I LOOOVVEEE MUSIC

[cyber_katz]

Every single day all I can think about is music. I am obsessed with it because it just makes me feel so safe but recently I have been worrying because I feel like its turning into this strange addiction. I feel as though only only reason I listen to music is to block out the world that is crashing and burning in the background. Its not like I have anything else though. Every single day I can walk for hours just listening to my favourite.

The problem comes in because whenever something happens, I go on a walk, listen to music and completely forget out the everything and I don't want to forget- I want to grow and heal. I feel as through I'm using it as a shield instead of a healthy gateway for me to have nice me time.

All I think about its music - it completely chews on every single cell in my brain. I am trying to channel the love for music into a more healthier approach by learning about my favourite musicians and how music gets created but I don't have motivation.

Lots of love.

[indigo22]

Hi cyber_katz,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out to us.

I think from what you have said that there are a couple of things that you could do to make your listening time more productive.

Walking is very good for your mental health and physical health, so why not add an element of spiritual health to the mix by finding a walking meditation and beginning your walk with that. Meditation helps clear your mind and you may find you are able to come up with solutions that would not otherwise come to you easily. You can always follow up the meditation with some of your favourite music to finish your walk. Another suggestion would be to find a podcast or an audiobook on a subject that really interests you to listen to while walking, while cooking etc. There is nothing wrong with listening to music, it can be very uplifting, but if you feel you are listening to escape, then you probably need to add other things to the mix to give your listening time a bit more balance.

I hope this is of some help. Please feel free to continue the conversation if you wish.

Take care,

indigo

[Fiatlux]

Hi cyber_katz,

I can relate to your post. I have been mad music obsessed Purim a young age. I always used loud music to drown out the World since high school and now in my 50’s still listening to music with and without headphones every day and even used it to help me get to sleep. I would block out the world and escape into songs I loved. 

I used to walk to and from work with my headphones in to get me into the mood for work and then to unwind and work off the frustration of the day. I used music to get me through mundane chores like vacuuming and housework. It made the time and work load a lot easier and pleasant even.

As I got into my 20’s I would go to see live music and bands playing at my local pubs. I did this with friends and I would absolutely get lost and carried away with whatever was going on up on the stage. Outdoor concerts and live music festivals were my favourite. Any festivals that I could attend, I would be there just for the music. 

I don’t know where you are but maybe seek out free entertainment in your local area. I know that a lot of things have changed since I was young but you can still get your music fix. Seek out other music lovers on the socials and join them and make friends out of it. 

This idea of making friends through music really appeals to me. I remembered standing in line to get into a show by one of my favourite Aussie artists when a couple of ladies and I started chatting. They had met online in a fan group and as they were both single, would meet up and attend shows together. It made the experience safer and more enjoyable attending together, rather than sitting at home, hoping and wishing that they could be out at these shows.

I also love watching and listening to street buskers. It’s free entertainment and I have met some and attended some of their shows at local venues. 

I understand the “chewing up brain cells” reference. I look up song lyrics and if I hear a song for the first time, I add it to my playlist and obsessively listen to it until I move onto the next new/old song that crosses into my playlist. 

A former work colleague of mine was working at a local music radio station that I loved. He was in an admin role, but he too was music obsessed. There are many pathways in the music industry. Most engineering type roles. I know people who have qualifications in sound engineering. Maybe look into something like this… keep us posted with updates. 

Regards, Fiatlux 🙏🏼