I am a regular viewer of TED podcast lectures. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design and the organisers offer thought leaders in various fields from around the world an opportunity to present their cutting edge work in an accessible manner. And, this one on cognitive behavioural modification grabbed my attention.

I was really impressed with a fun and informative TED Talk given last February by psychologist Shawn Achor on The Happy Secret to Better Work. This talk makes a case for cognitive behavioural modification, basically highlighting the power of positive thinking in making the brain function better.

Since that time, on my way home each day, I’ve made it a practice to reflect on three positive things from the day. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes with satisfaction, often with gratitude, I pull out of the smoldering wreckage of many a bad day, a handful of positive gems. This meditation helps me to view the world differently, with hope and a greater sense of the possible. I try to write down each item in a word or two on my iPod. The act is positively changing the way I view and interact with the world around me.

In recently reviewing my notes, I found that music is an oft featured element in the daily lists. Below is a list of the music that has turned up since February, in no particular order, with no particular ranking… just the actual music groups that have come to mind in my meditations. This is music that has a positive effect on me in the hearing:

• Minutemen – the band (a socially aware, post-punk rock band: great lyrics, very tight), e.g., Theatre is the life of you

• Kronos quartet, music for the soul, e.g., Tenebrae movement 1

• Minnesota Public Radio MPR song of the day (a great free alternative podcast song, daily)

• Rage Against The Machine – one of metal music’s great calls for social justice, e.g., Bulls on Parade

• Isis – Great progressive metal band, e.g., Panopticon

• Serart – Great world music with Armenian Roots, e.g., Narina

• Beastie Boys, esp Adam Yauch (rip), e.g., Flute Loop (a mild song from folks with a wild side)

• Baba O’Riley, a classic from my youth, 2 versions: the Who and Those Darn Accordions

and, finally,

• High fidelity (not a band, but rather the actual sound quality) – After 20 years of computer speakers, we just got a new, real stereo and we are rediscovering sound. I send out a rec to Bowers and Wilkins for making great speakers (even the ones at entry-level, such as those that we acquired)! What sounds have we been missing all these years!?

Cross reference: See my post on Patti Smith.