Coherence through harmonic release and the breath

A few people have asked about this tag line, and in truth I'm still figuring it out myself!

I understand coherence: being consistent, or better, forming a qualified whole.

Harmonic release to me is the tension and relaxation which comes through dissonance (clashing harmonies or melodic fragments) and its resolution.

And the breath: the best part of all. And so this is where I'll start.

A few years ago, my brother and I were in the car together. I was driving and anticipating a difficult exam that I was about to undertake. In his usual lighthearted but thoughtful way he said "You know that you're allowed to breathe, right?" And I realised that in my stressed state, I was holding my breath, and that this was a pattern whenever I felt stress.

So, if you are taking the Stress Less Music course, I'm hoping that you've found a new way to manage the many stressors that daily life brings. But I'm also hoping that when you are away from your keyboard and are feeling stress, you remember that simply breathing in a controlled manner - eg breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, breathe out for four counts, hold for four counts - is something you can do anywhere, anytime, and without anyone else being aware of what you are doing. And that this simple tool will truly help.