Setting the Mood

Whether you are hosting a few friends over to your home for book club or enjoying a quiet night with your significant other, you will most likely think to play some music and choose appropriate lighting to make the occasion feel special.
What about the rest of the time?  What kind of music and lighting can you use for the other moments in your life.  What about the moments you spend on the floor with your crawling baby?  Have you read the research linking to increased intelligence when babies listen to classical music?  Have you read how natural light can help elevate moods? Ok, now, think  about connecting with your older children. What kind of mood can you set for your family while they enjoy their time at home on the weekend?  Can you play your teenager's music?  Would you crank it up for them?  What about the lighting for teenagers?  What would set the mood for them?
I want you to think about the mood you can set for people to make them feel more at ease and comfortable.

Our favorite restaurants and stores know the kind of music and lighting we enjoy. The more comfortable we are the more time we will spend and more dollars. Just recall their lighting style and music.  How does it makes you feel.  Do you know the favorite songs of those around you?  I think you might connection with others in a new way by asking for their favorite song and then playing it.   You will most likely share in their delight and might start enjoying their music.  You might get hooked on finding songs that make people move, smile and find pleasure.  You might even become a mini DJ and take requests.

I want to suggest that you create themes in your home at different times of day with your music and lighting.  

For the morning start with something that matches the mood you wish to become.  You might have a sleepy start of the morning.   Begin with music to awaken and make your body more alert and inspired.
In the evening when you want your family to calm down and get ready for bed, tune in to the sounds of relaxation.  Play music bedside for yourself and train your breathing to help you rest.
When you have music in your home and all around you, your body will respond.