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November 29, 2022
The Top 25 Songs that Motivate Professional Speakers
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September 19, 2022
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September 11, 2022
A Playlist for Mental Health – by Music Therapists
This ‘Music & Mental Health’ playlist has been specially curated by 18 Certified Music Therapists (MTAs). This playlist is a short list of the most frequently selected songs chosen by our therapists and clients at JB Music Therapy (Calgary, Canada) to promote inspiration, motivation and comfort in between therapy sessions.
This playlist is NOT a prescription for mental health. There is no one prescription for mental health, nor when using music. Different needs, experiences, and cultural backgrounds will all play a part in our preferences and how music works therapeutically in our lives. The work of a Music Therapist is to help you leverage music (including songs, tempo, use of voice, breathing, and instruments – to name a few) to achieve your desired goals and outcomes.
Research shows that the right resources (music), with the right people in our lives (professionals and friends), can ease the burden and lead to better days.
I hope this playlist inspires you to create your own personalized ‘Music & Mental Health’ If you need a hand (or just need someone to be with you as you do it) do not hesitate to reach out to a Certified Music Therapist in your community.
The post A Playlist for Mental Health – by Music Therapists appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan - Music Therapist, Author, Keynote Speaker.
March 6, 2022
12 Signature Songs – How to Leave a Legacy Ahead
The ‘Signature 12’ playlist is an idea gifted to me by a client of mine named Gwen (not her real name). They are 12 songs that help you reflect on your life, who you are, and what you value. The 12 songs can also be a piece of your legacy. Here’s the story of how Gwen impacted me.
When I was introduced to Gwen, she was sitting on her hospice bed wearing a colourful headscarf. Pictures of her and her family were all around the room, interspersed with bright paintings and drawings.
She smiled when she asked, “Jennifer, would you be able to return to my room on Friday?” After I said ‘yes’ she said, “and can you come prepared to sing these 12 songs?”
What I didn’t know at the time was that Friday would become one of the most significant moments of my career.Lately, and it may be my age, and it most certainly has been due to a time of uncertainty, but I have been experiencing a higher level of reflection in my life. Perhaps I’m even looking for opportunities to reflect? As much as I continue to explore new music introduced to me by my clients or my children, I have definitely become one of “those people” — the ones who listen to “oldies music” like my mom used to do. The familiar music from my past, sometimes the very distant past, reminds me of the young person I once was. There have been many times when I have wanted to reach back in time and be able to tell my younger self, “everything is going to be okay.”
That Friday when I arrived, Gwen’s daughter and sister were already there, seated on either side of her.
“Thank you for coming,” she said to everyone in the room as she gestured for me to sit on a chair in the corner.
“I invited you here today because we need to say goodbye.” Silence. “I know that this is hard for you as it is for me, so I came up with an idea that could perhaps help all of us. Hailey, will you please go into the side closet and take out the piece of canvas I asked Julia to bring last week?” Hailey walked over to the closet, opened the door, and brought out the canvas leaning against the wall inside. “Julia will you please reach into that top drawer and bring out the pastels that one of the nurses brought for me?” Julia walked to the end of the bed and opened the top drawer to find the pastels. There were many colours.
When the two women were once again seated on either side of Gwen, she continued to speak. “I have asked Jennifer to play twelve songs today. During the first song, I am going to start drawing, and when the song ends, I am going to pass the canvas to you, Julia, and you are going to continue the picture, adding in whatever the music brings to your mind.
“When the second song is finished, you will pass the canvas to Hailey, who is going to continue from where you left off. We will pass the canvas back and forth after every song.”
For many of us, our personal soundtrack in our later adult years becomes more than just a memory — it can become our legacy, for others to remember us by. Perhaps even more telling than what you do select is the music you choose not to include in your top twelve — that will open up even deeper insights into who you are and what you value. The act of building such a specialized playlist can bring forth some new clues about what music means to you that you may not have considered yet.
Gwen put a few finishing strokes on the canvas and then held it up for each of them to look at. The family had created a painting of a beautiful meadow with flowers of many colours. A few weeks later the image would be screened onto a CD cover and the twelve songs would be shared with every person who attended her funeral. Everyone would have the honour to experience Gwen’s Signature 12.
Gwen had set the intention of using her life’s musical soundtrack as the backdrop to already powerful relationships. It was a non-verbal means of sharing herself and her heart to help her loved ones heal, and the songs she had so carefully selected allowed her to say a touching goodbye.
Music is extremely personal and can do a lot of emotional heavy lifting. It is known to give us a hug when we need it the most.I believe the closer we get to our music, the clearer our vision will become. I can’t think of a better way of hastening this process than by reviewing our life’s soundtrack and taking it that extra step.
Are you ready to curate your Signature 12?Learn how in Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of a Playlist
The post 12 Signature Songs – How to Leave a Legacy Ahead appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan - Music Therapist, Author, Keynote Speaker.
Leave a Legacy Ahead through 12 Signature Songs
Gwen left me the gift of one of the most powerful exercises I have experienced in my career — taking ALL the music that matters most and curating it down to only twelve pieces.
Perhaps even more telling than what you do select may be the music you choose not to include in your top twelve — that will open up even deeper insights into who you are and what you value. The act of building such a specialized playlist can bring forth some new clues about what music means to you that you may not have considered yet.
It may be my age, and it most certainly have been the time of uncertainty I continue to find myself in, but I have certainly been experiencing a higher level of reflection in my life. Perhaps I’m even looking for opportunities to reflect? As much as I continue to explore new music introduced to me by my clients or my children, I have definitely become one of “those people” — the ones who listen to “oldies music” like my mom used to do. The familiar music from my past, sometimes the very distant past, reminds me of the young person I once was. There have been many times when I have wanted to reach back in time and be able to tell my younger self, “everything is going to be okay.”
For many of us, our personal soundtrack in our later adult years becomes more than just a memory — it can become our legacy, for others to remember us by.
When I was introduced to Gwen, she was sitting her hospice bed wearing a colorful headscarf that covered what had once been a head full of shiny blond hair. Pictures of her and her family were all around the room, interspersed with bright paintings and drawings. She asked if I would be able to return to her room on Friday to sing the songs she had written down on the piece of paper she shared with me. I nodded as I read through the playlist.
That Friday when I arrived, Gwen’s daughter and sister were already there, seated on either side of her. “Thank you for coming,” she said to everyone in the room as she gestured for me to sit on a chair in the corner.
“I invited you here today because we need to say goodbye.” Silence. “I know that this is hard for you as it is for me, so I came up with an idea that could perhaps help all of us. Hailey, will you please go into the side closet and take out the piece of canvas I asked Julia to bring last week?” Hailey walked over to the closet, opened the door, and brought out the canvas leaning against the wall inside. “Julia will you please reach into that top drawer and bring out the pastels that one of the nurses brought for me?” Julia walked to the end of the bed and opened the top drawer to find the pastels. There were many colors.
When the two women were once again seated on either side of Gwen, she continued to speak. “I have asked Jennifer to play twelve songs today. During the first song, I am going to start drawing, and when the song ends, I am going to pass the canvas to you, Julia, and you are going to continue the picture, adding in whatever the music brings to your mind.
“When the second song is finished, you will pass the canvas to Hailey, who is going to continue from where you left off. We will pass the canvas back and forth after every song.”
Soon it was time for the last song. I was nervous as I strummed the first few chords, knowing there would be no more pastels or passing of the canvas, only time to reflect on what had been created. As the last piece, Gwen had selected “What a Wonderful World,” the highly emotional song famously performed by Louis Armstrong, and on this day, the images it called to mind were perfectly reflected.
Gwen put a few finishing strokes on the canvas and then held it up for each of them to look at. They had had created a painting of a beautiful meadow with flowers of many colors. Six weeks later the image would be screened onto a CD cover and the twelve songs would be shared with every person who attended her funeral. Gwen’s Signature Twelve.
I carefully put the canvas on a high shelf facing down toward them so the women could see it as it dried. Then I quietly left the room so they could continue their goodbye.
Gwen had set the intention of using her life’s musical soundtrack as the backdrop to already powerful relationships. It was a non-verbal means of sharing herself and her heart to help her loved ones heal, and the songs she had so carefully selected allowed her to say a touching goodbye.
Music is very personal and can do a lot of heavy lifting, emotionally. It can give us that hug when we need it the most. Remember that the closer we get to our music, the clearer our vision will become. I can’t think of a better way of hastening this process than by reviewing your life’s soundtrack and taking it that extra step — curate your Signature Twelve.
The post Leave a Legacy Ahead through 12 Signature Songs appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan - Music Therapist, Author, Keynote Speaker.
February 12, 2022
Can Music Help Caregiver Burnout?
Every month, prior to COVID, Donna brought her husband Brian to the community center for “drumming and singing,” a music therapy program designed specifically for individuals with dementia, their loved ones, and care partners. Donna and Brian are the youngest members in the group (58 and 62 respectively). Donna is usually vibrant while mingling around the room, making others laugh while moving around the room helping out some of the others. On this day Donna looked unusually tired – and so does Brian.
What is caregiver burnout?The Cleveland Clinic defines ‘caregiver burnout’ as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able, physically or financially. Many caregivers also feel guilty if they spend time on themselves rather than on their ill or elderly loved ones. Caregivers who are “burned out” may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression.
Since the mid-1950s Certified Music Therapists (MTAs), have facilitated a wide variety of music experiences connected to specific goals including singing, listening to music, counselling questions, songwriting, and instrument exploration.
Music Therapists support individuals living with dementia and their care partners by ensuring everyone in the session has an opportunity to feel heard, connected to others, and experience moments of feeling good. When music therapists use music one can expect to witness repeatable impact from week to week and month to month.
What does music do for our wellness?It’s long been known that music triggers powerful recollections, but now brain-scan studies show us even more. The part of the brain known as the medial prefrontal cortex sits just behind the forehead and helps us travel down memory lane. “What happens is that a piece of familiar music serves as a soundtrack for a mental movie that starts playing in our head,” suggests Petr Janata, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California.
Music has the capacity to meet you where you are at – whether frustrated, unsure, tired or ready to re-enter the world. It can be a sure friend. Delving into your music, like through the curation of a playlist or drumming with friends, will bring you into a deep-seated creative process that will ease your mind and guide you to see your world through a different lens. If you reflect on the past, stay open in the moment, and are willing to embrace the new, your memories, moods, and motivations will continue to grow and change — sometimes a little..and other times a lot.
Back in the music therapy session the MTA has carefully placed drums and percussion instruments in the middle of a circle of chairs. By 10:00 a.m., ten couples, including Donna and Brian, enter the room and select their seats. Brian looks around uncertain and confused.
Is music always effective?In the book Wellness, Wellplayed Dr. Laurel Young, a music therapist researcher at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, reminds us that music is not always positive – and that means we need to pay extra attention.
Young critiques the oversimplified portrayal of music as a nonpharmacological “magic pill” to be “prescribed” to people living with dementia. “Although neuroscience research helps us to understand cognitive processes underlying music, individuals’ musical experiences, cultural backgrounds, and personalities influence how they respond. Music that I perceive as happy or pleasurable may be experienced very differently by others. We also cannot assume the music one wanted to hear yesterday will be the same music you want to hear today. If music becomes irritating or overwhelming, it needs to be turned off or changed immediately. If it evokes strong emotions, whether happy or sad, someone should be there to provide support. Music must always be used with care and a genuine understanding of each listener’s current needs and preferences. When this happens, music may serve as a bridge via which persons living with dementia feel connected to their sense of self, their environment, and others.”
After Donna found two chairs side-by-side, the music therapist walked over to her, pointed to another chair across the circle and said, “Donna, that chair and drum is available. I will sit next to Brian today.”
Although music therapy will not heal Brian of dementia, it can provide moments of clarity, autonomy and relief when music is used intentionally in the right way and at the right time. The music therapist will sit close to some members to provide verbal, non-verbal and musical cues of support. For Donna, the music therapy session will create a space around her worries – even for a brief period of time, allowing her to get as much rest and renewal possible within the hour.
As the session continued, Donna went through a visible transformation. First, Donna closed her eyes and within a few minutes, you could hear her drum above all the others. After 20 minutes, the drumming came to a stop. She leaned back in her chair but kept her eyes closed and her face looked much more relaxed.
Why does music work?Music is effective and very efficient at fostering positive social interactions by promoting trust and cooperation within even the most diverse gathering of people. Dr. Alan Harvey puts it this way: “In a group context, music-related activities … encourage the formation of bigger social networks, help to define cultural identity, and may represent a ‘safe-haven’ in which individuals can interact and share experiences.” In his research from 2020, he goes on to document the links between music and the hormone oxytocin and the influence they have on physical and mental well-being, the key roles they play in bonding and feelings of attachment, and their positive impact on social recognition and social memory.
As people’s lives and the world becomes even more complex, society continues to seek new ways to feel more connected and feel well. The informed music therapist, and the diverse sessions they provide, help to artfully and skillfully build that bridge of connection and wellness. Each session is designed with several factors in mind, including the client’s physical health, communication abilities, cognitive skills, emotional well-being, and interests. After an initial assessment and after the mutually agreed goals are established, the music therapist will embark on either the creative or receptive process – and in both cases no previous music experience is necessary.
“In the creative process, the music therapist works with the client to actively create or produce the music. This may include composing a song, engaging in music or song improvisation, or drumming. In the receptive process, the therapist offers music listening experiences, such as using music to facilitate a client or group’s relaxation. Clients or groups may then discuss thoughts, feelings, or ideas elicited by that music.” – Dr. Annie Heidersheit, Past President, World Federation of Music Therapy
After the drumming stopped and there was a brief moment of silence, I picked up my guitar and strummed a few chords leading into a song both Donna and Brian loved. Brian sang every word, frequently looking at the therapist in the eyes with a warm smile of recognition. When the song ended, the music therapist asked Brian, “How did the music make you feel today?” Donna took a deep breath ready to answer for him from across the room when Brian smiled knowingly and said, “music makes me happy.” You could hear Donna’s audible breath of relief.
The post Can Music Help Caregiver Burnout? appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan - Music Therapist, Author, Keynote Speaker.
February 10, 2022
Two Ways Music Therapy Supports Mental Health
It’s (almost) time to find a way forward. Anxiety, stress, general states of complete overwhelm have taken a toll on many of us, those we work with and for, and on those we love. Research shows that the right resources, including the right people in our lives (professionals and friends), can ease the burden and lead to better days.
When Statistics Canada shared their results from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health 2012 (a new survey is expected shortly) it fell in line with a recommendation by the Canadian Mental Health Commission which outlined the need to “improve mental health data collection, research, and knowledge exchange across Canada.” The survey results confirmed what many clinicians have been feeling – that mental health needs continue to go unmet – and this was all before the pandemic.
Alongside other mental health professionals, Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) are continuing to build their skills and resiliency to help with the increasing need. There is a strong evidence base for music therapy to provide symptomatic relief and improve quality of life. However, as Dr. Bibb from Australia suggests music therapy is often underfunded and framed as a supplementary service. Increasing funding for music therapy as an evidence-based treatment option would help fill an existing service gap and provide equitable access to a cost-effective and often preferred treatment option for patients and clients.
While every music therapy session is different and there is no one prescription, music therapists are frequently asked to address the following mental health goals regardless of the age, diagnosis or general state:
decrease stress and/or anxietyreclaim focus and productivityincrease comfort in a social environmentimprove capacity for new learning and attentionboost confidence and feelings of self-worthfeel betterHere are two ways music therapy can support mental health:
1. Music helps people tune into their feelings fast.
One of the most interesting areas of music and science is how quickly music affects the brain’s emotional systems. Groundbreaking research found that music creates pleasurable emotions that light up the mesolimbic pathway, the reward centre of the brain that gives us uplifting feelings.
Music also affects the heart of our brain’s emotional system — the amygdala. Whenever we see or hear something that makes us feel threatened (or worried, or small), the amygdala fires up, and all you want to do is:
fight – even with someone you care about
flee – even when you were thinking you needed a hug
freeze – and wondering if you ever will find motivation again.
Music can help stamp out this flame.
When Music Therapists use this wonderful resource, music, they aim to activate your hippocampus, where music and memories come alive. When this happens, you will experience more feelings of creativity, inspiration, and warmth. As your stress declines, your frontal cortex will regain control so you can remember what you need to do, tackle a new project with more flexible thinking, or generally feel a level of control you didn’t have just minutes before when you were triggered. The best part? You will be able to make your next, best decision with objectivity and heart.
2. Music therapists help individuals find the right kind of music at the right time.
Music Therapists spend time with you to get to know you. Using your preferences and working with you to choose your specific goals, music therapists incorporate a variety of elements of music including tempos, tones, rhythms, melodies and lyrics that will support your desired mood state – as you work towards your physical, cognitive goals or emotional goals.
For example, clinician, researcher and author in childhood trauma, Dr. Bruce Perry, suggests that “the only way to move from super-high anxiety states, to calmer more cognitive states, is rhythm,” he says. Music therapists apply this to keep steady rhythms that match the desired mood states of their clients. In support of these findings a meta-analysis indicates that music therapy provides short-term beneficial effects for people with depression.
Music, more than ever, can be a sure friend. Even during the most challenging of times, music can reassure us that everything is going to be okay. When you are in transition or feeling lost, it can be the lifeline you need to get you through to the next step — be it a half step or a giant leap. Just like our physical health, our mental health requires attention, perhaps now more than ever.
The conclusion is that ideally, every healthcare facility, employee assistance program, and learning center would have a Certified Music Therapist accessible to work with every person who seeks change and a different, desired mindset – regardless of age or circumstance.
The post Two Ways Music Therapy Supports Mental Health appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan - Music Therapist, Author, Keynote Speaker.
How Music Therapist’s Can Help Fill the Mental Health Gap
It’s (almost) time to find a way forward. Anxiety, stress, general states of complete overwhelm have taken a toll on many of us, those we work with and for, and on those we love. Research shows that the right resources, including the right people in our lives (professionals and friends), can ease the burden and lead to better days.
When Statistics Canada shared their results from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health 2012 (a new survey is expected shortly) it fell in line with a recommendation by the Canadian Mental Health Commission which outlined the need to “improve mental health data collection, research, and knowledge exchange across Canada.” The survey results confirmed what many clinicians have been feeling – that mental health needs continue to go unmet – and this was all before the pandemic.
Alongside other mental health professionals, Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) are continuing to build their skills and resiliency to help with the increasing need. There is a strong evidence base for music therapy to provide symptomatic relief and improve quality of life. However, as Dr. Bibb from Australia suggests music therapy is often underfunded and framed as a supplementary service. Increasing funding for music therapy as an evidence-based treatment option would help fill an existing service gap and provide equitable access to a cost-effective and often preferred treatment option for patients and clients.
While every music therapy session is different and there is no one prescription, music therapists are frequently asked to address the following mental health goals regardless of the age, diagnosis or general state:
decrease stress and/or anxietyreclaim focus and productivityincrease comfort in a social environmentimprove capacity for new learning and attentionboost confidence and feelings of self-worthfeel betterHere are two ways music therapy can support mental health:
1. Music therapists help people tune into their feelings fast.
One of the most interesting areas of music and science is how quickly music affects the brain’s emotional systems. Groundbreaking research found that music creates pleasurable emotions that light up the mesolimbic pathway, the reward centre of the brain that gives us uplifting feelings.
Music also affects the heart of our brain’s emotional system — the amygdala. Whenever we see or hear something that makes us feel threatened (or worried, or small), the amygdala fires up, and all you want to do is:
fight – even with someone you care about
flee – even when you were thinking you needed a hug
freeze – and wondering if you ever will find motivation again.
Music can help stamp out this flame.
When Music Therapists use this wonderful resource, music, they aim to activate your hippocampus, where music and memories come alive. When this happens, you will experience more feelings of creativity, inspiration, and warmth. As your stress declines, your frontal cortex will regain control so you can remember what you need to do, tackle a new project with more flexible thinking, or generally feel a level of control you didn’t have just minutes before when you were triggered. The best part? You will be able to make your next, best decision with objectivity and heart.
2. Music therapists help individuals find the right kind of music at the right time.
Music Therapists spend time with you to get to know you. Using your preferences and working with you to choose your specific goals, music therapists incorporate a variety of elements of music including tempos, tones, rhythms, melodies and lyrics that will support your desired mood state – as you work towards your physical, cognitive goals or emotional goals.
For example, clinician, researcher and author in childhood trauma, Dr. Bruce Perry, suggests that “the only way to move from super-high anxiety states, to calmer more cognitive states, is rhythm,” he says. Music therapists apply this to keep steady rhythms that match the desired mood states of their clients. In support of these findings a meta-analysis indicates that music therapy provides short-term beneficial effects for people with depression.
Music, more than ever, can be a sure friend. Even during the most challenging of times, music can reassure us that everything is going to be okay. When you are in transition or feeling lost, it can be the lifeline you need to get you through to the next step — be it a half step or a giant leap. Just like our physical health, our mental health requires attention, perhaps now more than ever.
The conclusion is that ideally, every healthcare facility, employee assistance program, and learning center would have a Certified Music Therapist accessible to work with every person who seeks change and a different, desired mindset – regardless of age or circumstance.
The post How Music Therapist’s Can Help Fill the Mental Health Gap appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan - Music Therapist, Author, Keynote Speaker.
January 23, 2022
The Heart of the Work Has A Very Special Beat
The fastest way for me to connect to the heart of my work has been to get back to the frontlines as a music therapist. When I step into the field of music therapy and spend time with clients or stand in front of an audience to share the message of music for mental health, there is no denying the reason why I do what I do. This ‘work’ gives meaning and direction to my entire week. The clients and audiences I speak to are my ‘why.’
The day-to-day work of a Health Entrepreneur can look very different based on what field you are in. But the heart of the work is always the same. Health Entrepreneurs are dedicated to helping people reach their desired health and wellness goals. We take a people-first approach when making decisions, based not on financial transactions but on relationships and desired outcomes.
This getting closer to the heart of the work is always a great reminder, and a strengthening agent, to help me keep moving – even through the inevitable challenges.
Recently I participated in a series of interviews about music for mental health. In the few minutes before going on air, one of the anchors said, “I have been working on a playlist for the last little while and I have called it ‘Heart’ because that is what I am wanting to stay focused on. The heart of it all – what we value, what centers us, what gives us passion.”
I have been thinking about this statement all week – yes, the heart of the work encapsulates what we value most and blends it with what grounds us, which leads us to what we ultimately share with the world.
When Randy Goldberg and David Heath learned that socks were the #1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters, they decided to do something about it. They created a sock company called Bombas in which for every pair of socks bought, a pair of socks was donated. Through this business model, they had a dream of donating 1 million socks by 2025. However, when they shared their dream, it was able to make a bigger impact than they could have imagined. They have surpassed this goal several years earlier than hoped for and continue to donate over 1 thousand socks A DAY. As a Health Entrepreneur, it is imperative to not only define your values-driven dream but to share that dream with others. Only then can it have maximum impact. @Bombas is an organization that has defined its dream, shared it with the world, and achieved maximum impact.
February seems to be the perfect month to do a self-audit on our personal and business heart – what we do, and why we do it. Central to my business is connecting people to music at the right time and in the right way to help them feel, be and do better. But in order to ensure this happens, I have many more considerations – the health of my team, my systems, my clients, my networks, and my own mental well-being – they all matter.
I feel these last two years have given us every opportunity to access different ways of living, caring, and doing the work we do. The heart of the work today has a very different beat. It is special. It can make an even greater impact than it ever did before.
The heart of the work is essential for a healthy society and it is a privilege to be part of a much larger community including —health care, education, and business.
The post The Heart of the Work Has A Very Special Beat appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan - Music Therapist, Author, Keynote Speaker.
The Heart of the Work Today Has A Very Different Beat
The fastest way for me to connect to the heart of my work has been to get back to the frontlines as a music therapist. When I step into the field of music therapy and spend time with clients or stand in front of an audience to share the message of music, there is no denying the reason why I do what I do. This ‘work’ gives meaning and direction to my entire week. The clients and audiences I speak to are my ‘why.’
The day-to-day work of a Health Entrepreneur can look very different based on what field you are in. But the heart of the work is always the same. We are dedicated to helping clients reach their desired health and wellness goals. And we always take a “people first” approach when making decisions, based not on financial transactions but on relationships and desired outcomes.
This getting closer to the heart of the work is always a great reminder, and a strengthening agent, to help me keep moving – even through difficult moments.
Recently I have participated in a series of interviews about music for mental health. In the few minutes, before going to air one of the anchors said, “I have been working on a playlist for the last little while and I have called it ‘Heart’ because that is what I am wanting to stay focused on. The heart of it all – what we value, what centers us, what gives us passion.”
When Randy Goldberg and David Heath learned that socks were the #1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters, they decided to do something about it. They created a sock company called Bombas in which for every pair of socks bought, a pair of socks was donated. Through this business model, they had a dream of donating 1 million socks by 2025. However, when they shared their dream, it was able to make a bigger impact than they could have imagined. They have surpassed this goal several years earlier than hoped for and continue to donate over 1 thousand socks A DAY. As a Health Entrepreneur, it is imperative to not only define your values-driven dream but to share that dream with others. Only then can it have maximum impact. @Bombas is an organization that has defined its dream, shared it with the world, and achieved maximum impact.
February seems to be the perfect month to do a self-audit on our personal and business heart – what we do, and why we do it. Central to my business is connecting people to music at the right time and in the right way to help them feel, be and do better. But in order to ensure this happens, I have many more considerations – the health of my team, my systems, my clients, my networks – they all matter.
As music therapists, we are aware that when we are working with our clients we are working with the whole person – and there has certainly been an uptick lately when it comes to considering a person’s mental health. The heart of our work means spending a significant amount of time not only on the ‘why’ you do things but also on ‘how’ you do them. With our team and business practices, we are uniquely positioned to break through many barriers and bring necessary benefits and care to individual citizens and communities. When making decisions, we take a “people first” approach based not on financial transactions but on relationships and desired outcomes.
I feel these last two years have given us every opportunity to access different ways of living, caring, and doing good work. The heart of the work today has a very different beat. I see the success of every health entrepreneur’s business is essential for a healthy society and it is a privilege to be part of a much larger community —health care, education, and business.
The post The Heart of the Work Today Has A Very Different Beat appeared first on Jennifer Buchanan - Music Therapist, Author, Keynote Speaker.
