Pregnant And Zen

Music has helped me cope with many life stressors, from an adolescent to now an adult. I can recall my first heartbreak at 14 years old; I cried to the sounds of "Soon As I Get Home" by Faith Evans. Even though this approach may not seem therapeutic, releasing those tears allowed me to cope with the situation, and I felt more refreshed when releasing tears and unwanted emotions. Ever since then, I've been utilizing music to help me cope with my feelings; now that I am pregnant; successfully, I tend to become emotional due to the overwhelming feelings throughout this high-risk pregnancy. I decided to get a doula, a woman who helps mothers emotionally throughout their pregnancy and post-pregnancy. With her assistance, I can gain more coping skills that I can utilize during this journey. If you are a mother or soon-to-be mother, stress is apparent and natural; it is something that we are unable to suppress because it will come back up to the surface during unexpected times. So, my Doula recommended guided meditation, and this is executed by an experienced practitioner who guides you through that meditative state. Meditation is a coping skill for me because it allows me to become one with my thoughts instead of pretending my mind can go blank; meditation is utilized for calming when one is under pressure.

My meditation playlist:

• Rain and Thunder Sounds (Can be found on youtube)
• Whimsical Sounds (Also on youtube)
• The Headspace App ( They provides great guided meditation)

I don't have many selections when it comes to sounds to get me in a meditative state, though I don't feel like many are necessary, especially when someone finds that one sound that resonates with them. The rain, thunder, and whimsical sounds are peaceful because it reminds me that time doesn't exist and I can lay in bed all day because the weather has limited where I can commute. There isn't a reason to head out, and the weather has determined where I should be, and that's home. Headspace is an app that is utilized for meditating and everything in between; even when you want to exercise, they provide motivational music. But, I use the app for the guided meditation for bedtime and practice my breathing for my little one. Breathing is essential, and if not done correctly, we aren't able to connect with our entire body, and deep breathing provides mental clarity and can reduce stress levels. This is something that I will utilize for pleasure and giving birth this coming June.

I also enjoy vocals when I want to enhance my self-awareness, and this is through various genres such as Jazz and RnB. When I think about being "Zen," I consider peace and being relaxed, and these genres are meant to be soulful and allow you to connect with yourself and as well as others. Jazz and RnB were those that my ancestors created and utilized based on the released innovation when picking up a particular instrument. Currently, Jazz and RnB have expanded into many subdivisions that anyone can relate to.

My Jazz Playlist:

• Robert Glasper- "All I do"
• Robert Glasper & Norah Jones- "Let it ride."
• Sade- "By your side."
• Sade- "Is it a crime."
• George Duke- "No Rhyme, No Reason"
• Paul Hardcastle- "Summer Breeze"
• James Spraggins- "Nocturnal Drive"
• James Spraggins- "Sweet Nita"
• “D’Angelo and the Vangurd- “Really Love”
• D'Angelo and the Vanguard- "Another Life"

The songs I listed are considered "Contemporary Jazz" based on the modern touch it has and the heaviness of instruments used. Often, vocals aren't necessary for this type of Jazz based on the guidance of the instruments. It can lead you into a peaceful place regardless of the activities taking place. For example, studying, reading a book, or even cleaning up around the house can be considered peaceful based on the sounds being played.

RnB Playlist:

• Anderson.Paak- "Winner's Circle"
• Anderson.Paak- "King James"
• Anderson.Paak- "What can we do?"
• Kendrick Lamar- "LOVE"
• Kendrick Lamar- "LOYALTY"
• Kendrick Lamar- "These Walls"
• Kendrick Lamar- "For Sale?"
• Jill Scott- "All I"
• Jill Scott- "He loves me."
• Maxwell- "Sumthin'Sumthin (Mellosmooth)"
• Maxwell- "Lover's Only"
• Maxwell- "Luxury: Cococure"
• H.E.R- "Comfortable"
• Kali Uchis- "Loner"
• India Shawn- "IN TOO DEEP"

This is a glimpse of RnB's various subgenres that I admire. As you can see, my taste in music can fluctuate, though I believe that artists influence other artists, and the creativity from others influenced many artists that I listen to. I find peace based on the messages given in these songs and the fact that I can resonate with the lyrics being sung. It reminds me that even those on a higher platform have struggled emotionally, spiritually, and even financially, and they understand today’s problems and how others are still impacted. Overall, music can allow me to connect with the lyrics and connect with the artist, which elevates my peace and understanding of what I’m listening to.