Music

I have been waking up the last three mornings with a refrain from a song running through my head. It was a little alarming to me because these refrains were uninvited. I used to wake up with a phrase from the scriptures running through my head. During the day I catch myself singing songs almost unconsciously. When I stopped to think about it this morning I realized that these little refrains are programming my brain whether I like it or not. If I think the same thought 25 times a day it has to have some effect on me. I've noticed that the music I've been listening to has been invading my thoughts even when I don't want it to. Like when I am praying. Not good.

It's not like the music I listen to is bad. There really isn't anything wrong with it. It's just that that isn't what I want to be programmed with.

I used to listen to uplifting, spiritual music almost all the time. It was one thing that helped me get through hard times. I especially loved Mormon Tabernacle Choir's "Peace Like a River".

Oh my goodness, if you knew how many tears I cried listening to that cd! Listening to that kind of music definitely had an effect on me. It calmed me and inspired me. I felt good all day long.

Then I decided that I needed to be more "cool". (Dumb huh?) Instead of being happy with the me that I am, I have been moving closer and closer to that great and spacious building and all the beautiful people inside. Among other things, I started listening to the radio more often. I started finding other "cool" songs that I liked. OK, I don't want you to get me wrong. I'm not saying there is something wrong with listening to the radio or "cool" songs, but for me it just wasn't helping my life. Maybe it was more about my motivations. I really don't want to become TAMN! all materialistic, obsessed with her image, and self-absorbed.

The music I listen to programs my brain. I haven't been as happy lately. I haven't been as spiritual. I feel like there is more distance between me and my Father than there used to be. I don't like it. I like how I felt before.

So I am going to do an experiment. I am going to listen to only spiritual, uplifting music for a few weeks and see if I notice any changes.

In honor of my experiment I have posted a new playlist that mostly fits the requirements. Be careful listening to it though, there are a few tear-jerkers there. At least for me. Oh, and if you know of any great uplifting music please let me know!