But I was reminded recently (by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead in an interview with Terry Gross) of how music is experienced differently when we’re listening to the same piece repeatedly – how we notice different nuances each time – the depth of the music is revealed a little more as we continue to listen, because so much of our experience with music is based on our mood in that moment, what activity we’re engaged in, and how much attention we’re paying to the song. Since then, I’ve been taking some time to look back over my old archives of music… you know… the stuff I bought on cassette, record or CD. I was reflecting that when music wasn’t digital, we digested it very differently than we do today. I would listen to an album over and over again, learn the songs intimately, and know exactly what to put in the music player depending on what I needed from my music in that moment of time. These days, I’m much more apt to head on over to my streaming service and pick a compilation of songs, many of whom I may never have heard before. And even if something sparks my interest, if I don’t stop in the moment and make note of the song (which I usually don’t) then it’s gone, and I may or may not hear it again. Now I’m not saying one way of experiencing music is better than the other. I think they both have their amazing attributes and both have drawbacks as the user. But it’s been fun to notice over the last couple of weeks as I go back and forth between these modes of my experience and how it’s enhanced or not. Ok… so you may be thinking, “Kia, this is great, but seriously… random conversation here!” And yes, it is. But I couldn’t help it. Today I was searching through my albums of old and came across something I hadn’t listened to in decades! And I’ll be honest… I’ve been rocking out at my desk ever since (seriously… I’m currently on song #13 of the album). What is it you ask? Arrested Development: 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of… And guess what!? The songs are still awesome! Plus, it makes me feel like I’m back in college again (ok… maybe not quite… you get what I’m saying).  Do you have a favorite way you like to use music in your life? An album or artist of old that you haven’t experienced in a while? Drop yours in the comments… let’s make a music thread and revive some old favorites!
0 Comments
On this International Women's Day, I just wanted to take a moment with you and celebrate the badassery of women. And yes! This is officially a word in our American dictionary now... 😆 bad·ass·er·y /ˈbadˌasərē/ noun INFORMAL•NORTH AMERICAN
I have to be honest *|FNAME|*, I'm loving scrolling through social media today and seeing all the emails in my inbox celebrating the accomplishments of women and how far we've come, how much more we're being recognized for our influence, accomplishments and yes, general badassery. It also makes me think of how many women are pushing themselves so hard, to accomplish so much, to help so many, and forgetting that they themselves deserve the love, attention and compassion that they show others. In fact, my oldest daughter and I were baking last night and watching an episode of "Queer Eye" on Netflix (judge me if you like, but it's an awesome show! 🎉). This particular episode was all about an amazing woman in Austin who has started a farm for rescue animals (domestic and farm) and combines that with bringing kids with special needs to the farm to help them feel empowered and connected as they help the animals in need. It's animal medicine at its finest and beautiful example of how helping others often helps us too. It's such a magical place, and such a powerful thing that this woman is doing for so many. But she was nominated for the show because even though she encouraged others to take care of themselves, reminded them that they were worthy of love, care, attention, and time... she never gave the same to herself. She was so worn out, and her body was so tapped, that she would burst into tears at the smallest thing. Her nervous system was so taxed that she was barely hanging in there and she became defensive at the slightest suggestion that this situation was not sustainable for her. She just continued, 24/7, 365 days of the year to do this work because she felt so called to it AND felt 100% responsible for all of the children and animals that could possibly need her and her farm. It was an enormous weight that she was carrying around! One of the reasons I love the show is because those 5 amazing men have such a gentle, yet firm way of helping people see just how ok it is to care for themselves. To find that moment of fun and lightness each day. And they certainly did that for this woman as well. The best part? Is if she can continue to allow others in, to relinquish some of the control, to care for herself even half as much as she does for others, her ability to expand and help more animals and children will grow exponentially. Caring for ourselves is ALWAYS a win-win! Sometimes we just need a nudge and loving hand to help us get started. ❤️🙏🏼 So on this International Women's Day, how are you both celebrating the amazingness of women in general and also the amazingness of YOU!? And more importantly, how are you caring for YOU today? Here's me caring for me 👇🏽. Taking some extra time to explore new trails near my home with my favorite trail companions. (I may have even taken a few detours by accident and it became an extended trip! 😆) It felt amazing! Sending you love, vibrancy and the reminder that you are just as important as any of the other very important things in your world. And you deserve to be celebrated too. 🌟 xx Kia P.S. In keeping with this theme, I'm leading a group of women starting next Monday (March 14) on a 2 week reset to give their energy, vitality & body a reboot. If it's been a while since you've given to yourself, you're invited to come and join us. 😘 If you'd like to learn more, reply here and let me know! Or you can check out the deets HERE. |
