Why Beauty Matters. The Transformational Experiences of Art and Music upon the Human Soul

Presentation (Elaboration) , 2012 , 11 Pages

Psychology - Media Psychology

Beauty takes our breath away. We come to rest, are silenced, and in awe. When beauty opens our hearts, our capacity to care for what is just and true enlarges. The triumvirate of western values — truth, beauty, and goodness — has long served as the foundation for positive human development. The experience of beauty takes us deep within ourselves to the most intimate sense of who we are and what we have endured.

Beauty is the ultimate attractor and healer. It transcends us by pulling us out of ourselves and generates us to heal, repair, and move forward. Beauty in its many forms has profound neurological and psychological impact upon us. Artistic expression, and flow stimulate the growth of new brain cells in the cerebral cortex. Such experiences raise physiological levels in the immune, the endocrine, and the nervous systems. “Emotions play out in the theatre of the body.

Feelings play out in the theatre of the mind.” As a significant psychologically transcendent experience, this arousal increases well-being, optimism, and resilience. Optimism is directly correlated with improved health. Drama, music, and art have the capacity to build and sustain resilience because creative engagement and participation is directly correlated with an overall positive impact on health, morale, and loneliness. This essays draws on some theoretical perspectives and research as they inform an understanding of the power of beauty and its transformational affect on the human psyche and development.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The Transformative Power of Art and Music
• Beauty: A Foundation for Connectedness
• Flow States and the Experience of Beauty
• Beauty as a Respite and a Catalyst for Innovation
• The Healing Power of Art and Music
• The Subjective Experience of Beauty
• Music: A Universal Language
• The Neurochemical Impact of Music
• Beauty as a Spiritual Dimension
• The Role of Personality Traits in the Perception of Beauty

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay aims to explore the transformative power of art and music on the human soul. It investigates the concept of beauty as a fundamental element of human experience, and how it fosters connection, healing, and personal growth. The essay draws on various research findings to demonstrate the profound impact of art and music on our cognitive, emotional, and physiological well-being.

• The transformative power of beauty in art and music
• The role of beauty in fostering connectedness and spiritual awareness
• The physiological and psychological impact of beauty on human well-being
• The therapeutic applications of art and music in various contexts
• The influence of personality traits on the perception and appreciation of beauty

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The Transformative Power of Art and Music: This chapter introduces the concept of beauty as a transformative force and its ability to evoke emotional, spiritual, ethical, intuitive, and psychological responses. The authors emphasize that beauty resides not in objects but in the subjective experience of them.
• Beauty: A Foundation for Connectedness: This chapter explores the role of beauty in fostering connection, beginning with the bond between a mother and her child. The chapter argues that beauty can be found in everyday life, but often requires us to slow down and cultivate a calmer perspective.
• Flow States and the Experience of Beauty: This chapter examines the concept of "flow" as described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, highlighting the neurochemical changes that occur during states of effortless concentration and enjoyment. The authors suggest that beauty can trigger flow states, leading to enhanced creativity and personal growth.
• Beauty as a Respite and a Catalyst for Innovation: This chapter discusses the restorative nature of beauty, highlighting its ability to provide respite from the stresses of life. The authors also explore the role of beauty as a driving force behind creative innovation, providing examples from throughout history.
• The Healing Power of Art and Music: This chapter presents research evidence for the therapeutic effects of art and music, particularly in the realm of physical and psychological healing. The authors cite studies demonstrating the use of music therapy in various medical settings.
• The Subjective Experience of Beauty: This chapter examines the emotional and physiological responses to music, emphasizing its ability to induce feelings of well-being and alleviate anxiety. The chapter highlights the role of neurochemicals in mediating the effects of music on mood and cognition.
• Music: A Universal Language: This chapter explores the unifying power of music, highlighting its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The authors discuss the ancient origins of music and its role in social cohesion and spiritual expression.
• The Neurochemical Impact of Music: This chapter delves into the neurological processes underlying the experience of music, focusing on the activation of the prefrontal cortex and the release of neurochemicals. The authors discuss the correlation between music, emotional states, and cognitive function.
• Beauty as a Spiritual Dimension: This chapter examines the spiritual dimension of beauty, using examples of classical musicians and composers who have incorporated beauty into their work to evoke spiritual feelings. The chapter highlights the role of beauty in transcending illness and physical challenges.
• The Role of Personality Traits in the Perception of Beauty: This chapter explores the factors that influence the susceptibility to the transformative effects of beauty. The authors discuss the roles of imagination, aesthetic sensitivity, and openness to experience in enhancing the experience of beauty.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The essay focuses on the concept of beauty in art and music, exploring its transformative power on the human soul. Key themes include: beauty as a fundamental element of human experience, the interconnectedness of beauty with connectedness, well-being, and spiritual awareness, the physiological and psychological impact of beauty on human well-being, the therapeutic applications of art and music, and the influence of personality traits on the perception and appreciation of beauty.

• College: Liverpool John Moores University (Art and Design Academy)
• Course: Academic Conference
• Authors: PhD, BA Hons. Cyrus Manasseh (Author), Pamela Schmidt (Author)
• Publication Year: 2012
• Pages: 11
• Catalog Number: V313521
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668126091
• ISBN (Book): 9783668126107
• Language: English
• Tags: beauty, matters, transformational, experiences, music, human, soul