We have discussed how being mindful can help alleviate stress and anxiety and increase happiness levels. I did a post on using your sense of sight to increase mindfulness. You can find it here.
This post is about the magical sense of hearing and how to use it be more mindful in your daily life.
First up is music. Music is so important to your wellbeing. It can lift your mood, motivate you to get moving, comfort you when you’re feeling low, and even transport you to another time and place. If you use music correctly, it is like having a soundtrack for your life.
Create your own playlists on music streaming services such as Spotify or Pandora. I have playlists for special times during the year and special occasions. For example, I have a summer vacation playlist, a playlist for when I want warm, cozy winter vibes, a morning get-your-butt-out-of-bed playlist, and a playlist for getting pumped to exercise. I have playlists full of happy, upbeat songs (such as “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrine and the Waves) for when I’m in a great mood or want to be in a great mood and I have playlists full of angsty, melancholy songs for when I just need to sit with my feelings for a while. I even playlists for “spa time” in the shower. Sometimes, instead of music, I will play the sound of ocean waves or rain falling when I am trying to go to sleep.
You can also create playlists to figuratively transport you to another time or place. I have a mild obsession with French culture, so I often play French cafe music in the background when I want that chic French girl vibe. I also play music from my teenage years when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic. It is amazing how one song can take you back 2o years and you can remember what you were doing and who you were with the last time you heard it. Music is so powerful. Use it as your secret weapon to help navigate life.
Stop and appreciate other sounds as well. Pause for a moment when you walk out to check your mail–what sounds do you hear? Birds singing? Squirrels scampering up trees? Children laughing as they play down the street? Close your eyes and be thankful for the sounds around you. You’re alive and part of a big, beautiful world.
When you’re at the beach, soak in the sounds of the ocean waves hypnotically lapping on the shore, the sea gulls cawing, the families that are laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Even in the city, you can soak in the sounds and be thankful–the constant hum and murmur of the people who make the city so exciting, the sounds of cars and trucks buzzing through the busy streets.
And when you’re with others–your family, friends, coworkers, and even people you may meet at the grocery store–truly listen to them. Don’t interrupt to put your two cents in. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. People love to be listened to. It makes them feel important and valued.
Your assignment today is to pick one song that gives you “the feels” you want to be in and to write a list of your top 5 favorite sounds.
Mine are:
1. rain falling with thunder rumbling in the distance
2. the sound of waves lapping on the shore
3. my mother’s voice
4. when someone laughs so hard, they snort
5. my cat purring
What are yours?
I hope you enjoyed this post. I’ll see you next time to talk about the power of smell!
A Spoonful of Joy 