Team member song choices ranged from anthems for the front lines, messages of solidarity with oppressed people or “blues” busters. To date, Bluegrass Care Navigators’ team members have submitted about 50 songs to listen to throughout the year.

“Music is powerful because it sometimes says things in ways that words can’t and can connect with emotions, spirituality and people in a way that words sometimes can’t,” Emma Powers, music therapist, said.

Since music can offer sacred space, access to childhood memories, help us process struggles or lift us to celebration, the Integrative Medicine team has used Spotify playlists with patients to provide different types of music listening experiences. With the start of the new year, it seemed like a good time to invite Team BCN to engage in music listening as a form of self-care.

“This is really an opportunity to practice what you preach,” Maggie Scheppman, music therapist, said. “So often team members are helping family members and explaining self-care practices, but they don’t take care of themselves. Yes, we provide this to our patients, but we can also use these tools to take care of ourselves because our wellness matters.”

So far, the Integrative Medicine team has received almost 50 theme songs. The team hopes this playlist encourages team members and reminds us that we’re all in it together.

“These songs say, ‘We’re rooting for you!” Whitney Clay, Integrative Medicine Program Coordinator, said. “As people have submitted their theme songs for 2023, it’s also allowed me to learn something new about a team member by the song that they chose.”

Listen to the 2023 Inspiration Playlist on Spotify!