The Nutcracker – watercress words by Dr Aletha

A surprise flashmob

Social media created the concept of “flash mobs” although I haven’t seen as many of them posted lately. This one from 2013 is still my favorite.

I guess surprise is characteristic of a flashmob, but this one happened in an unexpected place-a hospital-and illustrates what this blog is all about-exploring and promoting the heart of health.

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Who was Hadassah?

The Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem is named for an Old Testament Bible character, Hadassah, whose name was later changed to Esther. Among the 66 books in the Bible, Esther is one of only two books named for women; the other is Ruth.

The story of Esther is one of the epic dramas of the Bible, full of intrigue, conflict, conspiracy, danger,risk, betrayal, discrimination and ultimate justice. As the Queen of Persia, Esther faced the choice of risking her life to save others. The story is so engaging that it has been dramatized in movies. (There is even a Veggie Tales version.)

You can read the whole story here- The Book of Esther

Who was Tchaikovsky?

The music in the video is The Waltz of the Flowers by famous Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky . If you’ve ever attended a performance of The Nutcracker during the Christmas season, you will recognize it.

I love the way this performance brought people together- the musicians, dancers, visitors, hospital staff and patients. You can feel the joy they created in a place that always needs it.

You can tell that some of the patients here are seriously ill. Perhaps they felt a sense of hope and peace and for a few moments forgot the reason they were there. Music can be therapeutic and I believe it was that day.

Learn about Music as medicine from the American Psychological Association

sharing the HEART of health in music

Dr Aletha

faith, hope and love in cursive letters — another inspirational graphic from the Lightstock.com collections of stock images, an affiliate link

Have “flash mobs” gone away? Maybe because of the pandemic they’ve been suppressed. So I’m glad this one has been preserved on video.

You don’t expect a flash mob to happen in a hospital, but when you think about it, isn’t that one of the best places for one to happen? Music makes us feel good. Music can touch us in ways that medicine can’t.

“Music has been around since ancient times. It is part of every known culture. It can get your foot tapping, lift your mood, and even help you recall a distant memory. Did you know that music can bring other health benefits? Scientists are exploring the different ways music stimulates healthier bodies and minds.

“When you listen to or create music, it affects how you think, feel, move, and more,” says neuroscientist Dr. Robert Finkelstein, who co-leads NIH’s music and health initiative.”

Watch this and see if you agree.

The Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

performed by music students at the Hadassah Hospital

As we celebrate the holiday season remember people who can’t celebrate at home with their friends and family-

people in hospitals and nursing homes
those serving in the military
those who work every day to keep the rest of us safe- police, firefighters, medical professionals, transportation workers, other essential workers