“What we think, we become.” ~Buddha. 

Music permeates and seeps into the mind, body, and soul. If we are what we eat, then we must also be what we hear. I use meditation music to get my day started and to get grounded. BUT…

If meditation music slows me down, then my anthem speeds me up. Cleaning, paying bills, quick writes, I turn to Express Yourself by Diplo featuring Nicky da B. For real.

I was first drawn to this for its beat and a misheard lyric on my part. “Express yourself…release your goal.” (The real lyric is “Release the glow.”) Another real lyric that I love is “Put your back in it.” 

This is what I do. I use my voice to express myself and support others in doing so. I step fully into choices that make my goals a reality instead of dreams. I give my all to what I am committed to and passionate about. 

When the words drop out and the frenzy kicks in, my inner hip hop goddess emerges. My dance moves are epic and private: I’m all head, shoulders, hand movements at the chest level, resting think face. That’s right- Resting. Think. Face. I zone out and get pumped. I can take on the world! Or…my to do list.

While it might be expected that I would have more moments of clarity when tuned into stillness, lively and vibrant beats often reveal inspiration to me. 

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” ~Deepak Chopra

This post called to me because my to-do list was growing, and I was running away from it. Why? If it feels like homework, I resist. Yes, I will get all of my “stuff” done. I simply acknowledge that my block is about how I expend my energy and a fear of missing out on opportunities to connect or recharge. 

I was invited to write this for Heather Harlen in 2016. I’ve had a longing to return to writing. I’ve substituted some other activities in its place. Until I dive in, I’m reposting some goodies. This is no longer on Heather’s site thanks to Gremlins. (Never feed them after midnight.) It’s going to hang out here until Baby carries the watermelon to the party and awkwardly dances with Johnny Castle. PS- If you get those references, you can join our squad!

Heather is my friend, an educator, and author. You can follow her on Instagram @harlenwrites or Facebook at Heather Harlen- Writer.