Healing in Harmony: The Transformative Power of Classical Melodies

Music group performing onstage with empty audience seats. Photo: Manuel Nägeli on Unsplash.

When an artist records a classical album, especially when it’s not their first calling, there’s often a deeper story within the music itself. Mina Tulchinsky’s 2016 album of classical arias and original, classical-inspired compositions was an exploration of exactly this—healing through music. For her, the album became both a refuge and a connection to something timeless, which, despite the years since its release, resonates with listeners anew.

Music has long been a source of comfort and healing for people across the world. Scientists and therapists alike point to music’s power to reduce stress, soothe anxiety, and even aid in physical recovery. Rhythm, melody, and harmony have the unique ability to engage the brain and body simultaneously, creating an immersive experience that transports listeners away from their worries. This transformative quality goes beyond entertainment; it offers a form of solace and renewal, connecting individuals to something larger than themselves. It’s this intangible yet profound effect that makes music—especially the emotionally rich genre of classical—a powerful tool in the journey toward healing.

While classical music can feel out of reach to some, Tulchinsky’s album bridges that divide. Her personal experience, expressed through a mix of well-loved arias and fresh, relatable melodies, offers something that even those unversed in classical music can appreciate. Much like Agarita’s mobile concerts that bring Mozart or Bach to the community, Tulchinsky’s album seeks to bring the warmth of classical music into daily life. It’s this accessibility—classical sounds interpreted through a modern, approachable lens—that makes her album unique. She’s given listeners a glimpse of what healing can sound like, stripped of the formality and focused on the resonance of the experience.

The music, much like healing, is deeply personal yet universally accessible. By recording something so classical in style but infused with personal emotions, Tulchinsky has crafted a work that invites listeners from all walks of life. Classical music, for many, can carry a sense of ceremony, a distance. But this album, by a divorcee finding her way forward, takes that form and molds it into something that feels human and grounded. It’s music that meets listeners where they are, extending the sense that healing isn’t reserved for concert halls or grand stages but is accessible in one’s own space, at one’s own pace.

Photo: Facebook – Mina Joy Music

As listeners follow her journey—through heartbreak, resilience, and a renewed appreciation of self—they find a kindred spirit in music. Tulchinsky’s recent releases on Spotify bring these elements into even sharper focus, continuing to invite a wider audience into the classical fold without the need for pretension or exclusivity. Instead, her work represents healing that anyone can access, a simple melody away.

For anyone curious about classical music but hesitant to dive into a genre so steeped in tradition, Tulchinsky’s album is a reminder that music, in its essence, is for everyone. In opening this space for healing through her art, she’s reminded us all of music’s quiet, powerful ability to soothe and unite. Whether one finds solace by listening to her music or feels inspired to sing, play, or explore their own musical journey, her album stands as a testament to how music’s healing reach can be both deeply personal and universal. Through her melodies, Tulchinsky shows us that healing can start with just a single note, inviting us to embrace music’s transformative power in whatever way feels most meaningful.

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Escape and Rejuvenate: The Best Spa Specials at Hiatus Day Spa This Season

Relax with Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa this October. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

Spa treatments and wellness practices offer a rejuvenating escape from the stresses of daily life. Popular therapies such as massages, facials, and body scrubs promote relaxation, and enhance physical well-being. Many spas also incorporate holistic approaches, including aromatherapy and meditation, to foster mental clarity and emotional balance. Hydrotherapy, using water for healing, and treatments like saunas and steam baths further enrich the experience. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can improve their overall health, boost their mood, and cultivate a deeper connection to themselves. Whether seeking relief from tension or simply a moment of tranquility, spa treatments are a pathway to holistic wellness.

Fall into October with Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa’s relaxing spa promotions, including the new seasonal iteration of the Epic Retreat, med spa specials and events below. (Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, 2024)

Tox or TreatAvailable October 17 – 31

Adults deserve a treat, too. Receive a Botox or Dysport treatment between October 17 and 31 and get a 4-pack of EarlyBird CBD gummies for free. 

  • Med Spa booking HERE.

Get Holiday-Ready with Facial Balancing Available through November 7

The holiday season is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to feel your best, now is the perfect time to think about facial balancing. Plus, if you book a consultation and receive your recommended treatment before November 7, you’ll get 20% off. 

  • Facial balancing is all about creating harmony between your facial features by enhancing overall symmetry. Instead of focusing on just one area, facial balancing considers the entire face to create a natural, cohesive look. Facial balancing can involve various treatments based on each client’s unique needs, including filler, Sculptra, Botox, Dysport, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) & EZgel.
    • Book a free consultation HERE.

Epic Retreat: Autumn ZenAvailable through December 31

Prepare for ultimate hydration with full-body exfoliation, a soothing body wrap infused with the harmonious aromas of green tea, cherry, and almond essential oils, designed to envelop you in warmth and relaxation. Enjoy a revitalizing back and neck acupressure massage, releasing tension and promoting deep relaxation. Experience hand reflexology on your hands and a nourishing green tea foot mask, enhancing the sense of calm and well-being. Cap it off with an Autumn Zen Cocktail and sip flavors of green tea, amaretto and cherry ginger ale.

  • The Epic Facial Retreat: 85 minutes | $195 | $149 H-Circle
    • Booking HERE under “Skincare”
  • The Epic Body Retreat: 80 minutes | $205 | $159 H-Circle
    • Call to book (210) 201-7766 San Antonio location
  • The Epic Mani/Pedi Retreat: 135 minutes | standard polish $140 | $109 H-Circle
    • Booking HERE under “Tips + Toes”

Spa Day Essentials: Top Treatments and Experiences at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa

Plan the ultimate spa day at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa believes that regular relaxation is part of a healthier, happier lifestyle and strives to make wellness available to everyone. These are some of the offers available this month. From National Wellness Month to National Relaxation Day, and special products/gifts, there’s something for everyone. (Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, 2024)

Locations:
San Antonio
Austin
Dallas
Fort Worth
Frisco
Houston
Plano

Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa is excited to celebrate National Relaxation Day on Thursday, August 15 with a day devoted to relaxation and rejuvenation. This special day is an excellent opportunity for guests to indulge in a luxurious escape and experience the spa’s exceptional self-care services.

Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa’s team is focused on providing a memorable experience for every guest, with a relaxing atmosphere and high-quality service. They offer a variety of services, including The Hot Stone Massage, which combines hot and cool smooth basalt stones with Swedish techniques, and The seasonal Epic Facial Retreat, an aromatic and purifying facial paired with a delectable hand-crafted cocktail, available through the end of the month, making Hiatus the perfect retreat where anyone can find the ideal remedy to their everyday stress.

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August is National Wellness Month, and Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, one of Texas’s favorite relaxing retreats, is encouraging guests to prioritize self-care this month. The spa is currently offering its Summer Vibes seasonal Epic Retreat – a healing and hydrating relaxation experience available as a facial, body treatment or mani/pedi topped off with a complimentary Watermelon Candy beverage – at all nine of its locations through September as well as Summer at Hiatus: waived H-Circle membership enrollment fee through August 31.

Epic Retreat: Summer Vibes – Available through September

This summer is about healing, hydration and good vibrations. Experience a full embodied heart-opening with a 128hz tuning fork vibrational healing and breath work providing relaxation on a whole new wave length. Hiatus’ in-house mixture of Strawberry, Watermelon, and Aloe oils are specifically blended to help heal scars, sunburns, pigmentations, knockout inflammation and smooth wrinkles. Combined with a magnesium spray for stress management and a pomegranate foot mask, guests will walk away feeling out of this world. Let the sense of calm wash over you as you sip the sweetness of a watermelon candy drink combined with the soothing energy of a strawberry quartz in your pocket to support emotional balance and ease.

  • The Epic Facial Retreat: 85 minutes | $195 | $149 H-Circle
    • Booking HERE under “Skincare”
  • The Epic Body Retreat: 80 minutes | $205 | $159 H-Circle 
    • Call to book
  • The Epic Mani/Pedi Retreat: 135 minutes | standard polish $140 | $109 H-Circle
    • Booking HERE under “Tips + Toes”

Summer at Hiatus – Available until August 31

Enjoy a waived enrollment fee ($29 value) to join Hiatus’s H-Circle membership program through August 31.

For $89 per month, H-Circle member perks include: 

  • One Essential Service per month: choose from the Signature, Massage, Tailor-Made Facial, One & Only Mani-Pedi, Body Glow, Body Wrap, 10 units of Botox, 25 units of Dysport or Acupuncture
  • Additional Essential Services for $89
  • Discounted pricing on all treatments, including med spa services
  • 10% off all retail products: shop the finest quality products from brands like SkinCeuticals, NuFACE, HydroPeptide and more, as well at Hiatus’ in-house line, Hiatus Everyday, to elevate your at-home routine 

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This month, Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa is offering an exclusive gift when guests book The Optimist Facial powered by HydroPeptide. Elevate your skincare routine after your facial with the Power Up Duo by HydroPeptide ($79 value) for free, available in-spa at all locations. 

The Details:

  • Service: The Optimist Facial: Promoting healing, detoxification, reduced puffiness, and improved circulation, indulge with Hiatus’s A-Firming Facial Massage to firm, lift and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Brighten and sculpt your face with the Patented Vitamin C Mask and our exclusive cryo-sculpting technique. You will leave this one-of-a-kind facial feeling renewed, radiant, and uplifted in mind, body, and spirit.
    • 80 Minutes
    • $205 | $159 H-Circle Members
  • Exclusive Gift: Receive HydroPeptide’s best-selling customer favorite, the Power Up Duo, for free with your facial: 
    • Power Lift: Advanced Ultra-Rich Moisturizer
    • Power Serum: Anti-Wrinkle Line Lifting Transformation
  • Run Time: August 1-31 

New book release: ‘Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul’ by Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith’s new book “Authentically Grounded.” Photo: Melissa Smith, used with permission.

Part of self care usually means journaling as a way to get to know yourself better. For some people, this comes easy, while for others, they could benefit from guidance from an outside source. In today’s book news, Melissa Smith’s new book “Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” is this type of resource guide meant to guide you in your journey to self discovery and connecting with yourself.

Melissa Smith holds a Master of Science in Reading Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Radford University. Her academic background and esteemed personal and professional experiences equip her with the knowledge and empathy necessary to navigate complex social issues. Melissa’s career began as an elementary school teacher in underserved schools, where she utilized her skills to help students overcome personal and systemic obstacles. Today, she uses her platform to illuminate and challenge societal norms and systemic barriers, inspiring individuals, particularly Black women with diverse, intersectional identities, to embrace their authentic selves. (Melissa Smith, 2023)

As the Founder and Principal Consultant of Authentically Grounded, Melissa aids individuals and communities in breaking free from oppressive societal constructs, promoting their well-being, and encouraging the exploration of their unique identities. She provides transformative coaching, consulting, and development services, specializing in emotional flexibility, culturally humble pedagogy, decolonization practices, personal development, and self-exploration. Her work is clearly multifaceted, covering a broad spectrum of transformative personal and social change. With her authentic storytelling and ability to facilitate difficult discussions, Melissa connects with her audience on a profound level.

In her transformation from a public school educator to a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) professional leader, Melissa focuses on empowering others to acknowledge their potential and promote inclusivity in all walks of life. Join her on this transformative journey as she continues to inspire and liberate people worldwide. Her new book “Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” is a one-of-a-kind tool designed to help you tap into your inner strength and connect with yourself on a deep level.

Author Melissa Smith. Photo: Melissa Smith, used with permission.

“Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” offers a refreshing approach to self-exploration by providing a safe and empowering space to celebrate your strengths, acknowledge your challenges, and explore your inner self. Through a unique blend of introspective prompts, self-care practices, and mindfulness exercises, this guided journal provides a nurturing environment for exploring your patterns, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, enabling you to reconnect with your sense of self.

“Authentically Grounded” offers a distinctive method of supporting individuals from communities that have been historically excluded, marginalized, and underserved. This guided journal deliberately creates a welcoming environment for these communities to delve into their experiences, emotions, and feelings as they navigate their path toward personal growth and healing. You are worthy and deserving of the life you want, and you have the power to create it, one step at a time. Whether seeking inner peace, building self-confidence, or cultivating a deeper self-awareness, experience the transformative power of Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing your Soul.

Start your journey toward authenticity and wholeness today!

Photo: Melissa Smith, used with permission.

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Book of the week: ‘Living Your Best Life Now’ by Sterlyn Smith

‘Living Your Best Life Now’ by Sterlyn Smith is available now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sterlyn Smith is the author behind “Living Your Best Life Now” and “Getting Your Business On Track in The Digital Age.” He has a degree in Electrical Engineering and is a certified IT Professional and a business owner with a passion for awakening and empowering people who are getting starting with their online businesses. As an author, he hopes to create something that educates, inspires, and motivates his readers. In “Living Your Best Life Now: A Practical Guide to Personal Growth, Individual Freedom and Self-Empowerment” you will discover what it takes to change your life from wherever you are now to exactly where you want to be. (Sterlyn Smith, 2023)

“Living Your Best Life Now” – Are you feeling frustrated and disappointed in your life, and believe that there has to be more to it than what you are currently experiencing? Have you been questioning yourself wondering if you are on the right path? If you find yourself engulfed in uncertainty and asking these important questions then chances are you may not be Living Your Best Life right Now.

Within the pages of this book you will discover:

  • How to become more productive and self motivated in your life
  • How to take ownership over your happiness and reinforce your personal belief within yourself
  • How to remove toxic people and crush your fears
  • How to crush excuses and rise up after a tragedy strikes
  • Expand your understanding about self confidence and the power of persuasion
  • New ideas about finances and debt that can turn your life around
  • How to adjust to change and fully understand you learning style

This is a straight forward book that will help you and everyone you know who needs to find their way back to their own personal happiness. Living your best life is not a momentary situation that is established based on human emotions that can change daily. Living your best life is a full mind, body, spirit and emotional makeover where you have to develop some strength within each area of your life where weakness now exist. Stop spinning your wheels and going nowhere. Open up and read “Living Your Best Life Now” and begin the process of turning your life around so you can fill in the gaps and areas of weakness that have been holding you back for years.

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Author Sterlyn Smith. Courtesy photo, used with permission.