Soothing, inspiring words of Kathleen Swann, R.N., C.C.E., are beautifully supported by an oasis of sound created by Emmy-winning composer Ken Kaufman on SEASONS OF SERENITY, a guided meditation sweeping the healing arts community.

"This exceptional guided visualization with music program is an excellent aid to relaxation and well-being," notes Wesley Hicks, Jr., MD, Senior Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, and Author.

Swann - a noted workshop leader and Registered Nurse with advanced certification in childhood development - has been utilizing music therapy and relaxation techniques to create positive changes in her patients’ emotional and mental states. With a strong belief in the powerful mind-body connection, she recorded guided imagery stories aimed at easing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.

Swann pioneered these relaxation methods to help her patients deal with the tensions of daily life, release stress, lower blood pressure, banish depression, lessen pain, and improve sleep.

"Years ago while working with pediatric patients at Roswell Park Cancer Institute," Swann explains, "I found that music therapy helped reduce nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy and after surgery. Guided imagery stories also helped patients sleep, thus increasing their resilience and recovery."

Focusing techniques, centering on breathing. make these self-directed meditations a safe therapeutic choice that can be used repeatedly by those in recovery as well as anyone seeking a more relaxed state of mind.

"Over the last 12 years as a Certified Childbirth Educator," Swann shares, "I have taught couples progressive relaxation through the use of guided imagery. In Maternity, I help patients maintain control during labor by offering visual imagery. THE SEASONS OF PREGNANCY CD was ‘born’. Because there are no subliminal messages in our series, the listener remains in control, building a strong mind-body connection. This is important for people who are undergoing drug or alcohol rehabilitation, or participating in a stress management program."

Beautiful melodies created by Ken Kaufman complement the narrative performed by Kathleen Swann on SEASONS OF SERENITY. The soundtrack is made available without words as a recording entitled SEASONS OF TRANQUILITY. The instrumental CDs are currently being used to help calm crying and distressed infants in hospital and home nurseries, as well as with nursing mothers to promote let-down during lactation.

Ken Kaufman is Western New York’s most prolific composer, an Eastman graduate who has penned hundreds of jingles, several musicals, and feature films.

Four distinctly different but equally relaxing moods are presented here: Gentle, Native American-inspired rhythms resonate throughout "Autumn of Tranquility", accented by electric piano, harp, temple blocks, recorder, and strings. Kaufman’s artistry comes alive in "Reflections of Winter," an original piece with a truly unique American flare, created with the use of piano, bass strings, and oboe. Strings, inspired by the sacred sites of Machu Pitchu and Kyoto bring out the Asian flavor of "Showers of Spring." "Serenity of Summer", sprinkled with electric piano, xylophone, bass, shakers, guitar strings and flute create a tropical mood.

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