4 Songs to Remind You of the Essence of NOW!
On self-introspection and life.
We often worry so much about how things will take a turn for the worse.
“What will happen at the next meeting? Will I be able to meet the deadline? Will the current project even be worth it? What if I fail?”
And while we think these thoughts…
“Uh oh, I forgot to add sugar to my grocery list again! So now we’ll just have to get used to having tasteless cups of coffee.”
We forget that we’re in the NOW and we’re supposed to be focusing on the work we can do now… like mindfully filling up the grocery list?
You see, this is how most of our minds function. We’re so scared of uncertainty that we obsess over the what-ifs, the outcome. Mind you, I’m no saint here. I am a permanent resident of my mind. But, I’ve gotten better. How?
Below you’ll find four songs I am vouching for that have helped me understand the value of being mindful and, in turn, being in the NOW.
This song.
If ‘this song’ were to bring out my emotions, I’d stop writing.
Kiss the Grass, just like its name, urges you to soak in the sun quite a lot, which could be because you might lack Vitamin D from sitting in front of your laptop all day.
You listen to this song and you’re one step closer to nature. Only this time, you’re teleported to some valley near your house.
Imagine yourself walking barefoot on the grass that’s wet with the morning dew. You’re out for a stroll with your pet, slow-paced walks, wandering around without a set destination. You look up and thank the Sun for its warmth. You look at your pet, you’re as happy as a man could be.
You breathe in the freshness of the air, and fall in love with the silence and NOW.
Justin Vernon, the songwriter named this song after the Holocene epoch, the geological era that began approximately 12,000 years ago and continues even today. This era is also called the Age of Man.
Funny, Holocene is the era where humankind has grown and has had a great impact on the world. Yet, this song reminds you that when you zoom out, you’re just as insignificant as a strand of hair gently falling into the ground, completing its cycle. Freeing, isn’t it?
In the grand scheme of things, we’re not magnificent, the song says. So, we might as well do the things we enjoy in the now.
Holocene takes you closer to simpler times. The times when you were young, and all you had to worry about was finishing your homework and eating dinner with your family on time.
Every time I listen to Holocene, I get lost in the ease of the guitar strings and drown in the feeling this song has.
The good and the bad have a place in our lives, much like the name of the song. Everything has its place.
It is when you’ve finally accepted that yes, shit happens, but life goes on. Then you break free from the shackles of ‘should bes’ and simply live life for what it is. While we’re all different individuals, the song reassures us that you and I somehow have the same purpose in life.
The songwriting is simple, with no standouts. Yet it warms your heart. Like, how love is simple?
So, to all the control freaks in the house, this song is for you! The song is a rare find, so you’re welcome. :)
Vienna is the metaphor for growing old.
Now, I kept this song at the last. Reason? Sometimes we need a hard reset when we’re too caught up with the race of life. This song is that.
Vienna is as straightforward a song as it can be. No hidden meanings, no mystery. Everything’s out there. Like a friend having o hidden agenda, and calling you out on your bullshit.
This song lives and breathes you to just be. You are who you are. Yes, you have a destination. But what’s with the hurry to reach that destination? You’re not growing older any sooner, eh?
It asks you to embrace the journey. Take a day or two from the busyness of life. It’s okay, it says. Your old age waits for you.
This song is the personification of the poem “Sit” by Vikram Seth.
Beautiful, no?
As you listen to the songs, you’ll realize these songs have reiterated the same thing — the essence of being alive. But they’ve been expressed in their own, unique ways. Like us, humans.
Hope this blog adds some songs to your playlist! Enjoy. See you soon.
