Peace, Be Still is a collection of tracks composed with the intention of offering calming and soothing vibrations to listeners. In this hectic world where we tend to rush around and find ourselves stressing out in traffic or in lines or just in general, it is important to have tools for relaxation. The concept of this collection originated with a series of individual lullabies i wrote for babies born into my family and extended family. Within You ,(Lullaby for Bobby), Look and See , (Lullaby for Loki), and Lullaby for Ruka, and Song for Molly's 15th Birthday. I am releasing this group of pieces as a collection , having spent many hours testing the series of tracks on myself and family and others, and I am happy to share with others this relaxing experience. My husband Yvon falls asleep every time I play it !!!! ( ha ha , let's all relax!!!) Dr. Michael Irwin at UCLA Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior recently published two scientific studies which used Spiraling Music for healing programs. In his own words, "To Whom It May Concern: It is a pleasure to provide a letter of comment regarding the music of Merrill Collins. It is thought that the relaxation response induces a profound state of deep rest, which when practiced and applied to our daily lives, can alter how we respond to physical and emotional stress. The music of Merrill Collins is, in my view, important in facilitating the transition into this state of deep relaxation. Recently, we have integrated this music into an ongoing study of the benefits of Tai Chi on mood, sleep, and well-being. During the practice sessions, participants listen to the music of Merrill Collins and practice Tai Chi. Since adding this music component to the sessions, we have noted several striking benefits. First, the participants are reporting greater ease at entering the “space” that allows for the practice of tai chi, with greater focus on breathing and inner being. Second, the participants report the classes as being “more enjoyable”, “producing more benefit”, and “more likely to produce improvement” with average increases in score items by 25-30% as compared to prior sessions that did not employ the music. Third, adherence to the sessions has improved substantially with average attendance reaching nearly 95% as compared to 88% prior to incorporation of the music. Although we do not yet know whether this music has tangible benefits on primary outcomes of mood and sleep, and well-being, these observations point to the benefit that this music has in helping individuals engage in practices that foster the relaxation response, and in further adherence to these practices. Sincerely, Michael R. Irwin, M.D. Unlike other New Age music produced synthetically with abstract tones, Spiraling Music albums are created acoustically by world-class musicians. Popular in places of sanctuary and retreat (yoga and t'ai chi centers, hospitals and cathedral bookshops), our beautiful and evocative music scores at the highest levels of theta-gamma synchrony, creating an atmosphere of calm alertness. Thanks to all for the inspiration to produce and continue to produce music inspired by loving heart connections.