First, Do No Harm

In the same way particular sounds and language can create a positive outcome, negative messages and harsh, loud, sounds can negatively impact your mental and physical health. So, if you’re interested in nurturing elevated thoughts and feelings, you can start by stepping away from songs that trigger negative emotions. Some of these songs might have offered comfort after a heartbreak or a loss or helped you feel less alone in a time of frustration. They may be great songs that were of value at one time, but do you want to continue investing in those feelings now? If the answer is no, try putting them aside and setting your sights on messages that boost your well being.

Choosing Songs

If you search on the Internet, you can easily find uplifting and affirming songs, and you may even have your own playlist. If you don’t, today is a good day to start one!

In my experience, singing a song is more powerful than just listening to it. Not only is singing a deeper commitment to the message, but the resonance in your body accelerates the creation of your dreams. And, if you sing a song enough through the day, you’ll have a greater chance of creating an earworm, which will enable you to hear your chosen message when you wake up in the morning, as you drift off to sleep, or even, if you’re lucky, in your dreams.

When choosing songs to sing, prioritize a strong and memorable melody. A song that relies heavily on production for its appeal or has a complex structure will be hard to sing while doing the dishes or taking a walk. In short, keep it simple.

Or Write Your Own!

Are you in the mood to flex your creative muscle? Writing your own songs will enable you to express and ingrain your own unique and personal messages. Even if you’ve never written a song before, you can do it! And, regardless of the degree of your songwriting proficiency, I can help you take it higher.

Lift Your Audience Up

If you perform—even just for family or friends—you have the opportunity to lift them up through the songs you play and sing. What can feel better than sharing the joy?

How I Use Songs

I’ve always used singing to calm nervous horses (and myself!) when I ride, but these days I’m bringing singing into the more casual experiences I have with horses. I practice intentional singing when my mare and I go on our daily walks and the resulting manifestations are amazing! I’m lucky, because no other people are around— she’s the only one who hears me, and she signals approval.

You may not have the luxury of that kind of privacy, but with a little thought, you can carve out a place in your day to belt out your thoughts, feelings, and goals.  (The car, perhaps? The shower?) At the very least, remember to incorporate singing into your guitar practice. It will help your guitar playing, too, which is always a mood lifter!

Here’s a short list of songs that are easy to play and fun both to listen to and sing.

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

All You Need Is Love – The Beatles

Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown

Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder

I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash

Happy – by Pharrell Williams

Chanting (Almost)

I often bring songs into my day that I don’t consider to be musical masterpieces or something I would perform, but are great for helping me create what I want. I’ve recently discovered some songs in that category by Karen Drucker that meet the criteria of being simple and repetitive and provide me with the positive earworm I’m seeking. If you like that idea, you can check out her catalogue or find more songs in that category by searching for songs of affirmation.