Greg Dixon spoke with Bethany Stone – Montessori educator (23+ years), mindset & life skills coach, singer, dancer, podcaster, and founder of Thriving by Nature about the importance of music in her life.
Core Theme
Music isn’t just fun—it’s a soul-deep tool for learning, healing, connection, personal growth, and becoming your truest, most vibrant self. Bethany shares how music has woven through her entire life, from childhood performances to classroom magic to adult coaching, proving that songs stick forever and help us thrive.
Key Highlights & Musical Moments
- A “Sound of Music” Childhood in Swiss Style.
Bethany grew up in a musical Swiss-immigrant family of seven kids. Dressed in dirndls and lederhosen, they sang traditional Swiss songs around Mom’s piano and performed across Idaho and Utah. These family sing-alongs became core memories of joy, togetherness, and unselfconscious music-making—exactly the kind of playful, group music vibe that lights up playing music with others! - Montessori Magic + Music as a Learning Superpower
As a longtime Montessori teacher, Bethany explains the philosophy: meet people (kids or adults) where they are, embrace their unique edges, and adapt instead of forcing them into boxes. Music fits perfectly because it embeds knowledge deeply—especially for neurodivergent brains. She sings her classic U.S. states song (alphabetical order, rhyming perfection—ideal for third graders!): “Alabama and Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas…” → all 50 states in one catchy tune. This demonstrates how group singing turns facts into lasting memories. - Butterfly Life Cycle Song – A Classroom Legacy
Bethany created an original song for kindergartners about the butterfly metamorphosis because no good one existed. Decades later, teachers still request voice clips—proof that kid-created songs become timeless legacies. Music = learning + creating + lasting impact. - Coaching Through Song: Life Skills & Mindset Shifts
Now a coach at thrivingbynature.com, Bethany helps busy entrepreneurs and leaders overcome burnout by building life skills in five “self-care buckets” (emotional, spiritual, physical, social, intellectual— inspired by “There’s a Hole in My Bucket”!). She drops fun musical mindset reminders, like her patience ditty: “Be patient, be patient, never in a hurry, for when you’re in a hurry, it only causes worry.” These tiny songs create big shifts—music makes wisdom stick! - Affirmation Bear Hug Song
A sweet, repeatable classroom affirmation turned podcast highlight: “Give yourself a bear hug because you’re strong. Give yourself a bear hug because you’re brave. Give yourself a bear hug, ’cause you’re important. Give yourself a bear hug every day.” (With breathing interludes—perfect for realistic, kind self-talk.) - Embracing the Goo: Metamorphosis, Dancing & Staying Playful
Bethany ties butterflies to personal growth: the uncomfortable “black goo” phase leads to beauty. Music, dance, hiking, skydiving, and silliness keep us from stagnating. We’re all big kids inside—it’s okay (and essential) to dance, sing, and stay light even on tough days.
Next Steps
Visit thrivingbynature.com for drop-in group coaching, one-on-one sessions, a free patience journal, her self-care course, and podcast episodes (including musical affirmations). Check her YouTube for more mindset tunes and nature-inspired wisdom.
This episode is a delightful reminder: keep singing, keep playing, keep growing—and never outgrow being a little bit silly. Music helps us become our butterflies!
Greg Dixon, Chief Cheerleader
Playing Music For Fun
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