Reconnecting with hope: a quick music listening exercise

Hope is not an easy thing to feel these days.

And it doesn’t negate all the other very real feelings of this tense and loss-filled year.

But holding some space for hope is holding space for the return of light (whether literal or metaphorical).

As we move towards the darkest part of the year, I find myself leaning on my music more. 

For me, songs that connect with hope tend to have a sense of momentum and warmth in them and help me unclench a bit in my hips and jaw.

Two of my go-to songs lately have been “Woyaya” and “Remember Wild Horses".

A quick music listening exercise to connect with hope:

1. Take a moment to be curious about how you feel when you’re connected to hope. 

Make note of any words that come to mind (some ideas: soft, open, grounded).

Notice the difference between thoughts and feelings and try to stay focused on your internal landscape instead of your mind (this can be hard - you may need to ask your mind to step aside!)

2. What music connects you to this feeling? 

You might have a go-to song in mind or can take a few minutes to scroll through your music and try a few different things.

It can be a song or an instrumental piece - whatever you choose, the title and/or lyrics need not make ANY logical sense. This is about connecting to the feeling.

3. Let yourself listen.

Your eyes can be open or closed. If you’d like to move as you listen, do that. If you’d like to be still, that’s good too.

As you listen, see if you can be aware of your breath and body. Can you invite the feeling of hope that the music offers into your inner landscape? Even just a little bit makes a difference.

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I hope this exercise resonates in some way for you - I’d love to hear what music connects to you to hope, feel free to leave me a comment below!

Warmly,

Maya

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About the Author

Maya is a music therapist and psychotherapist in NYC and online throughout New York State. She specializes in helping women with anxiety, childhood/intergenerational trauma and those who are highly sensitive (HSP) feel good enough, learn how to express their feelings without overwhelm, and show up in calm and confident ways in their work and relationships.

If you’re interested in working with Maya, you can learn more here or schedule your free phone consultation here. 

You don’t have to stay stuck - it’s time to reclaim your rhythm.