Week #15
Inspirational Songs (Part 1)
This is week 15 of the year and we will be celebrating Inspirational Songs (Part 1), by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.
The songs are:
Amazing Grace
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Count Your Blessings
Down By the Riverside
Down to the River to Pray
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands
Hymn of Joy, The
I’m Gonna Sing
In the Garden
In the Sweet By and By
Featured Song
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
“Count Your Blessings”, an 1897 Christian hymn, was composed by Edwin O. Excel, with lyrics written by minister and composer Johnson Oatman, Jr. Oatman only began composing music later in life at the age of 36, but went on to write songs almost daily with over 5000 hymns to his credit. With themes of gratitude, this hymn is especially popular during Thanksgiving.
Is this melody familiar to you?
Are the words familiar?
Did you find yourself humming along?
How did it affect you? Did your awareness change? Your breath? Your focus? Your mood?
Would you feel comfortable playing this in the background and allow yourself to hum or sing along? By yourself and/or with the one(s) you care for?
Count Your Blessings Here is Guy Penrod’s version. I hope you enjoy it!
Creative Ideas
HOW TO USE THE MUSIC
Try humming or singing along with the provided recording, or one of your choosing for increased feeling of ______.
Listen to a recording to create a shared experience.
Listen while engaged in daily routines, to add a feeling of familiarity and comfort (if the song is known and loved)
Try reminiscing with the song history, or singers of the song. Look at pictures famous singers who performed the song.
SELF-CARE TIPS
Select Music to Sync With Your Resting Heartbeat (60-80 Beats Per Minute)
Try listening to songs with 60-80 beats per minute that you enjoy, to help you relax.
"What a Wonderful World" sung by Louis Armstrong
"Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay" sung by Otis Redding
"Sound of Silence" sung by Simon and Garfunkel
"Dreams" sung by Fleetwood Mac
"My Girl" sung by Otis Redding
"Fly Me to the Moon" sung by Frank Sinatra
"Hotel California" sung by the Eagles
"Fur Elise" by Beethoven
"I Just Called To Say I Love You" sung by Stevie Wonder
"Let It Be" sung by The Beatles
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" sung by Elton John
"All I Have To Do Is Dream" sung by the Everly Brothers
"I Will Always Love You" sung by Whitney Houston
"Brown-Eyed Girl" sung by Van Morrison
All the songs listed in the next section, titled Caregiving Tips
If you decide to give it a try, share your story with us at: [email protected]
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