Songs for Healing – Thoughts from a Birth Mother

Sometimes you just need to shut your mind off. I know firsthand that being still and getting lost in music can be the most healing of experiences. I spend a lot of time and effort, and have in the past as well, focused on healing. It’s not easy, and it has required work and focus. However, when we don’t take time to let the work we have done take hold, we are chasing an experience we may never have. Music is healing.

Music Is Healing

Listening to music can take your mind to amazing places. There can be a natural high associated with getting lost in a soundtrack or a just a single song. Listening to music, and getting lost in it, gives us a healthy escape. And not only may we find ourselves escaping when we live through the music, but we may also find that our effort in healing has allowed us to come to a place where we can enjoy the music instead of listening to it only to express pain.
The following is a guided music meditation. I have links to five songs with a little bit about how those songs make me feel. Take your time, get lost in the music. My hope is that you will find some joy in the experience I am laying out.
Enjoy!

1. Lincoln Brewster – Made New

Whether you believe in a Christian God, a pagan god, or you don’t believe in any god at all, there is always inspiration to be taken from a song full of so much hope. Regardless of if you think of a person, a god, or a concept, this song will take you to a place of safety if you allow it to. What makes you feel safe and secure? Remember that every day is a new day!

2. Galantis – Peanut Butter Jelly

Feeling like we take life too seriously can dampen our spirits. Laughter is good for the mind, body and soul. It’s a natural way that allows the body to release healthy chemicals that make us feel good. I am guilty of taking life way too seriously. I get tunnel vision sometimes on my goals and forget to enjoy the ride while I’m on it. This song reminds that sometimes I just need to let go and laugh until my belly hurts!

3. Michael Franti & Spearhead – Once A Day

Self-care is crucial to our mental wellbeing. We need to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves before giving ourselves to others, because you can’t serve from an empty plate. I have given my energy away many times without refueling by taking care of myself too. This song is a great reminder to make sure that we take care of ourselves. It also makes me feel like I need to embrace every moment of life. Oh yeah, and hug somebody once a day!

4. MIKA vs. RedOne – We Are Young

There is nothing that can stop us from being happy if we put our minds to it. Happiness is a choice that we must make daily. There will always be obstacles and dark spots that we must get through, but it is up to us to overcome. This song makes me feel empowered to take on anything that is thrown at me. No matter what I am facing, with my faith and resolve, I can get through it.

5. One Direction – Drag Me Down

I have experienced betrayal, and much of it when I chose adoption. However, there were a few people who stood by me, as well as my faith. This song reminds me that I’m not alone in my life. Love can conquer many things, if not all obstacles. The love we have for ourselves, our faith, and for others, especially our children, can fuel us in amazing ways. Be empowered by the love that you feel in your life!I am encouraged to know that this mini music guided meditation may be experienced and found helpful by someone else. I can tell that even if, as a birth mother, you feel alone in your healing, we can at least share this music experience together. You are not healing alone!
~Lindsay Arielle
Lindsay is a guest blogger for Considering Adoption. She placed her son for adoption 7 years ago and hopes to use her experience to support and educate other expectant mothers considering adoption, as well as adoptive families.