Is Music Really Neccessary?

Sometimes I’ll be sitting at home, just listening to my music and drifting off in my own head. Then all the sudden I’ll have an ear bud ripped out and a stern looking parent in my face nagging about how “I’m never without my music” and “I never do anything unless music is involved.” Do I get upset? Sometimes, but I understand what they mean. I don’t even drive without one of my CD’s on. And sleeping is impossible without my radio. There really is nothing I do without music unless I absolutely have to and then I have to find myself extremely busy otherwise I can’t stand the silence. This isn’t just me that feels this way, I know a bunch of my peer group that feels the same way.

This isn’t something that I have just noticed within my school either. It’s something that people have done a lot of research on, and as it seems, music can push us through the hardest of times. *During a workout the music and the fast changing auditory changes trigger alerting responses and increase physiological arousal, causing us to be able to push through the climax of the work. This same stimulation pushes us through boring work that would normally lull us to sleep.*

*It is also noted that muscle movement that is coordinated with the beat we are listening to can help us do what we are trying to do, for example someone running with a fast paced beat is able to run farther and use less oxygen than someone who isn’t paced with music*. The music seems to increase neural firing and pass certain information faster than if you weren’t listening to music. Music can also be used as a memory tool, if you’re listening to a certain thing when you study, you tend to remember what you were learning later on when listening to the same thing. Also making up songs or using a song you already know as a mnemonic device is highly recommended, because then you can remember this information better when you aren’t allowed to have music WITH you. (For example a college exam or SATs)

I’m not going to lie, at this very moment I am listening to music to help me concentrate on this blog. I normally do, and when I don’t listen to music I tend to drift from really caring to what I’m saying, into feeling like I could care less about it. It’s not the always easy to find music that will keep you interested in what you are doing, but after of plenty of trial and error you’ll realize what it is that will keep your mind focused and help you excel at whatever you’re trying to do.

Until I write again

Au revior,

~Rayne

(**These pieces of information were found on The Globe And Mail website**)

What Speaks to you?

This is quite an obvious topic isn't it? You'd think so but that's not the case. What speaks to me is completely different from what speaks to you. In your case, maybe a painter who can capture such sadness in a picture that no photographer could moves you. Or maybe one of the "greats" (i.e. Pablo Picasso The Dream- Picasso, Salvador Dali Dali, or M.C. Escher M.C. Escher) is your hero. Their artwork inspires you to "go on" or "follow your own path." Or maybe there's an artist/genre that speaks to you. Its the only thing you listen to on a bad day, or your motivation for that extra mile for track.
My point is, in life there isn't just one answer to this question, there are millions. There's answers you won't agree with, or some that you may not particularly looooove, but you understand how others do. But either way there isn't any reason to just stick with that one thing that you've found that raises your spirits and delights your mind. You should always be looking for more heART and creativity in everyday that goes by. It helps make the day go faster and life seem brighter.                              
I'm not preaching to anyone telling them how to live their lives but I am making a suggestion to everyone to open up their eyes and smile about what they see. I will add a few more links to other pieces of art I have seen and that I know others enjoy quite a bit.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

What Is heArt?

The Webster's dictionary defines Art as something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings. A good definition, I mean it IS in a dictionary so that has to be what it means right? (Well maybe... they did put "swag" in the dictionary so sometimes the dictionary isn't always right.) I'm kidding (in sorts). See, to me art is anything that conveys to you a strong emotion. It could really be anything. Think of a song that really speaks to you, where the words describe your life so perfectly its scary. (If you don't like music references, my blog is definitely not for you. Music and poetry are things that I will be talking about a lot.) That song you thought of is heArt. It's not the same as art. Art encompasses everything. HeArt is when you feel the meaning in your heart and soul. Maybe you don't understand the feeling but you still feel it, that doesn't matter. Its still heArt, here's an example that I personally love.

There are so many things I wish I could say

But finding the words takes courage

Because I have none, my feelings are useless

Some think that words have no real meaning

But if they hurt, you'll be left bleeding

There are just too many things I've left unsaid

So maybe one day I'll find the strength

To face the truth of my thoughts...

But that day just isn't today

 

~Lakota Tarbox

 

The truth is sometimes hard to say or write, so music and drawing/painting or any other art form is one of the easiest ways to realize what you want to say, and how to say it. (without really "saying" it)

Anyway, that's just why I love heArt, what about you?

 

Until I write again,

Au revoir

~Rayne