Be Epic Newsletter: Music As Medicine

Treat yourself to a daily dose of music medicine!

Isn’t music fascinating? Whether you are into Bach, Lady Gaga or Metallica, there is no denying that sound vibrations effect us on a cellular level. They can sooth the soul at the end of a long day, amp us up for a brutal cycling class, or induce a living room dance break. A daily dose of music provides more benefits to your body and life than you might imagine. In his book, The Healing Energies of Music, Hal A. Lingerman shares how music can increase vitality, super-charge focus and calm anxiety. If food is our medicine than music comes in a close second!

Our body’s auditory and nervous systems are exquisitely designed to receive music. A growing body of research points to music as a powerful influence in the growth of new neuronal and synaptic stem cells. Meaning, it can stimulate the brain into re-engineering neural pathways for both healing and growth. Debbie Rosas Stewart, co-founder of Nia technique, masterfully explains, “your body on music is an incredible sensation. It is the sensation of thoughts emotions, and inspiration expressed as movements, rhythms, and beats. It is the sensation of life flooding through your skin, muscles, and bones, bringing healing, conditioning, and the freedom to move in the way you are designed to move.” I couldn’t agree more!

I mentioned in several tweets this week that I am “home” at the ballet barre, but I realize that a lot of that has to do with the wonderful live pianist who breathes life into our movement. As dancers we become the music. We use it to carve space more fully and fly with ease. And while headphones dangle from my ears most days, silence is equally as powerful in the buzz of city life.

Like your daily fruits and veggies, take a daily dose of music medicine with these simple tips:

1.) Ask your body what kind of music it wants, then give it the medicine it needs. Take a moment to notice changes in your energy level, mood and creativity.

2.) When you feel stressed, prescribe your medicine and sense your vibration elevate.

3.) Mix it up. Listen to a new genre of music every week and take note of how it makes you feel.

4.) Take dance breaks as often as possible.

Joy is available in every moment. Chose happiness.

What music is moving you right now?

I’m off to catch some beauty zzz’s so I’m refreshed for class and photo shoot tomorrow. It’s been an amazing week of self growth.

This morning I just got interviewed for a feature in Pilates Style Magazine!
Peace, love and light,
Amber

Epic Events On The Horizon:

A Comprehensive Introduction to Pilates Mat
The Yoga Loft, San Francisco
April 9th, 2011 2:30-4:30pm- $30

Hit the mat! Join me for an in-depth 2 hour exploration of pilates mat technique. I’ll delve into the fundamental standing and centering cues, percussive breath and the level 1-2 mat repertoire. Absorb the guiding 6pilates principles (concentration, control, center, flow, precision andbreathing) while you glide through a dynamic and classically based mat sequence. Learn why millions of people have turned to Pilates to develop core strength, alleviate back pain, and create balanced, flexible and mindful bodies.
Click Here to Register

Alive SF 3: Pilates, Yoga, Massage and Raw Food Feast Party
The Informed Body, San Francisco
Saturday April 9th, 2011 7:00-11:00pm

Are you truly alive and present? Allow my latest event to take you to the next mind, body, spirit level. My good buddie Jeff Golfman (TheCoolVegetarian.com) and I are throwing another vibrant bash April 12th, 2010 after the success of the December and February parties. Join us for this free extravaganza fusing pilates, yoga, massage, music, like minded friends, raw vegan food pot-luck and community building.
We thought what better way to celebrate health and abundant epic livingthan with a night of movement, yummy eats and high vibing people!
RSVP through Facebook to secure your spot, while perusing the pics and video of the last event.

Tahoe Spring Rejuvenation Weekend Retreat
North Shore, Tahoe
Friday April 29th Sun May 1st, 2011
Tuesday, April 26th- Pretrip Meeting

I’ve teamed up with UCSF Outdoor Programs to offer this fabulous all inclusive weekend. Join us in Tahoe for a weekend of relaxation,detoxification, and rejuvenation. We€ll practice yoga and pilates, eat cleansing meals, explore nature around Tahoe and send you home with achievable nutrition and daily practices to incorporate in your daily life. All meals, cabin lodging, and instruction are included in the price. We hope you join us for this amazing opportunity for self care in Tahoe!
$210 UCSF student
$250 UCSF member
$295 General Public
The pre-trip meeting we’ll give you all the info about the trip, what to bring, what to expect, etc and this is where you can organize carpooling (no transportation provided).

*Note* There are only 12 spots available and we are already half full as of March 11th! Sign up asap by contacting Colleen at 415-514-4581 or myself at 415-314-8036.

Tour of Europe:
London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Naples
May 2nd-June 21st, 2011

I’m ecstatic to be launching to Europe! I’ll be teaching live/virtually and dancing through these five cities, planting seeds and absorbing as much culture as humanly possible. I’ll round out my trip as a guest instructor for The International Pilates Marathon in Naples, Italy.

If you currently live in any of these cities I’d love to meet up in person. Email me or connect through facebook or twitter.

I’ll be blogging and shooting video every day of my trip so stay tuned!

Note:This is the latest sample of my Be Epic Newsletter. If you are not subscribed hop on the list by adding your email below. I don’t always have time to post to the main blog site, but always send my newsletter.