I have never been able to see the blue and black dress either. Every few months or so, when that same picture of the dress resurfaces, I have to squint and strain my eyes, scanning each pixel for the infamous blue and black stripes. However, it’s the same old white and gold dress, engrained in…
From Cortisol to Choreography
We encounter stress every day. Tomorrow’s test; moving to a new home; getting into a fight with Mom. For me, reading a book or journaling is how I have always dealt with stress. Destressing was a peaceful sedentary activity. But for my sister – she would dance. My sister has amazed me with her creativity…
Neuroplasticity and Art: How Creativity Shapes the Brain
I personally experienced Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and was concerned about the dependency on ADHD medication at first. Therefore I researched about potential approaches that can help reduce my dependency on the medication. I read that neuroplasticity-based cognitive interventions could help reduce ADHD medication dependency over time. Cognitive training can help improve brain functions…
Dreams and Nightmares
No, I will not be covering that one Meek Mill song like the title might suggest. Even though I’m someone who does not remember my dreams very often, when I do dream it’s often something so real I can’t tell if it actually happened, or a nightmare that also seems real enough to be a…
I Don’t Know, I Kind of Like This Song
Attending your first concert is for sure a very memorable event for anyone. Think back to your first concert and remember all the lights, the noises, the feeling of standing behind a person too tall, you can barely see the stage, and of course, the music being performed. The reactions you had to every song…
The Impact of Romantic Era Classical Music
Current romantic composers have been trending recently on social media platforms. Whether it’s Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto, or Chopin’s Ballade No. 1, there has always been a notable climax, the sweet peak spot of the entire piece that always grabs the attention of many viewers. Figure 1: On TikTok, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No….
What are Goosebumps?
Back in high school, I played in our school’s marching band. I wasn’t really that into it, it was just an excuse to make music with my friends every weekend during football season. However, during one Friday night game, we were watching the opposing team’s band perform. We had been waiting for our turn to…
Performance Anxiety Impacted by the Mind and Movement Connection
The feeling of performing onstage is unlike any other. The rush of endorphins as the curtain opens and the bright stage lights illuminate my face causes bubbling in my chest. As the audience anticipates the beginning of the performance, I feel nervousness coursing through my veins. No matter how many times I have stood in…
Does Doodling Help You Recall Information?
Whether listening to a lecture or sitting through a meeting, staying focused and keeping your mind engaged is always a challenge. With focus being a valuable skill that allows us to perform to the best of our abilities, how can we help keep our minds engaged? When I dedicate my time to sit down and…
Living Without a Mind’s Eye
Aphantasia is the inability to visualize images in the mind. While most people can close their eyes and picture familiar objects like a sunset, a loved one’s face, or their childhood home, those with aphantasia experience only darkness. Their “mind’s eye” is blank, making mental imagery something they hear about but never actually experience. …