The Goosefraba Collection

To me, meditation is all about evening out your mood. The purpose of it is to take you out of whatever negative emotions you may be experiencing and bring you back into a better mood. Zen is evening out the keel of your emotional ship, bracing your mind’s house against the harsh storm winds of the circumstances of the world and getting right within yourself. That’s where music comes in.

Music has the uncanny ability to get you to feel emotions that certain situations would make you incapable of feeling. You ever seen someone’s mood turn from sour to satisfied when the right song comes out of the speakers? Ever seen someone’s morose and monotonous morning commute turn into an enjoyable odyssey because the right tunes flew into their ears? The right list of songs can bring a person’s mood up from depths previously thought to be inescapable. And I’ve got just the list to help with that.

There are a myriad of reasons I’ve chosen the songs on that list. Some songs were added simply because they have a smooth beat that takes me out of whatever circumstance I’m trying to pull myself out of. Some were added because they send me a message that I need to be reminded of from time to time.

I can only give you some of my personal reasons for why these songs are able to help me out of emotional jams and jam out in general. This list and these songs are not in any order of preference. I hope this list has the same effect on you that it does on me.

Rag’n’Bone Man – Human

This song is to remind you that you’re no more human than the next person. Take it easier on yourself. You shouldn’t accept the blame people are willing to assign to you because they don’t want to carry it themselves. Some burdens you shouldn’t have to carry.

Anderson Paak – Come Down

This song is on the list because the balance of the trance-like beat and the smooth bass guitar make it easy for you to lose yourself in the song. The longer you listen, the more your head unconsciously bobs.

AJR – Bang

It’s okay to feel like you’re not “grown” yet. Society tends to place requirements on being considered an adult. Even when you’re a kid, you feel that your life will be a lot better once you “grow up.” This song lets you know that no matter how many requirements you check off that societal list, life will still be stressful no matter how old you get. So just relax and sing along to the song as best you can, even and especially if you don’t know the words.

Jussie Smollett – Heavy

People put a lot of pressure on themselves, especially if they’re in a position of power. It’s important to remember that regardless of your position in life, socially or corporate, to know that you’re going to make it because you have to.

Bryce Vine – Sour Patch Kids

Don’t be in such a rush to get older. Once you get there, the stresses make you feen for the days you had less responsibilities. Stop and enjoy your life. And if you’re under that stress, this song reminds you that it’s okay to take time out and just enjoy the little things like you used to.

India Arie – Video

This song is to remind you to love yourself no matter what society tells you. Regardless of what you see on social media or video, you are royalty even if you don’t match the picture of perfection.