Music — It’s so much more than just the soundtrack to our lives…

image courtesy of http://all-free-download.com

I know, I know the title of this blog is nothing new to anyone. But recently I've been engrossed in a few songs that I feel speak to my soul and the changes happening in my life. Which made me realize that music really is the consistent background to all of our lives. 

Whether we know it or not, music guides us through life, it connects cultures, it motivates us, it's the universal language that all understand. Powerful melodies, harmonies and lyrics can flood you with memories of the special moments of your past, while narrating your present. It has even been know to shake creative block loose! (at least in my case)

“One good thing about music, is when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

— Bob Marley

We listen in joy & celebration, in sadness & remembrance...I'm even listening to my favorite tunes as I write now. Research suggests that music not only helps us cope with pain — it can also benefit our physical and mental health in numerous other ways. Various scientific studies have shown that music can relieve stress, alter brain wave speed, motivate you during workouts, treat depression, help in surgical recovery and so much more.  and so much more.  (source: http://greatist.com/happiness/unexpected-health-benefits-music) Be sure to read the source article for all the amazing benefits music provides both medically and motivationally. 

Here's to all the wonderful musicians out there connecting us through their amazing talent.

This is what happens when a sense of humor and creative thinking meet.

As a creative professional in both the corporate and event markets, I am always looking out for other creatives to inspire me. The majority of people think that I can turn my creativity on and off like a switch. It's not quite like that. It's more like, my subconscious mind is always filing things away in mind to be called upon when I need them. Recording things I see, hear and touch in the world, then creating this mash up in my mind that I call I upon to aid in the development of my own ideas. This is what makes me better, makes me push the envelope and move out of my comfort zone. Seeing other creations, and how other creative thinkers view the world. This is what inspires my own work.

Well, this week something else got filed away in the mashup of my brain. This amazing commercial by Ikea, blends humor and creativity to create an engaging commercial! So well done I had to share! And of course the mockery of Apple commercials shows Ikea doesn't take themselves too seriously!