Music and Connection
/Heaton Place Residents are Touched Through Music and Connection!
“Where words fail, music speaks,” a quote from Hans Christian Anderson, says it all! Some residents of Heaton Place experienced this when attending last week’s Saturday morning activity called; ‘Coffee and Conversations with Carrie’. Residents gather in a circle for coffee, cookies and personal connections,” says Carrie O’Neill, Resident Relations Coordinator. In this space anyone can join in or just listen, while others may feel inclined to share on the topic being discussed and how it relates to their own lives.
Fascinating ways music affects your mood and mind is what we talked about and experienced firsthand in our last gathering. “It was very powerful”, shares O’Neill. The circle started out by taking a moment being calm and still. The song “Jambalaya” by Daniel O’Donnell began playing on the speaker; “Goodbye Joe, he gotta go, me oh my oh...” As the song played, the energy in the room changed. Residents’ toes began to tap, smiles appeared on their faces and even some were singing along. There was a pause in the music and then we heard bagpipes playing the classic hymn of “Amazing Grace.” You can imagine how the room and mood changed; tears and heartfelt memories surfaced. Some residents were able to open up and share their personal memories that were associated with this song. It was very touching. Next I played “Jesus Loves Me” and when one of our ladies was asked to share how that song affected her, she replied with tears rolling down her face; “My mom used to sing me that song every single morning before I went to school, I think she intended on reminding me that I am loved”. Another powerful moment! With a pause in the room for everyone to be grounded again, the music continued to play. Good ole’ Johnny Cash began to play, “Get Rhythm....when you get the blues.” With laughter, one of our fellows shared about an experience he had, related to this song......it involved getting bucked off his pony! The conversations were very impactful for everyone. At just the right time to close out our time together perfectly, our Irish resident Sam graciously sang us a beautiful Irish song, “Mountains of Mourne.”
Music, laughter, recaptured memories, connection and feeling uplifted were all real experiences we shared together. Next Saturday will be something different, but whatever the topic is, without a doubt it will bring our folks together and connected!
In these challenging pandemic times, it’s important to keep your toolbox full of helpful tools you can reach for, when feeling down or sad. Music is certainly one of those tools. It is scientifically proven that music stimulates emotions through specific circuits. Listening to music increases our levels of dopamine, which plays a significant role in how we feel and experience pleasure.
Music is something very special. Some call it a universal language, while others call it the window to the soul. “I was touched to see the souls of many of my residents, while we listened to music, then shared and connected from our hearts,” says Carrie.
Heaton Place has a wide variety of social and recreation activities scheduled daily. “We have something interesting for everyone!” says Carrie. Our suites are filling up fast; we have only two one bedroom suites available. If you are interested in enjoying a full and active lifestyle, please call Carrie at 250-546-3353 ext. 506, to schedule a personal tour.