With so much turbulence in prospect, could the answer be the simple one of 'happiness'?Not that this answer is simple . . . it leaves us with a question.
What makes us happy?
A recent survey of lottery winners and their subsequent lives proved conclusively that the answer isn't money.
But I've just learned of something that's guaranteed to make us happy . . . I say this with complete confidence as it comes with the authority of the Montreal Neurological Institute.
Scientists in Montreal have proved that dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for pleasure, is released when we listen to certain music. This music can change the heart rate, the temperature and the breathing, not to mention creating those shivers of pleasure that we've all experienced running down the spine.But, and this is where it gets really interesting, the scientists have identified the three pieces of music most likely to bring you happiness.
Yes, I agree, we all have our own favourites, but let me give you the scientific order of preference.First comes Debussy's 'Clair de Lune', this is followed by Beethoven's 'Piano Sonata No. 17', with Samuel Barber's
'Adagio for Strings' running a close third.
You'll notice that I've underlined each of those titles and, should you wish to enjoy them, you've only to click on the name.
As I promised . . . a guaranteed gift of happiness for the New Year!
'Fear is noise,' it's said, 'and love is music'.
Let's turn away from our noisy, fear-filled world and have a loving, musically-enriched 2017.
