Debbie offers a variety of unique interactive classes

Debbie offers a variety of unique interactive classes & events that support creative self-expression, self-empowerment, psychic development and wellness.   

Walk-in's are always welcome, but to guarantee your place in any class, please register on line or send Debbie an email or text:    

Email:  debbie@debbiesclasses.com 

Phone:  951.833.6597.

UPCOMING CLASSES

UNCORK THE WINE & TUNE IN TO YOUR INNER ARTIST ~ NO art experience needed, and it's more than an art class.

Sip a little wine and experience how easy it is to create an abstract expressionist painting using the Valerie Rogers method and Debbie's unique process for bringing it all together.  

This class also includes the meaning of  colors, symbols and the synchronicity that shows up in your dreams, life and painting.  

Gather with Debbie for this class at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona  in The Secret Garden next on:

Thursday, October 11, 2018, 6 PM

RSVP as class size is limited.   Call Glen Ivy:  1.888.453.6489. Class Fee:  $25  with a paid admission to Glen Ivy.  

Includes all materials and Glen Ivy is providing the wine.  

TUNE IN ~ A spiritual development circle for beginners through advanced and beyond

Date:  SUNDAY, October 21, 2018 

Time:  1 PM - 3:30/4 PM  

Location:  The Sacred Journey, 5225 Canyon Crest Dr., #26, Riverside, CA 92507. $25 includes handouts 

This circle can help you Strengthen your SIX-Spiritual Senses and ability to TUNE IN and understand the messages from your soul, spirit helpers and the synchronicity that shows up in your ordinary reality, meditations and dreams.   

RSVP as circle size is limited.  To guarantee your place, register online:  https://www.sacredjourneyshop.com/book-online

Drumming Attractions~ Combines empowerment group drumming and the law of attraction

SUNDAY, October 28, 2018

Time:  1:30 PM - 3:00 PM 

Location:  Common Ground Corona located in Norco, CA. 1771 3rd St # 102, Norco (North Corona), CA 92860  

$15 includes materials for ceremony.

In October we will be honoring our ancestors (combining Day of the Dead, All Souls Day  and etc.)  Bring a photo of a departed loved one (all photos will be returned). 

What is Drumming Attractions? 

We gather together in circle to create a circuit of energy filled with light, love and gratitude to empower the law of attraction and all that you want to create, heal and DRUM into your life.

NO Drumming experience needed and we provide the drums.  If you own a drum, feel free to bring it

TAROT & NUMEROLOGY MADE EASY  NO Experience needed.  A fun and interactive class

Date:  SUNDAY, 11/11/18 

Time:  11:30 AM - 4 PM

Location:  The Sacred Journey, 5225 Canyon Crest Dr., #26, Riverside, CA 92507

$36 includes handouts 

RSVP as circle size is limited.  To guarantee your place, register online:  https://www.sacredjourneyshop.com/book-online

Learn how to bridge these two ancient tools and read Tarot Cards for yourself and others.  This easy method will also help you strengthen your spiritual senses and ability to TUNE IN to the messages from your soul and spirit helpers. 

FLOW ART

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018

3 PM 

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona

RSVP as class size is limited.   Call Glen Ivy:  1.888.453.6489. Class Fee:  $25  with a paid admission to Glen Ivy.  

What is Flow Art?

Flow art is the latest painting trend that is also considered a new type of meditation with many health benefits. 

Experience how easy it is to RELAX the BODY and QUIET the MIND while CREATING a  FLOW ART ABSTRACT MASTERPIECE! Participants take home a one of a kind a painting. 

“I think the world is like a great mirror, and reflects our lives just as we ourselves look upon it” ~ L. Frank Baum

In the late fifties through the early seventies, it was an annual tradition in our home and most middle class “nuclear” families to TUNE IN to the film, The Wizard of Oz on television. 

As a child, mother and grandmother, I have viewed The Wizard of Oz hundreds of times on television and the theater and never tire of it. The Wizard of Oz is still one of my favorite films and my love for this film expanded into an obsession with Oz memorabilia and a viewpoint that evolved into seeing Dorothy’s trip down the yellow brick road as a shamanic journey that mirrors my own journey.  

Like Dorothy, my life included some drama trauma, a search for something lost, missing or forgotten, and other  shamanic similarities such as, signs and messages in ordinary reality and dreams, seeing through my heart and even an out of body near death experience.   But, I am getting ahead of myself.  As Glinda the good witch said, "It's always best to start at the beginning and just follow the yellow brick road."  

Growing up I had a variety of reality models. To begin with, I was raised in an Italian Catholic family with a mother and father that were both gifted with the ability to TUNE IN.  In other words, their psychic senses were highly developed.   

It was perfectly normal in our home to hear Mama talking on the phone with her mother, my grandmother, about her premonitions based on signs, sounds, or a dream, along with our daddy saying, “Oh, I don’t believe in any of that."    

It wasn't that daddy didn't believe, he just didn’t like to talk about it or call attention to it. Daddy’s methods were more quiet and mystical like his father’s, Giuseppe (Joe) Nuccio, an Italian immigrant and beloved folk healer in his rural community. 

Just like Mama, Daddy could also read people and especially when he played cards (poker) and he always did well. He always seemed to win enough to pay for all their Vegas expenses and more. He also had the knack for being at the right place, at the right time and for the right reason. He could create, build, repair, heal and do just about anything and everything. 

My sister and I were greatly  influenced by those early childhood experiences at home and from attending Catholic school for eight years (12 years for my sister) with the Sisters of Mercy back in the sixties.  We were like two little sponges soaking up the Catholic world view along with Mama’s Sicilian beliefs, superstitions, rituals and my favorite, Mama’s method for analyzing dreams.  All of which was as normal as breathing in our home.  

My spiritual journey on a conscious level seems to have started when I received my First Communion (second grade). I remember kneeling with my face buried in my hands praying to God for a sign if my calling was to be a nun.  What child prays to God in the second grade about their calling in life? Perhaps a child influenced by her religion teacher and/or a child born with a 7-destiny (Numerology ~ my given name adds up to a 7).  

I am grateful for my Catholic education and my parents guidance, as both gifted me a strong faith-based foundation, integrity and an over developed sense of responsibility and guilt.  All of which protected and kept my somewhat rebellious nature at bay and out of any serious trouble.  And, all of the other drama trauma in the first two decades of my life strengthened my ability to speak up for myself, never take no for an answer and contributed  to the development of my feminist,   “Watch Me!” attitude that paid off later on when I developed Debra Durrough Insurance Agency back in the early 80's 

Three years following the birth of my daughter I was dealing with a painful divorce. Out of the blue I found myself in the middle of a series of serendipitous events that led me to a bookstore in Long Beach, CA and to Dr. Beverly McLaughlin (Dr. B.). 

Long story short, Dr. B was my first Metaphysical teacher and she introduced me to the invisible world of energy, Numerology, Napoleon Hill in her Prosperity 101 classes (known today as the Law of  Attraction), psychic and self-awareness classes, dream interpretation, the language of spirit helpers, Metaphysical Bible studies, how to deal with the things that go bump in the night and more. 

Through Dr. B. I had an opportunity to attend a Numerology seminar and meet the world-famous Numerologist, Dr. Juno Jordan. My passion for Numerology (the science of names and numbers) has been greatly influenced by both Dr. B. and Dr. Juno Jordan. 

Next, I applied all that I learned from Dr. B.’s prosperity classes (known today as the Law of Attraction) and created and grew a successful Insurance agency, Debra Durrough Allstate Insurance Agency for 30 plus years in Lakewood, CA. The business has since been transitioned to my son Jimmy (James) so that I could teach classes and facilitate events full time.  

After years of Metaphysical, holistic,  hospice and other spiritual studies with many wonderful teachers, and after experiencing what some may call paranormal experiences, (including an out of body near death experience), I've concluded and agree with Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” 

I have also concluded that our soul acts like a magnet attracting people, places, things, and a variety of experiences and opportunities to support what our soul came here to ultimately enjoy, experience, express, empower and/or  heal. 

Following an out of body near death experience I found myself struggling to process the experience. Once again, I found myself at a cross roads and my path crossed with Renee Devereaux, a gifted medical intuitive, shaman, nutritionist, etc.  I am most grateful for her wisdom, as I learned  more from her about nutrition, self-awareness and how to listen to the messages from my body and soul. 

There is a saying, "when the student is ready the teacher appears." Every  person and everything that shows up in my ordinary and non-ordinary reality is my teacher. 

I have been blessed with many wonderful teachers of old and new.   The following teachers listed below each appeared in my life at the right time, the right place and for the right reason.  I am most grateful for their love and wisdom. 

My family and ancestors 

The Sisters of Mercy (especially Sister Mary de Porres) 

Dr. Beverly McLaughlin ~ Metaphysical Teacher 

Dr. Juno Jordan ~ Numerologist 

Eric Wagner ~ My husband 

Dr. Anne Reith ~ Reiki Master Teacher 

Valarie Rogers and Catherine Morris ~ Art Teachers 

Suzanne Bankin ~ Reiki Drumming Master Teacher 

Christine Stevens ~ HealthRHYTHMS and Drumming Mentor 

REMO HealthRHYTHMS Empowerment Training (Dr. Barry Bittman, M. D., Neurologist and Christine Stevens) 

Dr. Carl Buckhorn ~ Internist East West Medical Center 

Bonnie Little - Care Alternatives Hospice

Nate Batoon ~ Feng Shui Master Teacher 

Renee Devereaux ~ Nutritionist, medical intuitive, spiritual mentor/shaman, etc. 

​

There's more to my story, and if you like, you can read more in my soon to be released book, TUNE IN. My book also includes many topics, tips and tools that can help you strengthen your spiritual senses and ability to TUNE IN to the messages from your soul and spirit helpers.  

Contact Debbie Nuccio Durrough:

Email:  debbie@debbiesclasses.com

Phone:  951.833.6597  

Debbie's studies in the healing arts and Metaphysics began in 1979. She is the founder of Durrough Insurance Agency, Tune In To Sound and Your Spirit Helpers.  Also known as Debbie's Classes.   

Debbie is a certified Usui Reiki, Karuna Reiki® and Shamanic Reiki Drumming master teacher, a trained hospice volunteer, a certified IMPART empath and wellness practitioner, a Numerologist, a spiritual artist, a trained HealthRHYTHMS Empowerment Group Drumming facilitator, a Color and Sound Therapy teacher, a Tuning Fork Therapy® teacher and a Feng Shui consultant. 

She is the creator of Tune In To Your Inner Artist, The Magic of Color and Sound®, Drumming Attractions, The Wonderful WIZDOM from OZ and Magical Musical Messages. 

She is a guest speaker and a facilitator of classes and/or events at the historical Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona, the Riverside County Office on Aging's Family Caregiver Support Program, The Sacred Journey in Riverside, Common Ground Corona in Norco, the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center and at a variety of wellness fairs, spiritual centers, senior communities, memory care facilities and hospice. 

" The participants in my classes are from all walks of life with different talents and skills striving to balance and STRENGTHEN their six psychic senses, and their ability to TUNE IN To their Inner Wisdom (God given gift of intuition), Inner Rhythm (creativity) and Inner Healer.  Many also vibrate to the drum and quickly  discover how easy it is to TUNE IN To their Inner Drummer" ~ Debbie Nuccio Durrough

All of Debbie's Classes & Events are interactive and support creative self-expression, self-empowerment, self-awareness and wellness. 

Debbie specializes in teaching the following holistic certification classes, Metaphysical classes and events:  

Reiki certification classes (includes shamanic influences and roots)

Karuna Reiki certification classes 

Reiki Drumming certification classes

Color Therapy certification classes

Sound Therapy certification classes

(Tuning Forks, Singing Bowls, Ghanta, Tingshas, etc. 

Numerology  certification

Spiritual Art Classes 

Tune In To Your Inner Artist ~ It's more than an art class

The Magic of Color & Sound

Oracle/Tarot Cards

Psychic & Spiritual Development Circles

HealthRHYTHMS Empowerment Drumming Circles for seniors, caregivers and memory care 

Drumming Attractions (combines empowerment group drumming and the law of attraction)

Shamanic Drumming Journeying

The Wonderful WIZDOM from OZ

Guided Meditation

Shamanic Journeying

Debbie specializes in facilitating HealthRHYTHMS Empowerment Group Drumming for spiritual centers, Yoga studios, schools, senior communities, assisted living, memory care, caregivers and support groups.   

It's NOT about performance or perfection... 

What is HealthRHYTHMS®?

HealthRHYTHMS is a research-based group drumming protocol which has demonstrated biological and psycho-social benefits. 

 HealthRHYTHMS® was developed after leading neurologist and mind-body researcher Dr. Barry Bittman, MD, led a renowned research team in the first biological study on the effects of group drumming in 2000. Subsequent published research supports the program. 

Group drumming from a HealthRHYTHMS® perspective is transcendent.  It empowers people to more effectively express themselves while enabling them to move beyond their perceived limitations and put back into their lives what is missing ~ Barry Bittman, MD, CEO, Mind Body Wellness Center.

Customarily people have interpreted good health as the absence of illness or disease, but more recently wellness has come to a new meaning, feeling as good as one can feel regardless of diagnosis.  This new interpretation of wellness is reflected in a shift from medical profession control and management to individuals' assumed responsibility for "feeling good.  It is broadly understood that "being well" results from engagement in activities that lead to and maintain health. ~ Alicia Clair, Ph.D., MT- BC

The program Debbie can facilitate will be based upon the HealthRHYTHMS® protocol developed from medical research that shows the health benefits of drumming with a group, including stress reduction, mood improvement and a boost to the immune system.

Some of the Benefits of HealthRHYTHMS® Group Drumming: 

•     Reduces Stress, Tension and Anxiety
•     Increases Natural Killer Cell Activity
•     Strengthens Immune System
•     Reverses Effects of Stress on Your DNA (in 19 of 46 genes studied)
•     Improves Mood and Reduces Burnout
•     Inspires Creativity and bonding
•     Helps with chronic pain, as drumming promotes the production of endorphins
•     Slow Rhythmic Drumming helps stroke victims reconnect to their bodies
•     Helps individuals with Parkinson's to move more steadily
•     Children with ADHD often focus better after drumming
•     Can help strengthen personal and professional relationships
•      And more

.

Drumming Attractions...NO experience needed and we provide the drums.  If you own a drum, bring it

 We gather together to create a circuit of energy filled with light, love and gratitude!  Group Drumming releases stress held in the body, supports wellness, and STRENGTHENS your creativity, self-confidence and spiritual senses.  Empowerment Group Drumming also supports the law of attraction all that you want to create and DRUM into your life!

Each month experience a different ceremony!  

Gather with Debbie at the next Drumming Attractions: 

Fall Equinox Ceremony on...

Date:  SATURDAY, Sept. 22, 2018

Time:  2 PM - 3:30 PM

$15 includes materials for ceremony

Location:  Common Ground Corona, 1771  3rd St., # 102, Norco (north corona), CA 92860

Honoring our Ancestors Ceremony (Day of the dead, all souls day and etc.)   If you like, bring photos of departed loved ones.  All photos will be returned following the ceremony.

Date:  SUNDAY, October  28, 2018

Time:  1:30 PM - 3 PM

$15 includes materials for ceremony

Location: Common Ground Corona, 1771  3rd St., # 102, Norco (North Corona),  CA 92860

What is Reiki ?

Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) is Japanese word used to describe a system of healing originally known as Usui Shiki Ryoho, or The Usui Way by Dr Mikao Usui.  

Reiki is a shamanic Japanese Energy-Balancing Method of “laying on of hands” to promote energy renewal and relaxation. Reiki treats the “whole person” by restoring balance on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level.  

Reiki is NOT a religion and people from all religions or none can benefit from Reiki.  Reiki is safe and will complement any form of traditional western medicine and holistic alternatives to ease pain, suffering, side effects, and supports recovery.

Why learn Reiki?

•    To help yourself and then others

•    To promote wellness

•    To R-E-L-A-X the physical body and become more centered and grounded
•    To RELEASE fear, stress and other emotions and traumas held in the body

•    To amplify the body’s natural ability to heal and balance body, mind and spirit

•    To help yourself or another through a crisis or illness (pain and suffering)

•    To help manage anxiety, stress, chronic pain and ease suffering

•    To enhance clarity, creativity, passion and joy

•    To promote self-awareness

•    To reclaim scattered energy

•    To learn how to listen and connect with your body, inner wisdom and inner healer

•    To compliment western medicine and/or holistic alternatives

•    To help animals, your pets, and the planet

•    To help family and/or friends in hospice

•    To calm yourself before going into a stressful situation 

Some of the Benefits of Reiki:

Reiki can clam, relax and/or energize   

Helps with insomnia

Improves circulation

Increases mental clarity

Releases endorphins

Helps chronic pain

Expands consciousness

First Aid – speeds up healing

Increases self-awareness, self-love, self-confidence, creative self-expression, intuition, courage etc. 

Debbie teaches Reiki first and second degree (Reiki Shamanism) in one class ($125 plus $45 student kit fee), and Reiki Third Degree/Master ($250 plus $54 student kit fee) in two classes or a series of weekly classes.

Rythms of the Heart Reiki Drumming ($154 plus $36 student kit fee) is OPEN to everyone ~ NO musical or other experience needed!

Reiki Drumming can be used alone and it also combines well with all healing modalities such as:  Massage Therapy, Sound Therapy, Reflexology, Meditation, Aromatherapy, Shamanic etc.

RHYTHMS of the Heart Reiki Drumming training includes three drums:  the Sacred Buffalo Drum, the Ocean Drum and the Bahia Black Earth Drum.  

Reiki Drumming enhances Western medicine and all alternatives such as Reiki, Massage Therapy, Acupressure, Reflexology and more.   

Gather with Debbie and experience how easy it is to Tune In To Your Inner Drummer and Inner Healer.  

Discover how the ancients used the sacred buffalo drum as a Powerful Healing Tool.  

Experience hands-on introspective and interactive training including the following and more:    

Learn the science based health benefits from drumming

Learn the a-b-c’s of drumming

How to use the Sacred Buffalo Drum as a wellness tool for yourself and others

How to facilitate a Sound Massage with all three drums (hands-on practice session)

Interactive and introspective ceremonies, shamanic journeying and power animals

How to use the drum to clear and move energy in the body, home etc.

How to use the drum to strengthen your 6-spiritual senses

How to use the power of the drum and the law of attraction to empower your life and all that you want to drum into your life.

And more...

Karuna Reiki® ~ Level One through  Karuna Reiki ® Master Classes

Karuna Reiki® One through Master Certification training can be facilitated as a series of NINE 2-hour classes or as Two 8-hour training classes. Students completing either nine 2-hour classes or two 8-hour classes will be awarded an ICRT Karuna Reiki® registered master certificate of completion.  If you plan on teaching, you'll be able to register with the Center and able to order manuals, certificates and seals for your students.

Debbie's training classes are based on the ICRT's teaching standards and code of ethics.  The ICRT's standards improve the professional image of all who teach or practice Karuna Reiki® and create a more uniform level of quality for the training.

FYI:  Karuna Reiki® is taught only by those who are registered with the International Center for Reiki Training, and a registered teacher will have a certificate issued by the Center and a registration number. Debbie Durrough's ICRT Registered Teacher's Number: KM085247

What is Karuna Reiki®?  

Karuna is a sanskrit word and it is translated to mean any action that is taken to diminish the suffering of others and could also be translated as COMPASSIONATE ACTION.  When individuals experience enlightenment, they report that all beings are known as one. Therefore, it is natural to extend compassionate action or Karuna to everyone without distinction because we are all one. As we help others and aid them in their healing process, all beings benefit. Because of the oneness of all beings, it is understood that Karuna is not only extended to others out of love, but also because it is an entirely logical thing to do.

Karuna Reiki® works on the emotional and spiritual levels and also helps one become more grounded.  Karuna Reiki® prepares the client for deep healing which includes deeply seated issues on the cellular level, and helps release negative patterns that are unconsciously used to insulate ourselves from the truth.  Karuna also heals the shadow self, fills the person with love, restores balance, and helps with grounding ~ ICRT Karuna Reiki®

KarunaTraining includes:

•    Two attunements
•     Eight treatment symbols
•     Four master symbols
•     Reiki meditation to be aware of and heal the Shadow Self
•     How to use chanting and toning with Karuna Reiki®
•    Instructions and practice sessions using all 12 symbols
•     Last class includes how to give attuenments
•     Learn how to give attunements
•     and more!

"If we accept that sound is vibration, and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is ‘heard’ not only through our ears but through every cell in our body" ~ ~Mitchell Gaynor, M. D.

R-E-L-A-X-...RELEASE...REPLENISH...

Debbie specializes in combining Reiki with the sounds and vibrations from Tingshas, Crystal and Tibetan Singing Bowls, Ghantas, Gongs, Chimes, Tuning Forks, the Buffalo Drum, Ocean Drum and Moja Drum.

Sound Therapy can be viewed as a wellness alternative that can be used alone or combined with other healing modalities such as: Reiki, Massage, Reflexology, Acupressure, Zone Therapy,and more! Sound Therapy can also be combined with Western Medicine, seems to help with the side effects of medication, may even help shorten recovery time.

Jonathan’s Goldman seems to say it best with his comparison of the human body being like an orchestra where the sound of each organ and each function combines to create the music of the body. When one aspect of the body gets ill or out of balance, the whole orchestra may give off disharmonic waves, causing dis-ease.

The human body is about 2/3 water and 1/3 earth, and because we are mostly water, the sound waves can  easily resonate throughout the body. These vibrational sound waves are felt and heard throughout the body and even on a cellular level.

​Some of the benefits from Sound Therapy:  

• facilitates a deep level of relaxation
  
• calms the mind
  
• help anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
  
• help sleeping disorders
  
• release endorphins and help chronic pain
  
• improves circulation and blood pressure  
  
• releases emotions, drama, and trauma trapped in the body that eventually manifest as blocked energy in the body
  
• reverses some of the impact of stress on your DNA
  
• strengthens the aura and balances body, mind and spirit
  
• shorten recovery time
  
• amplify creativity, passion and joy
  
• expand consciousness
  
• Awaken passion, creativity, and joy
  

Debbie offers a variety of classes in Color Therapy, Sound Therapy and Tuning Fork Therapy.  She specializes in combining SOUND and REIKI. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1  To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…

THE SCIENCE OF NAMES AND NUMBERS

WHY STUDY NUMEROLOGY?

To better understand who you are, and what your soul came here to experience, express, balance and heal.   

Numerology is a powerful tool for self-awareness, personality analysis, understanding and healing behavioral patterns and family tree patterns.   

Numerology provides insights into an individual's personality, gifts and talents, strengths, challenges, passions, karma, family tree patterns and more. 

Debbie offers a variety of Numerology Workshops and Certification Classes.  The training is based on the Pythagorean Numerology System and the teachings of Dr. Juno Jordan.

Debbie's Upcoming Numerology Classes and Workshops:  

Numerology 101 Certification 

Date:  SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018 

Time:  11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Location:  The Sacred Journey, 5225 Canyon Crest Dr, Ste 26, Riverside

ONE TIME SUMMER SPECIAL $99 includes student study kit and handouts.

RSVP to guarantee your place, as class size is limited.  

Email:  debbie@debbiesclasses.com or call the Sacred Journey Phone: (951) 786-9950

The training is based on the Pythagorean Numerology System and the teachings of Dr. Juno Jordan.  

Training Includes:  How to chart and find your core numbers and what it all means.  Learn an easy method for understanding and remembering the energetic expression, character and temperament traits of each number, discover or validate what your soul came here to experience, express and heal and more.   

​

NUMEROLOGY & TAROT MADE EASY 

Date:  SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2018

Time:  12 PM - 3:30/4 PM

Location:  BOTI Studios, 607 S. Harbor, Anaheim

$45 includes handouts

NO prior experience needed.  

A fun and engaging workshop for beginners through advanced.  Filled with  insights to easily bridge these two ancient tools.

By Debbie Nuccio Durrough

Mama and Dementia  

Using music and old photos with a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's or any form of Dementia is a powerful tool, as it engages the brain and invites moments of clarity.

Mama lived with dementia for almost 11 years.  The music and old photos in the video on the follow page triggered many moments of clarity, laughter, and new stories from mama.  And, most importantly, it is my belief that the music kept us connected until she departed from this world.    

I would like to invite you to try the following Music Magic Process to stay connected with your loved one, as I did with Mama.    

The process is fairly easy and fun!   

The first step is to select what I call "trigger"music.  In other words, any song that has a sentimental or special meaning to your loved one.

When selecting trigger songs, ALWAYS select the kind of music that they like such as...

• Songs from their childhood or teen years
• Songs that have sentimental or special meaning
• Songs that their Mother or Grandmother would sing to them
• Songs that they would sing to you or their grandchildren
• Ethnic heritage music
• "Their song" with the love of their life
• Church songs (hymns and gospel music)
• Show Tunes (if they loved the theater) 

If you do not know what type of music they enjoyed, experiment with the top hits from their generation and beyond (i.e the 40's, 50's, 60's,  70's, etc). Selecting the right trigger songs creates the best opportunities for moments of clarity with your loved one.

    
Using Mama's profile as an example, I selected, "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You by Elvis and Andrea Bocelli because mama loved to listed to both versions.  Mama also had a beautiful voice and "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" because Mama would sing this song to my father at family gatherings, celebrations and public events.  It was her signature song and proved to be the best trigger song.   

The second step is to select trigger photos.  Begin by gathering old photos (as far back as you can go) for their past that tell their story.  Also select photos that showcase their talents, hobbies, what they liked to do and special occasions (i.e.  weddings, birthdays, vacations, family friends and etc).   The photos I selected in the video on the following page were chosen to "mirror"memories of Mama dancing with the love of her life, as my parents loved to dance.  Other photos in the video were selected to showcase the dresses Mama made for herself and her children ( she was a talented seamstress).  The longer version of the video also included family vacations, celebrations and photos of her adult children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   

The third step is to create a video which includes the trigger photos and trigger songs.  Or you can create a hand-held photo album.  Remember to play their trigger songs while viewing the hand-help photo album.  The last step is to view the trigger photos while listening to the trigger songs on a regular basis. While viewing it's important to pause and give them time to respond.  They may express words, feelings, emotions and watch for facial expressions  During the first viewing Mama would look at a photo and then look up at me and just smile.  Her facial expressions at times said more than words.  I You may need to view it a few times with them back to back before you get a response. 

Don't force anything and always be patient when they are not responding with words.  After the second viewing, you can tell the the story for them.  Avoid using words or phrases like, "remember" or "do you remember."  Instead, use phrases such as:  "Wow, you look so beautiful here."  "I love that dress you made,"  "look how young you and your brother are in this photo," or "you and Daddy sure loved to dance and you were great."  

Results

My prototype was a simple hand-held photo album filled with Mama's trigger photos.  We would view the photo book together while listening to Mama's trigger songs. The hand-held photo book eventually evolved into a video.  A snip from this video can be viewed on the following page.   

 
The first time I played the video for Mama, I pointed to her wedding photo and asked her if she knew the people in the photo.  She replied, "No, but they are beautiful." I played the video again and repeated the question while pointing to her wedding photo, and she replied, " That's the love of my life."  She paused, and said, " I love that man."   

 Tools

The videos were created with an app called Slide X to make the video.  The entire video can be made on your phone.  You download the app on your phone, use your phone's camera to take photos of your trigger photos and then follow the instructions on how to add the music from your phone. You'll follow a few other steps and your video will be completed.        

    
Music Magic Tips for Caregivers 

"The gift of music isn't necessarily about what music does for us...It's about what music undoes for us" ~ Joan Boryseenko  

Music can calm, comfort, improve mood swings, engage, energize and/or excite...   

The next time you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, use the power of music to help you release stress and restore peace and balance to your body mind and spirit.  Simply select a song that you enjoy or gives you comfort (soothing).  One of my favorites is "Let It Be" by Paul McCartney or the Aretha Franklin recording of the song>  "Let It Be," reminds me to  "let go" and trust that everything will be alright.  Or if you are faith based, "Let Go and Let God."  

"Let It Be," is also my pick as the  anthem song for all caregivers or for anyone that finds it hard to say "no."   

Play "Let It Be" when you feel overwhelmed and need to replenish your body, mind and soul.   

Consider welcoming each new day with a 3-minute Personal Power Song and dance.  I enjoy moving and setting the mood for my day with one of the following songs: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, “Uptown Funk" featuring Bruno Mars, or Fireball by Pitbull.  

If you want to engage your children and grandchildren to “move and groove” with you, select a recent pop song that they enjoy that has a hip beat. A few years ago my granddaughters came to life when I put on Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass."  We were movin' and groovin' and the synergy we created was most empowering.  I even learned a new dance move with my hands that reinforces shaking off stress and everything else that I wanted to “shake off.”

When selecting your music magic power song, select a song that you enjoy, and as Peaches and Herb sing..."Shake Your Grove Thing."  

If you are a caregiver for someone with a debilitating disease such as Alzheimer's, all forms of Dementia, Parkinson's etc., music can be used to calm, engage, energize, and/or shift your loved one's mood.  

Experiment with using the music THEY  love when you are experiences challenges such as transferring from bed to chair or shower.   Make up little songs or sings songs that they know and enjoy.  Just make sure that the music mirrors the needed mood change and/or upcoming activity.  Example:  Whenever Mama needed a boost of energy I would play the song, "In The Mood" for her.  

One of my favorite music memories with mama was watching her reaction to this song.  She would make a fist with both hands and while shaking both of her tight fists and said, "Oh, I just LOVE this music." She had the same reaction with Louis Prima music too.  I am very grateful for Louis Prima music and all of the traditional Italian songs (i.e. 'O sole mio, Che la luna, etc.).   

 May you enjoy many moments of clarity and love through the use of Music Magic. 

Questions or suggestions for trigger songs?  Send me an email: 

 debbie@tuneintosound.com