Music Exercises for the Mind

We can all sit back and remember certain moments in our lives that brought us joy, excitement, pleasure, or unfortunately pain. As I got older I realized music is not only a form of therapy, but a solid historian of our lives. With tears in my eyes, I recall what once meant so much, now means so little. Places in time taken for granted, my spirit sometimes whispers take me back. Mistakes, misfortunes, and miracles all set to sound by music.

Let me explain this concept a little further. Many mental health studies show music can match our moods, personality, or hidden inner self. Music can also let you know where your mind is or was at any given time in life.Think about it. When you are about to go out and have a good time, what do you listen to? When you are angry or hurt what do you usually want to hear? When relaxing or feeling romantic what tracks come to mind? Music can also be uplifting and motivate change. What songs stimulate positive actions?

As a child I remember lots of 80’s pop and soft rock. We mainly listened to music as a family, on TV or in the car. My parents only allowed music they recognized from before they arrived in the US. This left us with Michael Jackson and The Beatles on repeat. My childhood was more of a reflection of my parents life soundtrack. I had yet to venture out musically like most children. For me this time represented a time of camouflage. Blending with 2 cultures, really not feeling like a part of either. Much like Erickson's Stages of Development highlight, this time period is full of developing a sense of self control, tasting the flavor of independence, finding balance, confidence, and competence. I can remember singing every Michael Jackson song from top to bottom, dressing like him and not caring what anyone thought, except my parents. Dancing like I actually had rhythm with no shame. My parents approved, so I was happy. Even on the darker days back then, a Beatles or M.J song would brighten up everyone's day. Can you think of a song, that if it started playing right now, a smile would spring to your face.

When we are physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy our play list is mixed and diverse. Even if you gravitate to a certain type of music, your mental state will gravitate towards a certain tone depending on your mood. Dig deep and visualize the lyrics that yields the most emotion from you. Reflecting on my turbulent teenage years, I can vividly remember being drawn to darker music of multiple genres. Standing out and being unable to blend in anywhere, definitely took a toll on me. My emotions ranged from Breaking Benjamin to Alicia Keys. I often blared angry alternative rock and every heart break song from here to the moon. My environment was toxic and I was drowning in it, but I did not realize it at the time. Thankfully, I survived and moved on. If your environment is toxic or you are surrounded by toxic individuals, it will eventually seep into your life. Music is a creative way to perform a quick wellness check. What rhythms are you feeding your brain? Keep in mind some of us may like certain genres of music that may seem odd to others. However, if listening to that type of music summons negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions about yourself or others, you may need to seek a safe space to process, alone or with someone you trust.

Our minds are like sponges. If you notice you are gravitating towards darker lyrics, darker artist, or darker sounds in general, it may be an indicator that something is troubling you that needs to be addressed. As stated earlier, we all have a variety of emotions as human beings. Nobody is always excited or smiling ear to ear constantly. However, it is not healthy to always be down, afraid, anxious, angry or frustrated. The music we listen to can be a reflection of our spirits state. If you are not a music person this may not be as reliable an indicator for you as others. In life there are no absolutes. Music is just one way you can monitor your mental and spiritual balance. If you can recall a song or album that can describe major moments in your life easily, this may be an essential self awareness exercise to practice.

So the question remains, what is your life’s soundtrack right now? Is it mixed or is there a repeating theme of relatable, but toxic undertones. Time and place is important to note as well. If your 8 am jam is about heartbreak, loneliness, hurting yourself or others, it may be time talk to someone and process your emotions. I remember me and my partner in crime were driving to pick up dinner. “I’m in love with another man” by Jazmine Sullivan came on Pandora. Boy, when that song first came out I used to sing it at the top of my lungs all day. I also remember what was going on in my life at the time. I was not in love with another man, but the song and music video were somber. It matched the tone of my life. On the present day in time, I skipped to another song after a bit. Don’t get me wrong I still love the song and vocal quality, but at that moment it no longer fit my life's soundtrack.

My college days consisted of a lot of dance music, complete with awkward dance moves. I could lean and rock or snap and twist with the best of them. Afro-beats and reggae described my night life. I was loose and free. I found a few people I actually connected with and was exposed to so many beautiful individuals and experiences. As I write this, I can't help but to smile. Music can subliminally document exactly when and where something in your life changes, for better or for worst. Unfortunately, my college years ended in sudden illness and familiar isolation. Unlike earlier years, this time my soundtrack changed to motivation. I refused to stay beaten. I found solace in gospel and hip-hop with messages of overcoming and not giving up. Tough times in life happen. It is perfectly healthy to have negative emotions at times. There is also a point in which one has to get up and push on.

My early adulthood to now is a blend of my past favorites and new artist I seem to discover monthly. This playlist represents the building and blending of my immediate family. Combining playlist, discovering new sounds, and sharing with each other. I can't forget baby shark or Dave and Ava Youtube nursery rhymes to round off the list. Self reflection is healthy. Music can be a powerful tool to highlight where we are mentally, where we have been, and where we want to go. Not all self awareness exercise have to be boring. Make a list of 5 songs that depict your life through your eyes currently. Does your playlist have a healthy variety or is there a reoccurring theme? Is that theme healthy? You can try this exercise with someone who knows you well or reflect on your own. Awareness is one of the initial steps for growth and change. Have fun, relax, reflect, and release.

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