As someone whose musical career peaked with the triangle in nursery school (though I did have Majors for Minors on repeat during my boys’ early years), I found myself wondering what it takes to transform from novice to virtuoso.

The legendary Yo-Yo Ma said, “Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel.”

The discipline required to master an instrument teaches invaluable life lessons and according to the Royal College of Music, regular practice not only improves musical ability but also develops emotional awareness, time management skills, the ability to accept and learn from criticism, and perseverance through difficulties. This is why the CPO’s work with South African youth is so important.

And the orchestra itself? It’s like a masterclass in teamwork. Orchestra members learn how to listen while performing, follow while leading, respect timing and spacing, blend individual talent with collective harmony, and trust in the process – and their fellow musicians.

And what about for someone just sitting in the audience and soaking it all up?

Science says our brains light up like a Christmas tree when we listen to classical music, improving everything from our focus to our emotional IQ. Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that regular concert goers often report an improved ability to concentrate, better stress management and a deeper appreciation for complexity and nuance.

But Wednesday evening had another lesson in store for me. It taught me, that even if you’ve had a tough week (with some tough goodbyes), unexpected social events can fill your tank in ways that Netflix never can!

In his book, The Fun Habit, Mike Rucker explores how the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life. For Rucker, fun is integral to a well-balanced life – and not the scrolling through reels kind of fun, the type that gets you up and dancing to life’s rhythm.

Moments of fun (planned or unexpected) do a lot of heavy lifting. They:

• Restore our energy
• Improve emotional resilience
• Lower levels of anxiety and depression
• Boost productivity and longevity
• Increase our ‘oomph’ – or as author Elizabeth Birkeland puts it, ‘our excitement about being alive’ (her novel Northern Lights in Provence is wonderful, read it!)

Put simply, fun strengthens our relationships, reduces stress, and creates moments of relief when life sometimes feel like an unrelenting rollercoaster.

Even better? Spontaneous invitations can also introduce you to new people, new conversations, new ways of thinking AND a brand-new cocktail: The Philharmonic.

This liquid symphony of premium brandy, vanilla syrup, pineapple juice, lemon juice and MCC has been specially curated for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (by a very talented mixologist). It is an ode to summer, joy and meaningful moments. Each cocktail comes with a printed pineapple ‘wedge’ containing a QR code that patrons can scan to support the talent and work of the CPO.

To find out more about the work of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, where to hear them play, how to support their projects, or where to enjoy a Philharmonic please email louise@cpo.org.za.

And if you’re looking for a few things to fill your tank this summer, consider Maynardville’s festival schedule, (how good does Sunday in the Park with Sondheim sound?), the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra for orchestral events around the country, and seek out a range of outdoor concerts, markets and festivals under sunny skies – South Africa does summer well! Cheers to a season rich with fun, rhythm and revelry!

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Bosses: Gen Z and millennial workers have no clue what you’re talking about when you use these acronyms

LOL, WTF? Why Gen Z is drawing blanks at Boomer business speak. Read more.

Update your bucket list with a few of these bizarre destinations

Forget seeing the northern lights, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or hot air ballooning over Cappadocia. Moss & Fogg just put together the most bizarre (and intriguing) destinations to visit. Read more.

New airport planned for Gauteng

According to Gauteng’s Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, there are plans afoot for a new airport, expanded Gautrain service and a high-speed train to Limpopo! Read more.

Iconic Time Out Magazine is headed for SA!

As of 1 December, Time Out Cape Town will expand to Time Out South Africa with a mission to be the go-to publication for the best cultural, culinary and travel experiences for both locals and tourists alike. Read more.

It’s important to note that he didn’t do the official race (which doesn’t actually finish on the famous steps), but bought a grey tracksuit in South Africa, packed it in his bag, and headed to New York (where he first shared a corndog with his partner on Times Square, another bucket-list experience), and then onto Philadelphia to run in the footsteps of Rocky – the world’s ultimate underdog and symbol of resilience, perseverance and redemption. (And yes, he got the best photograph at the top of the stairs!)

Over the years, studies have shown that achieving goals (including bucket-list items) triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter essential for overall mental and physical well-being. Dopamine acts on the ‘reward centre’ in our brain, and is responsible for everything from pleasure, satisfaction and motivation to memory, mood and sleep.

In fact, researchers believe that:

• Engaging in new experiences is linked to increased neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.
• Travelling can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, even slowing down the ageing process.
• Planning and anticipating positive experiences, like bucket-list activities, can reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
• Having a sense of purpose, which is often reinforced by pursuing bucket-list goals, is linked to better cognitive function and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

The good news is that bucket-list experiences don’t always require a long-haul flight or Lotto win. An example? I’ve always wanted to spend a morning with the meerkats. So, this July, we embarked on a road trip to Oudtshoorn. We spent a few days in the Klein Karoo, where early one morning, we braved the cold, met our guide (Devey), wandered about 200 metres into the scrub, set up our camp chairs, enjoyed our coffee and watched the sunrise as the local meerkat mob popped their heads out of their burrow. Best day ever. 

These ‘micro’ bucket-list items are also important. As Brita Schumacher from Somewhere Sunny (a company focused on transformational travel and coaching) explains, ‘micro’ bucket-list experiences are the things that make you say: “That looks fun.” Or “I’d love to go there.” And “I’d love to see/do/taste that.” Because when you check them off your list, you get all the positive benefits associated with bucket-list travel, like increased neuroplasticity, a dopamine boost, and plenty of fun and excitement.

As we approach peak holiday season – a busy and stressful time in our industry – make sure you have a few ‘micro’ bucket-list experiences lined up for yourself. On my list? South Africa’s first ‘slow overnight hiking trail’ in De Mond Nature Reserve and the Christmas market at Standford’s River Gate Guest Farm.

And remember, we’re all different. Some of us want to run like Rocky, while others want to do the sloth walk in Costa Rica. Or visit one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world (including East City, Cape Town). As long as it brings you loads of joy (and dopamine).

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this week

South Africa named top culinary destination on the continent

Add some foodie destinations to your ‘micro’ bucket list because SA has just been named the culinary capital of Africa!

Summer schedule means more flights
to SA

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced new flight routes and additional flights to several of its airports – just in time for our summer season.

Robo-hotel rises in Texas desert 

Forget room service – how about a robot-built room? El Cosmico is set to become the world’s first 3D-printed hotel, sprouting from the Texas desert like a high-tech mirage. 

AI creates your future self’s chatbot 

Ever fancied a heart-to-heart with your wrinklier, wiser self? MIT’s new AI whips up a chatty 60-year-old you, complete with “synthetic memories” and life advice.  

Scientists race to save vanishing banana 

The world’s favourite banana is on the brink of extinction, threatened by a relentless fungus. Scientists have cracked the case, but the solution might surprise you – it involves shaking up your fruit-bowl choices.