Grammy-winning percussionist and composer, Dame Evelyn Glennie, lost nearly all of her hearing by age of 12. But rather than isolating her, it has given her a unique connection to her music. With my brain injury, I experienced a major change in my sensitivities to sound, light, vibration, etc... a very common effect. Much of the brain's energy goes to filtering out and suppressing stimuli but an injured/changed brain can not do this as well. This can help one feel overwhelmed and in pain. I spent a long time in my quiet bedroom and my roommate tip toed around the apartment and kept her friends hush hush. This change in sensitivities can also be a gift- especially to a musician. I needed to cover my ears with protection for years. I still do on an as needed basis. But a little while after the injury, my hand was resting on a desk and I felt the desk buzz 'LOUDLY' and then after that I heard the phone ring hit my ears. It was so clear and only the beginning. As my feet walked across the grass in the back yard, the sound was amazing to me (I wouldn't have even noticed the sounds of me walking on grass before the injuries.) And instead of just hearing a 'step' on the grass there was this cascade of sounds and the space in between the sounds was very distinct. All of this in each step I took. So much more 'existed' to me that I didn't even notice before. Yet, now I couldn't keep it out. I remember the first time I sat next to my band mate, Sharon, as she played the guitar and to my astonishment I was transported as the music hit my body and made it buzz and resonate. The vibration was moving me and 'tickling' my legs, arms, and chest so much that my eyes welled up with how amazingly great it felt - even in the middle of a headache. Now my sensitivities are not quite as sensitive moment to moment but still much more so than before the tbi. There is less pain and overwhelm. I'm grateful for the gifts the extra or one might say returned sensitivities bring. As children we gradually shut down our sensitivities as we priorities our focus. Now I'll often be somewhere, say a concert, and the feelings are so huge on my body that I will point it out to a friend. I'll have them focus on their fingers tips holding the glass in their hand - to focus only on that and the feelings there and let them grow and grow. Their faces gradually light up because we can all experience this. It's a matter of shifting focus and presence. All of these sounds and other phenomonon were always going on around me. I realized that immediately. I'm always getting all of this info and stimulus but my brain was simplifying, filtering, prejudicely suppressing. Dr. Les Fehmi has developed 'OPEN FOCUS BRAIN' which helps us pay attention better and reopen our minds to a much fuller experience. Powerful stuff! I will post more on that in a bit. For now, check out this transforming video of Evelyn's Ted Talk. :) THANKS FOR READING! SENDING YOU MY LOVE! <3

The Power of the Pentatonic Scale

With Bobby McFerrin

The Power of Music

Hi everyone!  This will be my main spot for hanging up goodies, musings, projects, compositions, resources, and lil treasures I find along the way.  A main hub for hanging out in general that shoots off to many other landing places. I've got many new projects and I continue to heal in this brain injury. Recreating.  Cocreating.