Best transportation device ever? That’s music to my ears!
Paul White's nationally distributed syndicated column, “Best transportation device ever? That’s music to my ears!” is published in 22 publications across seven states. This includes the following newspapers and digital publications: Midland Daily News (MI), SFGate (CA), Seattle PI (WA), Connecticut Post (CT), Laredo Morning Times (TX), Huron Daily Tribune (MI), The Telegraph (IL), and more. In this week's article, Paul explores the idea that music is the best form of transportation ever invented and how embracing music's role in our lives can help us easily tap into our memory bank and feel joy.
While the destinations are all contained in my personal memory bank, music seems to be the finest mode of transportation that takes me there.
Different songs, and different styles of music, take me to very specific places (memories) that have been part of my life up to the present moment. As I visit those memories, lived once again through the music I hear, I re-live the emotions that the music anchored in my mind. Music can move me to tears of joy and sorrow, to laughter and delight, to confusion over misunderstood occurrences, to intensity as I pump myself up with adrenaline, to the purest form of love that exists.
I’ll share a few examples and then ask you to think of your own.
When people we care about die, it can be a daunting experience that’s challenging to navigate. Several years ago while attending a funeral for a person who had died way too young, they chose to play a song right in the middle of the service that had such a positive impact on me and the others in attendance, I felt as though the song should be played at everyone’s funeral (including mine). The song was “A Whole New World” from the Disney animated movie “Aladdin” and the way it was presented allowed all of us to hear it from a new unique perspective. While it was playing, you couldn’t help but form a mental picture that the God that each person believed in was on that magic flying carpet leading, and guiding, the person whose life we were celebrating on a Welcome Tour of Heaven. If you look up the lyrics, they provide an easy transition to for anyone to imagine this incredible new eternal home. I remember looking around and noticing the comfort the song provided to the group of people deep in the grieving process.
Music also provided me with a coping tool when my best friend passed away in 2014. Jon had taught me so many life lessons and one of those was how to love others unconditionally. Deep in grief, I began to play a song that related to that life lesson of unconditional love and was amazed at how it took me to a place of joy and peace as I thought about how Jon so naturally loved others. The song by James Taylor is entitled “Shower the People” and I played it over and over each day for over two weeks after Jon’s funeral. Since then, every time I play or hear that song, I’m inspired to be a better person and re-examine the power that loving others unconditionally provides all of us in an attempt to improve society and the world. Proof once again that music can stir up emotion, allowing us to achieve things we may not have accomplished without the extra emotional juice music provides.
There are songs that shake loose memories as far back in my life as when I was 3-4 years old. The first one I remember singing from beginning to end was about a dog named bingo. It drove my parents and siblings nuts and I recall them begging me to stop. Songs are utilized to enhance learning whether it’s counting songs, or Maria in “The Sound of Music” teaching us how to cope with fear singing about a few of her favorite things (I love musicals). I’ve utilized specific songs to help me prepare for a tennis match or an important speech. Other times to calm me down, embrace nature, enjoy workouts, relieve stress and anxiety, to prepare for and recover from surgery, to help me fall asleep, and to dance…I love to dance. Although I’m not gifted with an incredible singing voice, I love to sing along with the songs I love. When I’m driving alone or performing in the shower I get a nice release of serotonin when I’m letting the lyrics loose as I sing along (especially when I attempt to harmonize).
Instrumental music can really float my boat whether it’s Claire de Lune being played on a piano or some of my Windham Hill favorites like “Close Cover” by Wim Mertens or “Broken Arrow Drive” by Liz Story. The tight harmonization brought forth by a Barbershop Quartet or an accomplished a cappella group can deliver wonderful joy. Jazz occupies a place of its own in my brain where I can allow the music to move me through a whole host of emotions while marveling at the skill sets the players exert while improvising. Subtle nuances with voice tone and inflection can blow me away. Classical music can also transport me through a fertile emotional field. Anytime I choose, I can relive the way I first felt when I attended a live concert featuring a famous symphony.
I have specific songs that can help me instantly change moods. If something makes me sad, I can play a song that brings back happy moments in my life. If I’m feeling melancholy, I can explore some songs that make me think deeply. If I’m feeling lonely, certain songs can remind me of times I was able to share joy with others in my presence. Many songs encourage me to call someone that the song reminds me of. It becomes a catalyst to enjoy their company once again and relive the joy we shared with each other.
Yes, for the reasons I’ve listed above (and for a million more), I’ve come to believe that music is the best form of transportation ever invented. Now, it’s YOUR turn. Hit your life’s pause button for a moment and think deeply about the role music has played in your life.
What song can you link to childhood friends, someone you dated, your parents, your spouse, your kids, your co-workers, someone who’s no longer here, your first car, your first dance, your first kiss, your college experience, or other experiences that have impacted your life?
Embrace the role music has, can, does, and will play in your life. Now listen to a song and let it take you where you want to go. GiddyUp!
In addition to being a nationally syndicated columnist, Paul White is an author, motivational and inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach located in Midland, Michigan. He offers self-help and culture development to start your journey towards consistent growth and joy. If you’re interested in getting in touch with Paul, please submit an inquiry via our Contact Page.