Walking Enhancer 1
Early on in my walking career, I discovered that walking could change my latitude, but music could change my attitude. Like most things on this journey, I had never put the two together: However, one morning, following the daily discussion with Caleb, I chose to keep walking. The task that seemed urgent a few hours earlier could now wait. I wanted to walk more. When you get into the walk, you tend to experience "Flow." Flow is a loss of self-consciousness that happens when you are completely absorbed in an activity – intellectual, professional, or physical – as described by contemporary psychology. Because of the sudden lack of conversation, silence had taken over. I instinctively put my hand into my pocket and pulled out the AirPods. Music now accompanied my every step. It was genuinely euphoric. I know I'm not telling you anything you didn't know. Many people listen to music while they do activities, and yes, the walkman was invented in 1979. I even had one. But somehow, I never made the connection until writing this blog. I never knew the power until I added music to the walk. For me, I think the most significant introduction to music in my adult life came with the invention of the AirPods in 2016. I love this product so much I often give them as gifts because of the life-changing effect it can have. Enough about my fascination with Apple products. Back to the enhancement.
None of us would argue that music holds power. In a social publication written by Lia Peralta in 2021, she states. "Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we're worried, it can soothe us; when we're weary, it can encourage us; and when we're feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us." With this information, it is easy to see that something truly magical can happen when you enhance the walk with music. There have been many mornings that I have found myself on a dock to watch the sunrise and capture my morning image: That I am so taken by the music that I choose to dance instead of walk. I'm sure it is a site to see a 61-year-old white man with no rhythm to speak of dancing on a dock in the morning light. But, consider this quote...
Sing like no one is listening., Love like you've never been hurt., Dance like nobody's watching,and live like it's heaven on earth
I want to give you a little practical advice regarding incorporating music into your walks. First, find a music service that you like. For me, it is Spotify. Next, create a playlist and add music that makes you feel something. Look for new songs daily. If you hear a song that you like, "Shaman It," then add it to your Playlist. Over time your music service should learn your style and serve up songs that make you happy. Spotify has a service called "Discover Weekly" that provides new songs based on what you have been listing to each Monday. I love walking on Monday because of this feature. It tends to keep my music fresh. My 1st Playlist was called #justwlaking. Feel free to follow it if you like. Lastly, here are a few songs to get you started if you are looking for happy stuff:) Enjoy.
Playlist
Songs
Sunny Side by Jackson Breit
Brighter Everday by Trout Streak Revival
The Good Life by Jackson Michelson
Sunshine by Jeff Joslin
A Long and Happy life by Delta Rae
Happiness by NEEDTOBREATHE
Better Place by Rachel Platten
Wonderful Life by Matoma
Life is Beautiful by Keb Mo
Brighter than the Sun Colbie Caillat
Good to be Alive by Andy Grammer
Beautiful Life by The Collection
Keep Walking by Tad Worku
Eye if the Storm Ryan Stevenson
A Beautiful Day by James King and Anders Lewen
Sunshine on My Shoulder by Carly Rae Jepsen
Walk with Me by Gold Ford
It's a Beautiful Day by Rob Dabkin
