In a world where the din of daily life often drowns out the melody of happiness, Mr. Ramanujam Muralidaran, the Executive Director of the Happiness Center Lagos, offers a symphony of wisdom. He declares that music, meditation, and celebration are not mere ingredients but the very essence of holistic well-being, echoing the rhythmic heartbeat of Nigerias cultural heritage.

With over two decades of experience as a wellness coach, Ramanujam disclosed this life-affirming revelation at the Happiness Beats Live Music and Meditation show, a harmonious event that got every spirit lifted. The show was a testament to the profound cultural significance of music where rhythm flows through peoples veins. In a conversation withThe Guardian, Ramanujam revealed musics profound impact on the human soul. He posits that music has the power not only to uplift spirits but to kindle the embers of energy and to facilitate connections among souls, adding that it is a sentiment deeply ingrained in the heart of every nations musical tradition where every note carries the stories of generations.

Yet, in a contemporary world characterised by relentless hustle and bustling metropolises, the importance of celebration often gets drowned in the cacophony of lifes demands. Ramanujam emphasised that todays fast-paced existence has left many struggling under the weight of stress.

In the heart of Lagos a city of long commutes and hectic schedules, stress has become a ubiquitous companion. People nowadays have a dire need for taking care of stress, remarks Rami, his words echoing the collective sighs of many city dwellers.

To address this, Rami introduces a unique breathing technique, a treasure trove of wisdom passed down through generations, much like the tales of Nigerias folklore. This technique not only enhances physical health but also bestows upon individuals the serene focus required to navigate lifes tumultuous waters. When you have more energy, Rami passionately asserts, you feel better when you come back home. This echoes the spirit of resilience and optimism found in Nigerias age-old proverbs and stories.

Music is more than just a secret sauce; it is the very spice of life. Rami acknowledges that music has the profound ability to balance the logical and creative facets of the brain, providing respite from the relentless stress of daily life. It is a sentiment that harmonises with Nigerias diverse cultural tapestry, where music is an inseparable part of everyday existence.

There are two sides of the brain; one is the logical side and one is the creative side. They say that the left is the logical side and the right is the creative. So, what happens is we often end up using more of the logical side of the brain in our lives when people listen to any music, it suddenly changes their state of mind. So, music is like a secret sauce that is added to the food. It just brings that little bit extra in the mind and also what music does is that it helps to let go of the stresses, it helps you relax, more so when you listen to some song, you are so engrossed in the song that you just let go and somewhere the mind relaxes. So, when you do anything creative, it can be music, it can be art, it can be writing, it can be singing, dancing. It balances out both sides of the brain, he explains.

The choice of music, Rami advises, is akin to selecting the perfect spice for a culinary masterpiece. It must align with ones surroundings and activities, resonating with the cadence of life at that moment. This advice mirrors the intricate and nuanced selection of spices in Nigerian cuisine, each offering a unique flavour to the tapestry of life.

The General Manager, Sales, Events and Partnerships, Francisca Ukabiala, added that stress is the number one factor that causes illnesses in the body and in the mind, stating that it starts to manifest in diseases, aches and pains, and if its not taken care of, it leads to other very bad conditions.

So, aside from treating stress, we take care of the outcomes of stress, like pain. We find a lot of people with arthritis, we find people with back pain, knee pain, diabetes, and high blood pressure, we basically reset the body through detoxing and other natural means to bring the body back to what it ought to be.

What we practice here is Ayurveda medicine. Ayurveda medicine is an Indian traditional medicine that is over 5,000 years old and is approved by the World Health Organisation. The main difference between Ayurveda and other local practices that we have in Nigeria is that Ayurveda is very formalised. So, Indians have documented this medicine over the years, unlike our Ijaw Mama or the Alagbos who would treat, who would do bone setting, treat infertility, treat palsy, give massage, but where is it documented? she questioned.

The Happiness Center Lagos, a sanctuary for the soul, is not confined to mental well-being alone. It is a medical wellness centre, reminiscent of the age-old herbal remedies and traditional healing practices that have sustained many communities for years.

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Music, meditation and celebration: Essential ingredients for holistic well-being - Guardian Nigeria