“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.” – Lao Tzu
Music has a unique power. It can mirror our moods, lift our spirits, and speak for us when words fail. A song can be an anthem of empowerment, move us to tears, help us work through a breakup, or get us dancing. Without music, Jaws, Halloween, Psycho and countless other horror and suspense movies would be rendered blah.
Music is also motivation. The beat of a song is the cadence to which our feet and breath keep time. People move to the beat, whether they realize it or not. Anyone who has ever taught an aerobics class is well aware of the importance of knowing the BPM of each track and the art of counting backward: “Turn step in four, three, two, here we go!”
We all have that one song that is our “power song” to help us through those last few minutes of a run, cycle, or whatever you’re doing. It’s a song that, for whatever reason, gets us going. For me, that song is “Waiting for the End” from Linkin Park. Fitting, I know, particularly since it’s the song I put on repeat for the last mile of a race!
But music isn’t just motivation for movement. It can also be a crucial factor in relaxation. The right combination of sounds and music can create the perfect soundtrack to help you meditate, calm your mind, or help you fall asleep. Cueing up the right kind of music may be just what you need to get motivated to take some deep breaths and be still, even if it’s only for the length of a song.
Music can make you squeeze out that final rep, or help you go 40 more feet. It can help you relax and clear your mind. In the end, music can be a powerful tool to motivate you!
What song or songs motivate you? #mindfulmusic
