37: Listening to Music Allows us to Move Beyond Trauma

Author and music therapist Dr. Sandi Curtis explores how creating one’s own music and embracing that of artists including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna can empower women to live their healthiest and happiest lives. Sandi is the author of Music for Women (Survivors of Violence): A Feminist Music Therapy Interactive eBook. She has worked for more than three decades with women and children survivors of violence and to empower women worldwide.

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Here’s what you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • Listening to music takes us away from where we are, elicits emotions, and actively engages us every minute.
  • Music is a powerful vehicle that allows us to feel and move beyond trauma.
  • Music activates more parts of our brain than anything else. Music affects our physiology, our breathing, our respiration rate, our heart rate. It triggers thoughts, helping us learn faster and remember things longer.
  • Music elicits memory: Sandi speaks about a person with Parkinson’s Disease who could not walk but could dance when music was playing.
  • When we listen to music, we feel real emotions. When we listen to music from the past, it triggers the memories and emotions of that time.
  • Music unites us: Witness the people in Italy singing from their balconies. It’s a powerful tool for connection when people need that most.
  • Music can help us build self-esteem, self-confidence and self-compassion. It nurtures our inner spirt, triggering a complex response that moves us emotionally.
  • Listen to calming music at the end of the day helps us sleep.