A Warrior's Path

As an avid fan of Hip-Hop and Old School R & B, those are normally my go to genres when it comes to music. Although as a writer and a thinker most of the time the preference to center my zen comes in the form of film scores or instrumentals. We live in a world where there are so many distractions and unwanted noise that a time for just sitting still and allowing the space for composers and instruments to tell a story without words can be peaceful and soothing.

It's therapeutic self-care.

Here are the tracks I resort to for balancing my zen.

MOBY - God Moving Over The Face of the Waters

Famously known from the soundtrack of HEAT starring acting legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, this track comes along with not only a soul but a pulse. Calm, serene, and peaceful with the intentions of continuing to move forward no matter the costs. It feels like water easing through the currents and creating electricity which can empower you to remain motivated and hopeful towards the future. A major component that gives this song added heart is the climactic scene between De Niro's Neil McCauley who's a professional bank robber/ex convict and Pacino's Lt. Vincent Hanna. Although on opposite sides of the law these men could have been the best of friends, more like brothers. They were dedicated to their respected crafts and knew if they ever crossed paths again they would have to put each other down or one was going to have to put the other down. Those famous lines of dialogue from McCauley come to mind as he takes his last breaths after a showdown with Hanna, " Told you I'm never going back."

Hans Zimmer - Time

A track the you can listen to for in hours on straight. Something to center your chakras. This can be responsible for placing you at ease if anxiety has gotten the best of you. Performed by the legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, Time is appropriately titled as it takes it's time easing into every beat while it structures itself as a movie would. It's one of those tracks which symbolizes the end of a brutal storm that leads to the sun bursting out of the clouds. A pillar for optimism letting you know to stay on your path and embrace the journey.

Dan Romer - Better Look Me In The Eyes

First off, I've you're a fan of pure cinema and haven't seen Beasts Of No Nation you are highly missing out my friend! This track can be considered the definition of the warrior's spirit. A theme of focus while accepting the things that need to be handled even if you don't agree with what needs to be done. It builds strength throughout the song, telling the story of the wounded or broken warrior who's fallen but discovered the might while tapping into the willpower to rise up and stand ten toes down. Defeating any obstacle thrown their way and harnessing the aggression blended with pain to carry on, to grow, to succeed.

Terrence Blanchard - Blut Und Boden (Blood and Soil)

This one hits different. A lot more personal for black men in america as we face direct oppression in the form of racism. Systemic, covert, or overt. The cries from the guitar can be viewed as tears of resilience that awakens the ancestral spirit. Those guitar strings say we hear you black man, we know it's hard. Be the strength and bravery that your children need, that your women need, that your people need. It's black superhero music executed by the great jazz musician/film composer Terrence Blanchard. The go to guy for Spike Lee's films when they require a musical heartbeat. This track builds and prepares you for any possible hurdles you may endure in the future or currently. A great piece of art to mediate to while allowing yourself to feel and welcome any emotion. Weather it's rage or triumph, or both.

Hildur Gudnadottir - Meeting Bruce Wayne

A masterpiece from the recent oscar winning film composer. A peaceful tension created with precise accuracy. A yin and yang track which balances the darkness while letting just enough light shine through to keep everything calm. Never going to far off the edge as it remains alert and on guard. Honestly the track informs you it could go either way but the clock in the background keeps you grounded within the moment. A hostile type of focus that clutches the gloom for the potential to be wielded properly in your favor. Sometimes to remain sane in this world we live in, you have to open up the deep end of your subconscious and allow it to run wild. Our animalistic side. Fight or flight.

SWANN - The Sound Of Silence (Instrumental)

Ending strong! Beautifully named as silence can be powerful in every way, shape, or form. This track can serve as a representative of nature in it's truce essence. It owns the psyche and the life of a bird of prey soaring through the sky being one with the elements as an ambassador of freedom. Reminding you that opportunities are endless and that limitations are merely an illusion. The world is your oyster as the track charges you to go after want you want with it's nurturing tone leading into a jolt of determination, tenacity, and the unlocking of mental toughness. In the animal kingdom if an apex predator is hungry...it EATS!