Healing Through Music

October 1, 2022

In five billion years, the Sun will engulf planets, including Earth, on its way to becoming a red giant. Fascinating... to know how it will all end eventually. There are probably billions of other things that could (would) happen to Earth much earlier, completely erasing all traces of human life on it. I wonder if that thought makes people sad. And if it does, why?
To me, the answer is: music. I see no other contribution on our part that is more valuable and unique than the creation of musical pieces, using the power of voices and instruments to bring out human emotions in a non-material form that transmits feelings to other humans, as well as animals and even plants. Sound and music are the alchemy of life, if I may put it that way. It makes me hopelessly sad to think that music exists only for a brief moment in time, but at the same time, aren’t we all lucky that this moment is here and now, and we are part of it?
Here is a post I wrote for another blog in 2022, back when I was using everything I could to get out of the state of lethargy and self-destructive habits that had been shaping my life in the many years prior.

Part of my journey battling depression was through music (in addition to the weekly meetings with a therapist, of course). It is therapeutic for those who create it, but it is nonetheless useful for us, ordinary people, who are meant to enjoy it. Different moods and tastes call for different styles. You know yourself!

I’ve divided my experience of using music as a tool for healing into distinct phases for illustrative purposes. All of them, except the first one, co-exist quite harmoniously in my everyday life to this day.

Phase Zero

You do not listen to music anymore. You’ve lost interest in life as a whole.

Just give it time (and therapy). Meet your needs and take care of yourself!

The Empathetic Phase

This is the time when you need understanding, and it really helps to hear your feelings expressed perfectly in a song. And I’m not talking about the lyrics per se. I mean the way it makes you feel; the scenes that pop into your head when you’re listening to it. It feels like it was meant just for you, and it gives you hope that you are not alone.

The Beginning of the Healing Journey

Introduce yourself to something gentle that can serve as a background to your everyday activities. Something you wouldn’t notice too much, something that will not irritate or bore you.

Music created for SPAs, wellness, studying, or working worked just fine for me.
Natural sounds, bird calls, pouring water, instrumental music, etc.

The Turning Point

I caught myself listening to random songs once I got myself new headphones and a music app subscription. I had already completed a year of therapy and was reaching the point where I no longer needed outside validation to define myself. I was opening my eyes to my worth - still looking at it through smoky glass - but it was there for me to see in case of any doubt.

Now try this: listen to romantic songs, but instead of imagining someone “being there for you,” being “your Wonderwall” or “not letting you down,” put those lyrics in your own mouth and mind and direct them toward yourself! It might sound a bit weird, but it works wonders! It’s empowering, inspiring, and at times even funny. Be assertive, empathetic, and loving toward yourself!

The Introduction to Different Cultures

Literally: introduce yourself to music in a language you don’t understand; to traditional musical instruments from a foreign country; to a new style you haven’t listened to before. This could give you a new perspective, and it might unlock new emotions and ideas.

The Guilty Pleasure

I’ve recently discovered that listening to music I could never bear being caught listening to in public, sparks and feeds a little naughty flame inside me. I enjoy it quite a lot!
All of our emotions need an outlet — even the tacky ones!

Aggression Through Lyrics and Movement

If you’re not good at addressing the anger inside of you, someone else’s emotions, translated through music, might be just what you need to get these troubling feelings out of your system! You should never suppress your anger, nor should you ever let it get the best of you. Music and movement seem to work wonders for calming an aggravated mind.

Experience it Live

Go to concerts: free live performances on a summer evening, arena shows by big artists, intimate sessions in libraries or vinyl shops. Bring company or go by yourself, but most importantly, enjoy this brief moment in eternity when music is here, and it’s all around you.

Discover the music that has helped me cope and evolve in the past years - I'm sure you will love it as well!

NIB & Ember