I think it’s very easy to get caught up in a culture of spending. As a mid twenty year old, most of my social interactions evolve around happy hours, concerts, and new restaurants. Not only do my friends like to eat out and experience trendy hotspots but a lot of networking events also take place in expensive locations.
In an effort to severely cut down on my expenses, I have had to really evaluate what I can afford, and seriously cut back. I recently made the big move from Washington, DC to New York City. While I think the cost of living in both cities are about the same, I have had to become more crafty with how I spend (in other words, no spending at all).
Lately, after a long day in the tough city, I find myself wanting to unwind, relax, and recuperate. This year, part of my recuperation process has involved putting my health first, and being gentler to my body. Immediately, nightly happy hours have gone out the window. What have I done instead? Listen to music of course!
I recently remembered how I used to spend an hour (or more to be perfectly honest) on my bedroom floor when I was growing up. Listening to Cream, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Faith Hill, Bob Marley and just about anyone in between (ipods and iphones didn’t exist, I didn’t even own a cell phone until I was 18). I used to ritualistically come home from school, run up to my room and lay on my bedroom carpet or on my roof to watch the clouds while playing the same albums on repeat.
Suddenly, all my high school stresses, boy crushes, sports practices, just melted away and I was able to have a few hours where I just felt at ease.
This year, I want to be more at ease. While my social life has certainly taken a huge beating, my emotional health has definitely not.
What has been the best way to do this? First, I suggest lying on your floor (any floor: the grass, kitchen floor, carpeted bedroom, home office floor). It’s the fastest way to feel connected to our mother earth! Second, use a free music website like Pandora or customize your own mixes on Grooveshark, Youtube , or put your Itunes on rotation. Next, spread out your limbs! Make a snow angel, loosen your tie! Let your body really move to the rhythm of the sound, and your imagination flow freely. It actually is a lot harder than you think to just let your body sway. Really let yourself just drift away to what the musician is saying.
While I love hearing music live, going to concerts, and observing all of the energy that comes with attending a show, there is nothing like the feeling of connection that comes from lying on the floor. Even if you listen for ten minutes (maybe while the kids are napping, or your laundry is drying), you get to have such an intimate window of opportunity and connection that no one can take away from you. Bob Marley said it best, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” And that, is completely free.
Five Floor Songs to get you started (just close your eyes, and I swear they’ll change your life):
1. The Skatalites: “My Boy Lollipop”, for the high school crushes we all know we’ve had
2. Thievery Corporation: “Until the Morning”, there’s no better way to seize the day
3. Johnny Cash: “Hurt”, beautifully reflective
4. Bob Marley: “Natural Mystic”, to focus on the present
5. The Talking Heads: “This Must Be The Life”, It just speaks to you
By Alexandra, Free Stuff Finder Contributor
