Musical Influence

I do not listen to the radio often. I get behind on new music and new artist. I have become fixated on playlists I already have and will discover new music or artists after friends mention songs they like, or I hear a new song on social media. I found myself the other day wanting to catch up on some new music from an artist that I liked, and that song affected my mental state at that time.

After my mood shift, I started to ponder on how often music affects our mental state. Consequently, while previously going through breakups, I would listen to music that would speak to my situation or empower me to push past my emotions. When I want to worship, I pull on music to help usher me to the throne. If I want to relax there’s music I’ll listen to, to keep me in a Zen space. When I go for a massage or facial the music is usually earthy… sounds of water and nature to put you in a state of calm. I have noticed that movies play certain music when the movie‘s intent to to place you in a state of suspense or fear.

The reason this analysis struck a place with me is, depending on what I’m listening to, it has at times altered my perceptions and at times my identity. I’ve wanted to handle situations as the song lyrics suggested and temporarily took on an identity that wasn’t my own. I wonder how many women have listened to a song and because of a similar experience made that song their anthem at that time and portrayed the lyrics? I’m not going to recount and tell you all the times I wanted to bust windows out of a guys car.

You are what you feed your mind. Research has supported that music can change our mood and perceptions good and bad. When living a life of purpose and intention, this awareness is very important to understand. You must be careful of what you feed yourself. You must stay congruent with who you are by allowing your internal state and values to manifest externally.

Be careful of what you allow your eyes and ears to take in, they are gateways. Purpose will change your life and others. Don’t think for one second that forces of this world are not trying to abort your purpose. Feed yourself what’s necessary to grow to become the best version of yourself. Don’t allow yourself to be ignorant to the power of musical influence.