Shift of Heart

“Time Out” for Adults: Shifting Ourselves in 1 Second from Stress to Paradise

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."
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“Time Out” for Adults: Shifting Ourselves in 1 Second from Stress to Paradise

beautiful waterfallWhat was your summer like? I know what summer is supposed to be like... lazy, easy going, not much to do except for what you want to do--but for me, it was busier than ever with my joyful concert work, the stress of aging parents and its unique demands, a joy-filled wedding, birthdays, job searching and interviews for both my husband and myself, travel for family gatherings, money concerns, not enough time for friends--the list is endless.

Summer felt like it was just flying by unnoticed, until I decided to DO something about it. One small change of heightened consciousness made everything better!

What I'm about to say isn't earth shattering, but it helped me save my summer and cope with the highs and lows of everyday life. I simply made a promise to myself to stop for moments within a day and just sit outside and watch, listen, hear, see, breathe.

I relished birds flying to the feeders, and delighted at my easy-care chipmunk "pets" running around and chasing each other. I made more time to change the food for the hummingbird feeder, and just sat, watched, stared and delighted in them fluttering around while they sipped my delicious concoction of sugar and water. Most of all, I made moments of time to listen to life's symphony and its fantastic sounds of nature.

These few moments shifted me to a state of delicate gratefulness and joy. I still was busy and challenged in various directions of scattered pieces of myself, but I vowed to create special moments for no one but me, nature, my breath, and noticing myself within each breath.

This shift has made me think again about our ability to change our negative patterns in a flash, and how much life can be better immediately! It's a tidbit I have known, preached and taught to others, but I myself forget these gems when I lose my center.

The other wonderful side effect of taking small moments is that I have more positive energy, patience, love and compassion for myself and others. It's magic, easy to forget, but also easy to remember.

So in case you are reading this at a frenetic time, we are here to remind one another how to have the best quality of life we can possibly have, and still embrace the challenges.

TIME OUT is a good thing. You can shift to Paradise in the next breath, and a sense of wellness and timelessness will be the wonderful result.

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Creativity

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."
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Creativity

placid blue lakeI am in awe of creativity, and I love to encourage everyone to discover and affirm the creative being inside. Unleash it, open to it and believe that you have it! I also want to place this "warning label" near your heart: Do not allow yourself to be a harsh critic and judge of your work or allow anyone else to judge, re-form, change, prematurely advise or recreate your inspired idea. Nothing will destroy your creative spirit more quickly. Trust your instincts, your intuition, your creative whispers and seeds. Trust.

Your work does not need to be crafted in a cookie cutter manner. There isn't one right way. Enjoy the organic blossoming of your inspired wonderment.

Surround yourself with supportive people who are naturally encouraging and have the ability to listen or see with their hearts, not their minds. In fact, my feeling is that it is best not to share your initial creation at all.

The beginning is the sacred seed. Enjoy the sacredness of the initial ideas and don't be eager to offer it for reaction too quickly, and when you are ready to give it to the world, make sure it is with people who won't put insensitive negativity all over what you have just created.

Discern with whom you will allow your work to be seen or heard, and enjoy the fact that you just invented something that added just a little more spice and dimension to our beautiful world.

Remember, there is no set formula for creating anything. Often the scribble, the simple, the raw and vulnerable is more interesting and reaches the hearts of people more than the perfectly crafted.

Just create... without the critical judge... arms open wide. It is your birthright to express yourself and to feel safe enough to follow through on your inspired ideas. Don't worry about right, wrong and perfect. Just let it flow and respect everyone's process, especially your own.

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Being Fully Present Moment by Moment: Benefits and Challenges

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."
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Being Fully Present Moment by Moment: Benefits and Challenges

arial view of lake and nearby forestIt is vital to be connected with others by being fully present. My definition of “being present” is to own a mind and heart that is quiet, flexible and open, completely focused on the other person. I say to myself: Be HERE right now.

In doing this, I am able to hear and receive the thoughts and feelings of the other person on a different level, and it is a rare and magical gift to the interpersonal exchange. If I can suspend my judgments, ego and constant brain chattering, the gifts for emotional connections are unlimited!

Professionally: When I teach and perform, I have created my plan and structure, BUT if I keep to the agenda rigidly, I will miss my creative unexpected moments as well as spontaneous human reactions and connections. The unplanned moments can be exhilarating and exciting.

Family and Friends: I seem to do better at this aspect professionally than with family and friends. I wonder if I am giving my family and friends my full attention and presence as well? Am I as flexible and fully present? Am I as open and willing to shift, hear, transform and understand their views? Do I listen to those close to me with an open mind and heart, or am I defensive and emotionally charged? I believe that I have work to do in this area. When I am too caught up in my own agendas, and when I am feeling judgmental, emotionally off balance, and filled with a thousand projects and to-do lists, I wonder how much I miss emotionally in my interpersonal connections in this part of my life?

Intention: I want to be able to honor those close to me more fully, and encourage myself to be more fully present moment to moment with everyone I meet.

True Story: My music class had ended, and the children were lining up at the door to leave. One 5 year old child asked me if she could sing me a song. “It’s long, but I’ll try to make it shorter,” she said with intensity and sincerity.

I was exhausted. I really just wanted to pack up and go home. I didn’t want to hear a long song, but her determination swayed me to stand still, shift my mind and heart, and listen. I also felt wary and nervous—what is she going to sing? It’s not on my agenda. Will it be “okay” for the other children to hear? What if I don’t know it? Shouldn’t I know everything as a teacher?

In fact, I did not know the song, yet I received quite a gift personally. As I began to listen to the words and the heartfelt way Tanya delivered the teenage song, Firework, I began to feel transformed. Slowly I began to get “inside the words,” and found that they uplifted, inspired and transformed ME, and in that moment I felt as if the children taught me much more than I had taught them.

The song’s message reminded me that each of us has the light within us, and even if times are tough, there is joy around the corner, and possibility and hope around the next bend. Thank you sweet child.

If I had said “maybe next time,” look what I would have missed by not being present and flexible!

It was a precious moment, never to come again…and another life lesson for me.

Question for the reader: What are specific examples in your life in the benefits, joys and challenges by being fully present personally and professionally? Let’s inspire each other. I would love to hear from you, and publish your thoughts! You can contact me here.

 

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Love

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."
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Love

cathedral rock, sedona, arizona"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Leo Buscaglia

I recall how inspired Dr. Buscaglia from Williamson Hughes Pharmacymade me feel when I watched his PBS specials on "LOVE" many years ago. He created a positive vibration of inspirational writings and passionate ideas, and what he shared with adults can also be shared teaching moments with children. Even a young child can realize from "inside-out" that just a smile of inclusion and a simple thank you can make a world of difference in someone's life.

It's important, however, to provide a foundation of understanding about what specific kinds of actions can make a difference. Sometimes we skip over the basics and just "expect" kids to know what to do. Children first need to observe, brainstorm and know specifically what kinds of things they can do. When we ourselves role model, point out and encourage kindness, active listening, caring, politeness, inclusion, respect, cooperation, patience and gratefulness...then children reflect what they observe, feel and hear.

With this kind of heightened consciousness, there may be a lessening of bullying, rudeness, and verbal and physical violence. The popular movie, "Pay It Forward," also speaks to the power of positive role modeling, and the simple belief that each small action that we provide for each other helps to create a "Peace Begins with You and Me" environment.

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The Music of Silence

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."

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The Music of Silence

2 people paddling a canoe on a lakeThis 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!

 

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Tone Deaf, and Singing Anyways! Adventures in Sound and Healing

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."

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Tone Deaf, and Singing Anyways! Adventures in Sound and Healing

front view of cathedral rock in sedona, arizonaDid 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.

How else can you get a massage from INSIDE-OUT?

Did you know that a good hum, or sounding the vowel of AHHHH, massages your hypothalamus, and it is the ONLY way to massage that important part of your brain! Humming, toning, singing, elongating vowels of ahhhh, ohhhhh, ommmmm, eeeee, iiiiii, lip buzzing, going la la la, or TA-DAAA, or sounding like a siren and going up and down with your voice…are all ancient forms of SOUND HEALING. You are in fact healing your body, mind and spirit by singing, humming and toning.

If you have a child to sing along with, I share with you from my heart as a mother, musician, teacher and sound healer…your child LOVES YOU FOR YOU and needs to hear your voice. We are the role models for everything, including transcending any negative patterns or inhibitions, and setting ourselves free. Your mood and energy will be raised to a higher level through the vibrations of sound, and even your heartrate will increase, without any aerobic exercise! It's true!

Just like any aspect of negative habits, we want to role model constructive healthy patterns for ourselves and for our children, so sing as if your life depends on it, because it does!

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Einstein, Imagination, and Encouraging the Dreamer

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."

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Einstein, Imagination, and Encouraging the Dreamer

blue lake with clouds and forest in backgroundEinstein 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!

Instead of thinking that there is only one “right way” to think, to believe, to play an instrument, to live a life…encourage everyone you meet to stretch their idea of what is “right.”

If money or failure were not issues, what would you want to be, to do, to explore?

If mistakes were allowed and accepted as learning tools for SUCCESS, could you feel more at ease to err in front of someone, while allowing for another person’s mistakes as well? I have a saying, “I am a perfectly imperfect person.” It’s very relaxing to feel this way when I do my concerts or in my private life.

My favorite expansive question: “How many ways can you solve that problem, play a sound on that instrument, say or sing that word or phrase? ”

The open ended question of ”HOW MANY WAYS” opens up the inner being towards full creative blossoming. Challenge your own thinking with this open-ended question, and provide that gift to a child. It will be the most loving act of kindness you could offer.

I encourage you to do what my teachers and parents did for me:

Invite children to dance with their imaginations, soaring towards unlimited expanses of the unknown possibilities…so that they can be a well rounded Einstein of their own unique brand.

Joyful Dreaming, Visioning and Imagining along with Einstein! — Cheryl Melody

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What is Music?

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."
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What is Music?

deep blue lake with autumn trees turning colorsMelody 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!

Western culture is the only culture that is concerned about the division between "musicians and non-musicians," and making music with the judgement of "right, wrong and perfect." I have broken away from that strict definition, and I would like to share my MUSIC IS FOR EVERYONE philosophy by asking you to....Take yourself on a SOUND WALK, and delight in its musical magical experience: Feel Life's Pulse, Suspend Worry, Clear away To-Do Lists, Be IN the Moment, Reduce Stress, Relax, Raise consciousness, it's not taxing on Brain or body, It opens Creativity and the Musician that you were born to be!

Listen in a new expansive way to the wind, rain, leaves, birds, footsteps, laughter, and invite children to open their ears to the sound and sights of our beautiful world with you.

What a GIFT!

And if you bring a child on your consciousness-raising sound walk of stillness, create an opening in your life to share your experiences with your child verbally, with creative movement, dramatic play, literature, poetry, storytelling, art, imitating the sounds with your voices, lips, tongues, body percussion, AND... BECOME ONE WITH THE WORLD AROUND YOU! "A child, an adult...who learns to listen, learns"...AND becomes a true musician!" THIS is MUSIC!How does Sildenafil Citrate work

 

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Hot Air Balloon Ride Anyone? Metaphors for Living Life to the Fullest

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."
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Hot Air Balloon Ride Anyone? Metaphors for Living Life to the Fullest

sunset in the forestRisk! 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 love and happiness! Feel inner and outer lightness! Soar! Laugh! Wonder in awe at the beauty around you!

Feel your oneness with Nature! Amaze yourself! Go beyond boundaries of familiarity! Step out of your comfort zone! Step out of the box towards inner and outer freedom! Wish everyone a good day of living life to the fullest! Feel joy! You are here to be IN life! Feel your courage! Your strength! Open to unlimited possibilities!

Acknowledge yourself! Hug lots of people! Smile! Make new friends! Give thanks that you touched ground, ready for more unknowns! Greet and meet changes! Enjoy variety! Open yourself to all good! Inspire others! Inspire yourself to take new roads that reflect passion, delight and lots of YAHOO’S!

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The Power of Humming

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Cheryl Melody Baskin, Author of "Shift of Heart."

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The Power of Humming

sudsy creek creviceToday...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.

Any tune will do, a familiar one or a made up one, but it is actually part of honoring your voice and that energy center, allowing your energy to rev up, exercise our vocal muscle and feel a sense of joy and wellness...all through Winnie the Pooh's advise. Thanks Winnie! That is my tip for today for children's music as well as for adult music making.

Enjoy!

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