What kind of music do you like to listen to? Does your music choice change with your mood? Mine certainly does! I have a tendency to get easily distracted by lyrics in music when I'm trying to read or get work done, so I tend to listen to a lot of music without lyrics or simply live in silence. I love to listen to classical, jazz, new age, and electronic music most of the time. I also love pop music, country, and oldies; but there's something enlightening that you can feel when there's no lyrics to distract your mind or thoughts. 

I've been focusing on self-healing a lot lately. I've found that listening to therapeutic music in the background, when I work on the computer all day, has helped me to feel calmer and let go of my stress tendencies. Music has the power to heal the soul, it can bring back memories and emotions of the past, it can create a mood that you're looking to be in, and it can take you back to an era that you never lived in but somehow can still feel in some way. 

When I was a kid growing up, there was constant sound in our home. Not only did I have four siblings, but we had a television in every room the house (even the bathroom and backyard). I got used to the noise and even felt weird when I didn't have that noise around me. My early years living on my own, I tended to need a movie on the background because I was uncomfortable without the noise. But somewhere along the line that changed. As I started to go inward and heal my emotions, I became more comfortable with silence and ambiance music. 

I think there's something very powerful in being able to work, sit, or live in silence. It gives you the opportunity to create awareness of your own thoughts, emotions, and energy. We live in a world of chaos, noise, stress, constant movement, and a need to feel like we have to be doing something every moment or else we're not successful. But that's not really what life is about. Life is about being present. It's about loving and accepting each moment just as it is, without wanting to change it. If we're constantly lost in the noise of television, people, traffic, loud music, and our thoughts, then when are ever going to take a moment to truly live in the present?

Right now I'm listening to Deuter's album "East Of The Full Moon". It quite serene. Definitely an album you'd want playing when getting a massage. If you're interested in relaxing, enlightening, energizing music that takes you back to your authentic self, take a look at Better Wellbeing's new category for CDs. This music category will continue to grow with more inspiring CDs over the next several month. You might find something you like to put on while you work, doing Yoga, meditate, or simply have for the moments you need it. 

So what kind of music do you like and why? Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences by posting comments below. I look forward to hearing about the music that inspires your life.

I wanted to share with you today one of my favorite books of all time, The Four Agreements. The first time I read the book was almost 15 years ago, and since then, I've re-read it at least 5 times. Every time I read this book, I have deeper understanding of the four agreements. As you start to implement these agreements into your life, you'll experience greater awareness and happiness. This book is a quick and easy read, which makes it great for everyone.

We all have our moments when we just start talking without thinking through what we are saying or if we truly mean what we say. This first agreement asks you to be impeccable with your word. Say only what you truly mean. Avoid hurtful gossip or saying something rude to someone. Words are powerful, so always do your best to choose your words wisely and speak with integrity.

This was a big one for me when I first read this book. I used to take everything personally. When someone said something hurtful to me, I took it personally and let it bring me down. I now understand that when someone else is upset and says something hurtful to me, it's really a reflection of their misery and not mine. It's counterproductive to allow yourself to be a victim and suffer. Just realize that what other project onto you is coming from the pain in their life and doesn't need to affect you. Don't take it personally.

Coming from a family full of females, I've realized that this is one of the biggest ways to avoid drama. The moment you interpret a situation and add your own assumptions to it, you've created a lie that will only turn around and cause misunderstanding and drama. Making assumptions puts your perception of reality into a world you created that is not real. Always clarify by asking questions and getting the whole story. Communication and clarity will bring peace, while assumptions and misunderstandings only bring stress and drama.

This may seem simple, but it's important. If you're always doing your best each day, with every activity you do, with whatever your best is for that day, you'll never have regrets or need to judge yourself. Our best from day to day will change. On days you're sick or didn't get enough sleep, you best is going to be different than on days when you feel rested and have energy and that's okay. Do what you can in the moment, and know that you're living up to your full potential.

There's a lot more detailed examples and stories in the book to help you understand these agreements better. You'll also learn the history of Toltec wisdom that inspired these agreements. Don Miguel Ruiz is a wonderful writer that will inspire your life. If you like The Four Agreements, you'll also like his other books The Fifth Agreement, The Mastery of Love, and The Voice of Knowledge. I've read them all, and most of them multiple times. Like I said before, each time you read one of Don Miguel Ruiz's books, you'll find new meaning and inspiration. As your life, awareness, and perception evolves over the years, you will find new examples in your own life and see the progress you make with your own awareness. Find more inspirational books in our New Age Books category.