Music

I suspect we all listen to music at some point, but I know I’ve taken for granted just how incredibly powerful music can be.

When I’m in bed at night, tunes geared specifically for sleep quietly whisper in the background and help calm my mind and wash away much of the craziness of the day. When I’m doing something active, a little Metallica, AC/DC, or Saint Motel is the way to go. When it’s just one of those days, there’s a specific song by Limp Bizkit that helps me process my feelings. Sometimes when I’m feeling nostalgic, it’s music from the 80’s. A little Wham! never hurt anyone. 😄 

We each have our list of songs that “get” us in some fashion or another – that bring to the surface specific emotions, feelings, and memories. Music that takes us to a certain place or a certain time in our past. Music that allows us to close our eyes and take a deep, necessary breath. Music that motivates and drives us forward. Silly mix tapes, anyone?

And music is, at least in my opinion, such a necessary part of our human journey. There is evidence of musical instruments as far back as 40,000 years ago. Music affects our mind, it affects our body, and it affects our mood. And music helps us connect and build community.

Johns Hopkins University did a study about the effect of music on the brain. It’s a great way to stimulate the brain and open pathways for growth, especially as we age. According to the study, music can help get our creative juices flowing, bring memories back to the surface, and cause our bodies to have a physical reaction.

Music can make us want to move our bodies, it can lead to longer exercise routines, and it can help decrease fatigue. It can also help lower anxiety and even address symptoms of depression.

In a social setting, if we all know the same song, we might hum along, sing the words, or even get up and dance a little bit. It helps break down barriers and bring people together.

If you think about the effects of music when you’re watching a movie or TV show, you can feel your body tense up or calm down based on the atmosphere that’s created. Imagine those shows and movies without the music. It’s just not the same.

The beauty of it is you don’t need to be a musician or music afficionado to enjoy music or reap its benefits. I don’t know much about the technical side of music, but I know what I enjoy and what makes me feel certain ways. And that’s enough for me.

Music is an essential part of the human experience, no doubt. Just don’t forget to bring your Walkman. 😉 

To close, here’s one of my favorite songs of all time. Can’t really tell you why – it just transports me somewhere.

Until next week.

Cheers,

Andy

(All written content created the old-fashioned way.)