Music is a great way to influence the mood of the home and your family relationships. If you think about the background noise that you have in your house, you may already have music playing or something else going on. Growing up I read a lot of books and one book “Meet the Austins” by Madeline L’Engle talked about the mom constantly having music on the background. I loved the way the descriptions had the music match the mood of the house.
Growing up my dad would play classical music when he was doing various tasks around the house. I was also the oldest, so honestly I am more comfortable with many classical songs than the modern pop of my age group. My husband would say sadly that I don’t appreciate music enough. However, I do think it is important to tune in to what you are really listening to and find out how it affects you.
I love some of the songs that I listened to while in high school, while others just seem to distract me from what I want to be focusing on. Similarly the classical music I listen to affects me in different ways. Handel’s music has a way of lifting me out of any bad mood and really inviting the spirit into the home. While I love Beethoven, when I listen to the Fifth Symphony, I begin to stomp around the house.
I am also one that really listens to the lyrics of songs as much as to the rhythm and melodies. It is important to examine your music on all levels and realize that the lyrics are as deeply imbedded in your subconscious as that catchy melody or rhythm line is. As my children are getting old enough to express opinions in music (other than having a good beat to dance to), I know it is important to begin to teach them everything that they should be looking at. I know my husband will expose them to a lot of different types of music, and together we will talk about appreciating music, and choosing the songs that help us feel the best.
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