Do you ever listen to music EXCLUSIVELY without doing anything else at the same time?
I think we can all agree that we currently live in a world fueled by fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. In our media, our politics, and our jobs. This has led to a world where depression, drug abuse, and even suicide is at epidemic levels.
But on the other hand this is a confusing reality. We also live in a time where information is everywhere. Technology has made life more convenient that ever.
We went from having to hunt, plant seeds, harvest our own food…planning the entire day around cooking over fire in a pot, and then having family time at the dinner table discussing the days events.
Today we sit alone in our car while our food is handed to us in a bag at the drive through while we’re reading the breaking news via our local news app while ignoring a text from our boss, but thinking about a strategy to solve our next Wordle in fewer attempts.
No wonder we are stressed out.
I just interviewed Dr. Fred Moss, a psychiatrist and author of a book I just read titled “Creative 8 – Healing Through Creativity & Self- Expression.” I can’t wait to share that episode with you (coming in 2 weeks)
It really got me thinking about the power of creativity. Especially the power of music in our lives. How we use it. How we consume it.
Who hasn’t heard a song on the radio that took them back to a time as if you were there?
Maybe it was the joy of a high school football game, remembering how heartbroken you were after a breakup, or that first dance at the reception after your wedding.
Dr. Moss’s book talks about using things like playing an instrument, singing, and dancing to promote self-healing. It got me thinking about how we use music in our everyday lives.
I started preforming some research on the topic and came across this interesting question…
Do you ever sit and listen to music exclusively without doing anything else at the same time?
On the surface this seems like an easy question. If you are from the Boomer or Gen X generations, I’m sure you remember sitting with a group of friends in our bedrooms listening to the new album you just purchased at a place like Karma Records, Tower Records, or even Sears.
Epic Albums of our Generation: Kiss Alive II, Pink Floyd the Wall, The Who’s Tommy
You would put the record on and get lost in the warmth the needle created when playing the music. All stresses would fade away. It was our entire focus. It could even be what some might call a religious or out-of-body experience listening to these albums.
Today many of us listen through our phones via platforms like iTunes or Spotify. Artists no longer make many concept albums (The Weekend), but today we consume more on a song-by-song basis.
For me music has either become a solo experience not really shared with friends. I have my headphones on as I’m lying in bed, sitting on a plane, or talking that long walk in the park.
If my headphones are not in, the music is typically in the background. It comforts me, but it isn’t my primary focus.
This is understandable. Only a few years ago we either had to save up our hard-earned money to buy the music we wanted to listen too or wait for the rotation on the radio.
Today we have access to ALL OF THE MUSIC IN THE WORLD. So it’s not as rare, and I don’t know if this is fair or not, but at least to me I feel like I appreciate it less.
So…….
I had never really stopped to think how my listening habits have changed, what music means to me today, and if those changes are good, bad, or indifferent.
Could I be using music better? Could it help me relieve more stress, reduce anxiety? I think so.
In closing I would like to ask anyone watching or listening to this same question.
Today….Do you ever sit and listen to music exclusively without doing anything else at the same time?
Thank you so much in advance for sharing your experience. I’ll do a follow up video and let you know what I find out.
~Harr
