in the evening. When I do this, I am amazed at how quickly I learn/memorize a piece of music. I believe it’s because the music goes into the sub-conscious and I am “processing” it throughout the day and during the night. It is a simple technique that I find works really well … try it!

November is always a busy month with holiday preparations and I am excited to be “out and about” sharing the message of hope, healing and stress reduction.

• November 8 – “Music’s Role in the Parkinson’s Journey,” Iowa Parkinson’s Caregiver conference, Hilton Garden Inn, 1132 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City, IA, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• November 9 – Hermitage Farm Healing Arts Craft Fair (exhibiting the BioMat and CDs), 6415 W. River Rd. NW, Rochester, MN, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• November 10 – “Musical Harp Reflections of Peace and Gratitude,” Health and Wellness Concert, City Hall Ballroom, 205 West Center Street, 2^nd floor in Lake City, MN, 2-4 p.m.

• November 14 – “Reflections for Your Grieving Heart,” The Compassionate Friends at Beaver Lake Lutheran Church, 2280 Stillwater Ave E. Maplewood, MN, 7 p.m.

Join us if you are available…

I recently presented and played the harp at the Mayo Clinic Creative Renewal Program – an integrative arts series for cancer patients and their families. After my presentation, a woman came up and said, “I am so busy/stressed all day and then expect to fall asleep instantly when I go to bed. I need to purchase the CD Calm as the Night that you talked about to see if this would help me.”

Wishing you sweet dreams………….