Action-Taking Edition # 3
Your Brain on Music + Montessori Mindset = A Better You + Mimosas
My unique approach as a Certified Provider of The Listening Program (TLP)
combines science-based music therapy,
time-tested Montessori principles applied to children and adults,
and conscious celebrations.
These Action-Taking Editions offer practical tips
on how to apply these three elements to your daily life.
Music
New to using Music? Start here.
Extended Selection to enjoy: 18 Nocturnes, composed by Irish pianist and composer John Field (1782-1837). Field is believed to have been the first to apply the name “Nocturne” to a particular piano music composition style and influenced more well-known composers, including Frédéric Chopin, Robert Schumann, and Franz Liszt.
Suggested use: Studying, mental work, evening/weekend relaxing
Montessori
New to Montessori? Start here.
Mindset to strengthen: Becoming comfortable with Silence.
In the Montessori Children’s House environment (for children 3-6 years old), a very popular activity is the Silence Game. At our school, it was often played before the afternoon pick-up. The children learn to quiet themselves to where they can hear the very soft sounds around them: the ticking of the clock, the whirring of the AC, the chirping of the birds outside. The “directress” (not “teacher”) calls on each child when that child’s parent arrives — not by saying the name, but more like breathing the name. It’s just barely audible. The child then goes outside as soundlessly as possible. It’s quite an amazing sight to watch an entire class of little children have so much peaceful self-control.
Why it matters: We live in an increasingly noisy world, with our distracting digital devices, constant notifications, and general busyness. I’ll even dare to say that some people seem to be afraid of silence: it isn’t uncommon for people to have the TV on at home for “background noise”, when they aren’t even interested in the show. Our brains can only manage so much stimulation at a time. By deliberating decreasing that external stimulation, we’re giving our minds the best chance to connect the dots: to think, problem solve, and even connect with others. This won’t happen by accident.
Suggestions to try:
At home: If you are accustomed to grabbing food and eating on the run, plan a home-cooked meal to enjoy with family and friends. Make sure the TV is off so you all can focus on your conversation during the meal.
At school: During your lunch break, put away your phone, and take a 5-minute walk around outside by yourself. Notice nature.
At work: Plan and play your own Silence Game for 5 minutes. I mean this literally - put this in your schedule. Close your office door if you have one. At the very least, close your eyes, and just let yourself think. Deliberately taking the time to slow yourself down during the day will likely help you be more productive when you are working.
Mimosa:
“I’ve been using your Focus Playlist at work and have been getting a lot more work done! There’s something to this music thing.” - a Happy Client
Your Turn:
Did any suggestions here help you? Share your Mimosa with me!
Looking for a personalized program, specific to your goals?
Get in touch!