I love the ideas behind music therapy and toning, although I don't know a lot about it. I do know that music is very important to me, and that there are types of music that are very relaxing and helpful in meditation, and other forms that are less than soothing.

While I've been recovering from surgery, I've been listening to this CD - Steven Halpern's "Spectrum Suite". I've had the CD for quite some time and enjoyed it very much, often using it with a client during Reiki treatments and for self-healing. It's been interesting this time, though.

All through the CD during the past couple of weeks, the tones would affect my body in different ways. Some of the pieces would have an harmonic quality that would make me wince - it would almost be painful. Sometimes it would affect my ears, sometimes my throat or chest. One of the principles of toning, though, is that when we're out of balance, we need certain tones to regain balance.

Since this music is specificly designed to balance and align the chakras, I figured that I needed to listen to the CD as much as possible - that the feeling of dis-chord might well mean that I needed those tones to re-align myself. I've listened to the CD a couple of times already this morning, and all of the pieces sound and feel harmonious and soothing again.

I woke up this morning feeling more refreshed as well, despite a bit of a rough night. I have to laugh at myself a bit - I set out to "surrender" to what my body needs, yet when recovery hasn't been as speedy as I wish, I get annoyed and concerned - surrender is such a courageous choice, and I'm a little cheekin! It's ok, though - I'm not doing too badly in listening to and heading my body. The CD's music has been a wonderful help for me as well! :)

"Spectrum Suite" and the CD cover shown are copyright by Steven Halpern - please visit his website for more information.