Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."
The Music of Silence
This may seem strange for a musician to say, but sometimes I don’t want to hear any of my favorite pieces of music. I don’t want to sing, or compose or go to a concert, or have a conversation, or DO anything. I just want to BE! Do I sound anti-social and reclusive? Yes, sometimes I could label myself that way, and I am okay with it.
I believe that there are times that everyone needs to invite the music of personal space and elusive silence. I know it may be difficult to set aside time for this. There are always to-do lists that revolve around personal and professional multi-dimensions of our lives. That part is wonderful! We are all alive and vibrant human beings with much to offer, see and do! However, silence and time out are crucial for recharging, revitalization, centering, for feeling the moment…taking in all the nurturing we can absorb from the gifts of breath and Nature, just “being” …without labels and to-do’s and chatter.
In silence, look up at the night and day sky and feel its expansive beauty and know that you too have unlimited possibilities! Step on the earth and really know that the roots of the earth, its energy, can provide you strength and courage to move forward in the world with confidence and empowerment. Allow the sounds around you…life’s symphony…to nurture your soul.
This is a need we all have, but we often push it aside. It is as important as drinking water. Silence IS golden, and with all the technology and dividing of ourselves into multiple pieces, we seem to move away and ignore the gift of time, space and silence. It takes discipline and willpower to invite stillness and slowing down into our busy lives. Even 3 minutes every so often during the day will help calm, and do wonders for your spirit!
Did anyone ever tell you that you should just mouth the words, or “don’t quit your day job?” Has it paralyzed you from singing for yourself, or for your child? Well, take the rebel out, and hum and sing anyways-in tune or out of tune, it doesn’t matter. It is your birthright to sing, and scientific studies show that you are massaging your cells from inside-out by releasing vocal tones.
Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” The human spirit NEEDS to dream, to imagine, to explore, problem solve, extend, expand, create! It is thirsty for it!
Melody IS my real middle name, and since I was 3 years old, I've experienced a multitude of music education approaches. I've come to realize that music is more than knowing music theory, singing in tune or playing an instrument. Music is life itself! Life is a symphony of music! We are all born musicians. No lessons are needed!
Risk! Dare! Trust! Let go! Surrender! Believe! Reach outward and upward! Because you are afraid, DO IT! Take chances! Let go of labels and definitions! Visualize! Actualize! Experience the abundance of life! LIVE life! Feel each moment! Experience elation! Breathe in 
Today...Hum a little hum, like Winnie the Pooh says to do. Do it for yourself as well as for your child and consider it part of childrens music. It will energize you and the child, relax, and actually massage your child and you from inside-out.
I share this quick story with you in order to inspire you to keep on going. Discover new parts of yourself. Don’t permanently label yourself ever. You never know what will unfold for you or a loved one. Keep hope that even if you are stagnant right now, even if you are ill, between careers, stressed, depressed, old, middle age or young, in a job that may not fit you, have no time to explore who you are, too busy or not busy enough, don’t love what you are doing, — or even if you love what you are doing now-whatever stage and age you are in.