Counsel #5 — Music And Emotions

Picture: Counsel #5 — Music And EmotionsCLi 76.1

Music has wonderful capabilities for regulating emotions. Upbeat, cheerful music elevates mood, energy, and focus, while sad music can help you process grief. In general, calm, slow music is better for dealing with negative emotions.^{[69]https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/202211/how-listening-music-affects-your-mood}CLi 76.2

Think about the music you listen to and pay attention to its psychological effect on you. If you feel depressed or angry after listening to certain songs, consider listening to something else. Instead, seek out music that regulates you. Also be aware of the physical effect of music—music played too loudly can damage your hearing and certain types of music can damage your soul!CLi 76.3

“And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.” 1 Samuel 16:23 NKJVCLi 76.4

“As the children of Israel, journeying through the wilderness, cheered their way by the music of sacred song, so God bids His children today gladden their pilgrim life. There are few means more effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort.” Ellen White in Education, p. 167CLi 76.5

Reflect: What music helps regulate/elevate your mood?CLi 76.6