(image:everythingthatisdark.tumblr.com) Today as I write to you I am filled with the sounds of reggae/ indian fusion music infused with rock/soul and reggae vocals of Joss Stone, Damian Marley and Mick Jagger! They have formed a new super group with A.R Rahman (the Indian composer of the film Slumdog Millionaire) and Dave Stewart from Eurythmics, called 'Superheavy' and they've just released their first album. Its really beautiful, very different and fills your heart with joy when you hear the different styles of music....
I find that music really can bring you to utmost joy and so this is what I'm thinking about today on Happiness Wednesday. I love music with pure, raw lyrics that speaks to the soul, vocals that are real- that let you know whats going on inside that persons head and heart. I love acoustic sounds, rap from the heart, vocals that uplift your soul and take you to a happy place.
I have a friend who sings beautiful acoustic soul music who I have mentioned previously on my blog- Delia Spiers. She is a very talented singer-songwriter whose songs often move me to tears. Often it is when we cry and when we are led to that emotion, that we experience a peace and strength unknown before. I find that Delia's music does that for me.
Today I'm going to share the music of India Arie. I often speak about India because her whole philosophy is about spreading peace and love through the medium of music. Music is a vehicle for her of purity and truth. She has a very rare thing in the world of music- goodness combined with heartfelt lyrics and vocals.
Here is a song that will make you think about loving you, about taking time for you and to nourish your soul and spirit, Private Party. Lyrics start 'I'm having a private party, there's nobody here but me, my angels and my guitar...'. Enjoy xxx
Happy Wednesday! These are fast becoming my favourite posts of the week.... last week I spoke about the power of positive thinking which I have found to be very valuable in my life.
This week I have been thinking quite a lot about one thing.... insecurities. I often find the negative voice in my head to be wandering and telling me I'm not good enough, slim enough, attractive enough, clever enough, interesting enough. You have to quieten this voice and feed it with positive energy is what I have learnt. Ultimately, you have been made who you are- you are good enough, pretty enough, you have WORTH. Self-worth is so important and must be built upon for the foundation of a solid life.
If you find yourself feeling insecure remember the famous quote by India Arie. This quote calms my mind sometimes,
'Thankful for all my impurities and insecurities... because I know its God just perfecting me'
Even if you dont believe in God, this quote is great because it makes you think, you can use any negative trait, anything you worry about, for the ultimate good of your spirit and soul. You can become better and stronger and beat those niggling worries! You are good enough!
Have a happy week.
And remember, we all feel insecure...its how we respond to those insecurities that makes the difference.
I have decided to start a new series on my blog called 'Happiness Wednesdays'. This will be a little communication between me and you, as to what tips you have for good emotional health! I will be sharing mine each week (or as often as I can on a Wednesday) and I'd love to hear your feedback.
Last week I talked about writing down 3 positives in your day in order to refocus your mind on optimism. It gives a little boost to your day.
This week I am going to discuss fear. Susan Jeffers says,
'The Green Light of Fear:
Retrain your thinking so you interpret your inappropriate fears as a green light to move ahead- an opportunity to grow and live life more fully- instead of as a signal to retreat'.
Being a person who suffers with a lot of fear in my life, I love this positive aspect to it. Fear should equal growth and thats what I am trying to do in my own life.
Has anyone managed to achieve this in their lives? Has there been a time when you used fear in a positive way to enhance rather than restrict your life?
With lots of love and hope you are excited about this new series,
