Music as Therapy

MSZ812 · Apr 6, 2017

I'm a couple weeks into the Structured Educational Program, and a lot of journal writing has helped me recognize the changes in my life since my chronic pain began. One change I noticed was my listening habits. Music had been a huge part of my life since childhood. I enjoyed finding new artists and sharing that music with friends and family. I was always listening to music, whether I was driving, working out, cleaning, and even at work when my boss wasn't around. My life had a soundtrack. Since my chronic shoulder/upper back pain began around 4 years ago, music has been less and less important to me. I'm rarely "in the mood" for it. Instead, I notice myself listening to a lot of podcasts, mostly about sports, culture, news, and politics. They certainly quench my thirst for knowledge, but rarely ever help my mood. I'm determined to get back to enjoying these things in life. Music has always been a source of inspiration and hope for me. It helps me connect to my emotions and improve my outlook on life.

With that said, I'd like to hear about some music that puts you in a better mood, inspires you, makes you feel sentimental or romantic. I'll go first...

I heard this song about a week ago by the band "The Kinks" while watching a movie called "The Last Word". It inspired me to see the beauty around me and live in the present.

I heard this song while watching the miniseries "11.22.63" a few months back. I've always known Sam Cooke for his song "A Change is Gonna Come". This song is just about love, and makes me hopeful that I'll find someone who I will love this much one day.

- Matt