Music

“One must learn to love.— This is what happens to us in music: first one has to learn to hear a figure and melody at all, to detect and distinguish it, to isolate it and delimit it as a separate life; then it requires some exertion and good will to tolerate it in spite of its strangeness, to be patient with its appearance and expression, and kindhearted about its oddity:—finally there comes a moment when we are used to it, when we wait for it, when we sense that we should miss it if it were missing: and now it continues to compel and enchant us relentlessly until we have become its humble and enraptured lovers who desire nothing better from the world than it and only it.— But that is what happens to us not only in music: that is how we have learned to love all things that we now love. In the end we are always rewarded for our good will, our patience, fairmindedness, and gentleness with what is strange; gradually, it sheds its veil and turns out to be a new and indescribable beauty:—that is its thanks for our hospitality. Even those who love themselves will have learned it in this way: for there is no other way. Love, too, has to be learned.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

I didn’t listen to music for 3 months (a science experiment) - YouTube

Personal Experiment: Abstinence from Music for Three Months

Lauren undertook a personal experiment of refraining from listening to music for three months to explore the effects on her mental and emotional state. The experiment involved deleting all music apps and avoiding music across all platforms, substituting music with natural sounds like fire and rain for necessary auditory stimulation. This self-imposed restriction was prompted by her realization of a potential music addiction, characterized by a compulsion to listen to music, loss of control over its usage, and persistent behavior despite negative consequences. This addiction was leading to a lack of presence in daily activities and emotional confusion, where music either numbed or exaggerated her feelings.

Insights Gained from Music Detox

The absence of music led to several significant observations for Lauren. Firstly, she experienced heightened presence, noticing details and simple interactions more profoundly, which brought a sense of connection to the world around her. Secondly, emotional clarity improved as the absence of music allowed her to confront and understand her emotions more clearly without the influence of music. These insights indicate that music, while enriching, can also serve as a distraction or a crutch in managing emotions and engaging with the environment.

Reflecting on Life Without Music: Nostalgia and Childhood Memories

The experiment made Lauren reflect on her earlier life stages before she started listening to music at age eight. She noted that her earliest memories were not associated with music but with natural sounds, which brought a specific kind of nostalgia and vividness to her childhood recollections. This insight aligns with research suggesting music’s powerful role in constructing autobiographical memories and shaping self-perception based on the music one associates with different life phases.

Consequences and Recommendations for Music Consumption

Despite discovering benefits, Lauren noted drawbacks such as an increased tendency to mumble to herself, a behavior she attributed to an overabundance of silence. She concludes that while a complete music detox for an extended period might have negative effects, there are profound benefits to short-term breaks from music. These breaks can help individuals appreciate silence and manage their music consumption more healthily, especially for those who might be leaning towards overconsumption or dependency.

Future Approach to Music: Intentional Listening

Moving forward, Lauren plans to adopt a more intentional approach to music consumption. She intends to reserve music for specific tasks that benefit from background noise, like repetitive chores or exercise, to enhance focus or motivation without overreliance. Additionally, she appreciates the intrinsic value of natural sounds and plans to engage more fully with her environment rather than constantly filling it with music. This balanced approach advocates for the mindful consumption of music, recognizing its benefits while acknowledging the importance of silence and presence in everyday life.

Quotes

“In hearing unknown new music, surprise and excitement are most important. Music is not a static art: it is constantly born anew.” ― Toru Takemitsu
Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.- Plato

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Music

I didn’t listen to music for 3 months (a science experiment) - YouTube

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