What is Your Power Song?
“When words fail, music speaks.”
These legendary words by Shakespeare articulate the powerful influence music has on emotions. Researchers globally are proving how music not only influences the way we perceive our world, it can also help heal the brain and reshape the nervous system. Dr. Nina Kraus is a professor who studies neuroplasticity in musicians. Her discoveries explain how brainwaves respond to sound waves and in turn make changes to the nervous system. This means that what we are listening to can affect our mood and mindset.
Each of us will have a unique perceptual experience to music. A song which uplifts one person may irritate another; a song which may sound depressing to some may help others connect with their feelings and heal.
Ever since I watched the movie, The Greatest Showman, the theme song, This is Me, has become my morning power song. Now despite this being major mum-mockery-leverage for my children, I know our Car Karaoke trips brighten up their day. Even though they are squirming with embarrassment, the laughter it brings is totally worth it. And it usually follows with my son playing his favourite Eminem power song, followed by a united sing-song to Queens Bohemian Rhapsody.
Some may call it crazy- I call it family therapy and I know that instead of sitting in silence, with each person ruminating on their own thoughts, we can share a magical (musical) moment together.
A great tool to shift your mood and mindset and switch on your “power” is to create your own playlist of specific tunes designed to elicit your ideal emotional state. Listen to your playlist as you drive, workout, walk, cook or get ready in the morning or anytime you need uplifting.
Here is a list of the most common power songs I hear from clients:
Queen, Another One Bites the Dust
So, on that note . . .
What is your power song? What song(s) instantly uplifts and inspires you to be your greatest self?
In case you haven’t heard it yet, take a listen to these inspiring lyrics-This is Me:
