Click here (sciencenordic.com) to learn about wooden drum fragments discovered in Greenland, which provide answers (and more questions) about the origins of this ancient, often shamanic, instrument...
Does music ever put you into something approaching an altered state of consciousness??
8 comments:
I think there have definitely been times where music has put in into something like an altered state of consciousness. I find music can serve as a way of enhancing emotion, and I think being engulfed in high emotions can lead to the feeling of approaching an altered state of consciousness. For example if I study with classical music on, I find I can get more work done and I work much better because it helps me focus harder. The same is true if I am sad and listen to sad music, or happy and listen to energetic, happy music, etc.
Lauren
I have grown up in a musically oriented house hold all my life and I have been playing music for other people in my free time for years, so when it comes music, it has been around me for my entire life. It has a calming quality association to it when I listen/play it. In terms of an altered state of consciousness, I can say that I have been close, but not enough to lose myself from the world around me. I've gotten close, but not enough to relate to a drug induced ASC.
Saryn
There are many times that music has put into a kind of trance. Most often it is when i listen to classical or the irish/celtic music with the horns and string instruments.
Bob
Jens Kreutzmann's drawing was great! There is one figure at the foot of the crowd whose head is in his hands. He is enchanted; he is awed. Who at one moment has not been lulled by percussion and strings? Music speaks in a universal tongue; it is a language not of voice but of emotion. Just this morning I wanted to brighten my mood. I played myself some Gladys Knight and felt at ease. Music can point the compass of the soul in the direction of our choosing and, sometimes, in a direction we wouldn't have anticipated. Do not play Strange Fruit when you are in a malaise!
I know when I listen to music it puts me a better mood. I seem to be able to study better, it relaxes me. I do not think I have ever been put in an altered state because of it.
Lisa
Music is connected to the mind in powerful and numerous ways (This is Your Brain On Music by Daniel Levitin is a great book discussing this relationship), influencing mood it aiding people in training their minds to accomplish a task, remember better, etc. In regards to me personally, music has never put me in an altered state of conscious. It has a powerful impact on my mood however. All kinds of music does that. Pure drums though are different in that the rhythms truly affect how the mind processes. One of my favorite modern symphonic composers makes unique use of drums in his compositions and to me they have more power than the string orchestra playing along with the drums.
Sydney
I definitely believe that music is powerful and can be mood altering. Drums and gongs especially seem to be powerful - a purer vibration, if you will. As a yoga instructor, my job involves a lot of chanting and gongs. There have definitely been times where my mood was significantly influenced by a certain tempo or quality of resonance. I'm not sure if I would classify these incidences as ASC's, but I definitely give them credit for helping me to relax or cheer up.
Sophie
Thanks for the great feedback, folks... Enjoy the holiday music this time of year!
pdk
Post a Comment