Headspace studio. Hi friends, it's Rosie here.
Welcome to Radio Headspace and to Monday.
So I've recently started rewatching Stranger Things, and every time it's on, it fills me with nostalgia.
I guess that's the point of the show, but it all starts with the music.
When those synths during the intro hit, it's divine.
I'm instantly transported back to my youth.
I'm an 80s baby and proud of it.
The show is constantly playing old hits I haven't heard in a really long time.
And it really has a strong effect on me.
I love it. Spoiler alert, if you've not seen it.
There's a whole plot line where music keeps the bad guy out of people's minds.
The most iconic example is when a character named Max is saved from the evil Vecna by listening to Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill.
It's so good. The point is, all of this got me thinking about the power of music in our own lives.
And I think we should talk about it.
I recently read an article that really resonated with me.
It said, music is therapy.
Music has this incredible power to make us laugh, dance, and sing.
It's like a universal language that speaks to a deeper part of ourselves, lifting our spirits, and helping us process our emotions in ways that words sometimes can't.
And this week, I want to talk about music, what it does for me, and how it really is a form of therapy.
When I was going through a really bad breakup in my younger years, music was my refuge.
I found myself looping songs like Black from Pearl Jam and No Doubt's entire Tragic Kingdom album because, you know, the 90s.
These songs felt like they were written just for me, perfectly capturing the raw pain and confusion I was experiencing.
Black had that haunting melody and those profound lyrics that spoke directly to my soul.
While Tragic Kingdom was like a cathartic journey through the stages of heartache and anger, it was a breakup album, after all.
As the days turned into weeks, my playlist began to evolve.
I remember one night in particular, sitting in my room with the lights dimmed and rage against the machines Killing in the Name of came on.
I had this intense playlist debacle because my music player got stuck on that song.
There I was with Zach De La Rocha's voice screaming out my frustrations.
It was the perfect soundtrack for those moments when anger and defiance bubbled to the surface.
But there were also times when I needed to escape the intensity.
I would throw on some Brian Eno and his ambient music provided a soothing backdrop that allowed my mind to wander and reflect.
It was during those quieter moments that I could begin to process what had happened and start to heal.
It's fascinating how situations like this make you experience music you've heard your whole life in a different way.
Songs that I had casually listened to before took on new meanings and new depths.
They became the soundtrack to my healing journey.
Each note and lyric resonating in ways they never had before.
This reminds me of a quote by Ethan Hawke that I came across.
It says, we have a tendency to treat work of art as a luxury.
You know, to save it for special occasions.
But art is not a luxury.
Art is the way that we communicate.
And music is a way that we communicate.
Music allows us to feel connected to the world when our hearts are breaking.
These songs made me feel heard and tapped into how I was feeling in a way that other things couldn't at that time.
Music is always playing in my space.
In fact, the only time I don't have music on is when I'm sleeping.
But even then, I listen to brown noise via the Headspace app.
Shameless plug. Music has this transformative power.
It doesn't just reflect our emotions.
It helps us understand them.
At the beginning of my breakup, those intense heart -wrenching songs felt like an echo of my pain.
But as I began to heal, music became a guide, leading me through the labyrinth of my emotions.
By the end of that journey, the songs that once brought tears to my eyes began to bring a sense of peace and understanding.
For real, when I started my health journey and began training for my first marathon, music was my constant companion, pushing me forward with every beat.
It does something, right?
Never underestimate the power of music, especially when you feel down.
Try listening to a song that reminds you of something positive, or one that you know will make you sing along and dance around.
It might just save you from negative thoughts trying to get the better of you.
The point I'm trying to make is that music can be a powerful tool for lifting your spirits, commiserating when you're going through something, or helping you remember something about your youth.
Yes, we all love music.
But I just wanted to take a moment to step back and really appreciate the incredible role it plays in our lives.
Try this exercise the next time you feel angry or sad.
Replace the negative thought with an uplifting memory, or try to see the positive in the situation.
The moment you realize you're in control of your mind, you become the master of it.
The power of music is truly incredible.
It's like a trusted friend who knows exactly what to say and when to say it.
Your mind is not destined to stay in its current state.
You can train it. Just like you can work out to improve your physical health, you can train your mind to enhance your mental health.
In Stranger Things, Eleven regains her powers by confronting challenging memories.
Similarly, you can implement practices like yoga, meditation, and journaling to unlock your mind's full potential.
For me, journaling has been transformative.
Each day I spend time reflecting on what I'm grateful for, what I've accomplished, and my visions for tomorrow.
This practice has helped me train my mind to focus on what is lifting me up, instead of what is holding me down.
So as we wrap up today's episode, I encourage you to reflect on the power of music and nostalgia in your life.
How can you use these tools to lift your spirits and train your mind?
Also, please feel free to share what you're currently listening to.
I love finding new music.
And if you're looking for some extra guidance, check out the Being in the Moment with Music, Meditation, and the App.
Thank you for joining me today.
If you want to share your thoughts with me, find me on Instagram at Rosie Acosta.
Until next time, take care and embrace the magic of music and memories.
I'll see you back here soon.
