Deep Peace
By John Beaudin

Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing once said that mankind's biggest problem was our inability to cope with silence.

From the dawn of Buddhism to Yogananda and Deepak Chopra, the message has always been the same: The only way out is in. That is a solo soul journey that's sometimes frightening. It's about stopping the war inside and moving into stillness, silence and finally, true meditation.

Years ago, I lived with a woman whose mother committed suicide, when she was in high school. Similar to any 12- step story, my ex-girlfriend became deeply afraid of silence. Solitude was a dirty word and she went from one relationship to another, finding refuge in her speed.

That relationship taught me more about compassion and understanding than any other. It also opened my eyes to the real challenge of true silence, and how meditation can mean opening Pandora's Box.

Not everyone can jump on a cushion and start meditating. Some start with yoga or counseling and some with music. Maybe after work tonight, try playing some ambient soothing angelic music as a compromise. Allow yourself the luxury of just slowing down. Remember that serenity is a discipline and dropping into alpha state isn't always easy. Activity feeds the ego and makes it feel important, so don't expect miracles at first. It took me years. As a type A personality, I found serenity challenging, with messy break-ups which led me to counseling then finally meditation.

Speaker Joyce Cary once said "Joy comes to those who do not fear solitude". Enjoy your peace-you deserve it. Here are some cd's that will ease the load.

Various Artists The Angelic/Romantic Sampler (1996) Helios Music

Mt. Shasta, California, is well known for its energy vortex, angel stories and for being the birthplace of the St. Germain 'I Am' legend. It's also the home of a great little label called Helios Music. This is a soothing sampler featuring pianist Aeoliah and harpist Erik Berglund.

Steve Roach/ Kevin Braheny Western Spaces (1987) Fortuna/Celestial Harmonies

This is one of the best ambient albums of all time. My good friend Richard in Sedona, Arizona considers this one the Sgt. Peppers of all ambient music. He likes to sit on his porch relaxing to this classic while watching the huge red rock of Sedona. Western Spaces does what any great ambient album should do and that's get you in a quiet place quick and without a lot of fuss. The phone always lit up like a Christmas tree when I put this one on the air. The tone is soft but almost overwhelming, it's pretty but with a feel of mystery and this tide in with the fact that many consider this a desert island cd makes it a must have.

Michael Jones Touch(1996), Amber(1987), Sunscapes(1986), Seascapes(1984) Narada

Michael used to do speaking seminars and during breaks would fool around on the piano. That's when a gentleman in the audience said "I like your seminar but this piano thing is what you've been placed on the earth to do." He's been doing it full time ever since.

Richard Burmer Shining By the River (1995) Audio Alternatives

This is the man who wrote the book on Ambient music, he's a god to some musicians. I don't like everything on this 'best of' CD, but just listen to Across the View once and you'll feel your shoulders drop and your tongue resting on the bottom of your mouth.

Bill Douglas Deep Peace (1996) Hearts of Space

Your CD collection is not complete without this one. Trust me; this is as heavenly as it gets. Deep Peace is Celtic-inspired choral music featuring the ARS Nova singers. I used to give this one out for Christmas and I still buy it for friends and family going through the tough stuff in life. After experimenting with a lot of different styles and sounds Bill Douglas has finally found his voice.

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