Often we can find ourselves in a mood which doesn’t suit what we are trying to achieve. And we would like to shift it to a more beneficial mood. One powerful way of doing this is reconnecting with music that takes us to where we want to be.
Music connects us to the past, impacts our body (especially if loud) and carries our thoughts elsewhere. Sometimes it’s the music itself, the words of the song or the connection to past memories that does the trick. More often a combination of all. I use music when I am in a particularly strong mood and I can’t “think” my way out of it. Before long I’m dancing around and yelling at the top of my lungs, feeling much different.
There are some things you can do which will help you get to the music you need faster.
Firstly, make a list of the music or songs which move you. Note the title, artist and
if possible what it does for you. Some of my favourite pieces are:
- Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen—positive song
- Heaven’s Open by Mike Oldfield—love the build up of the music and now a strong connection to my Nanna’s passing away
- Sail Away Sweet Sister by Queen—connects me to my family
- True and Gold by Spandau Ballet—the chorus gives me strength
- The Best Things In Life Are Free by Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross—hard to be sad with this one
- Help, the John Farnham version—a reality check
- Bat Out of Hell by Meatloaf—long and takes plenty of energy to keep up with, and
- anything by Culture Club—hey, I’m an 80’s boy!
Secondly, once you have your list, make your own CD of mood music to carry with you (subject to copyright restrictions of course). Software such as Windows Media Player or iTunes (my favourite) make this much easier. Then you always have your moods on hand.
Never underestimate the power of music to change your mood.