Music, Memories, & Moments
Welcome to August, friends! I can’t believe how fast this summer has gone. I hope you’re soaking up these last few weeks of fun in the sun before the school year starts back up again!
This past weekend, GSMT’s Cassadi Kulak, and I went camping in Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine! The journey itself was part of the adventure. As we drove to our campsite on Friday, the road opened up, and we tuned into my “summer playlist.” This curated collection of songs sparked an interesting and rather insightful discussion between us: how different songs can evoke the distinct feelings and atmospheres of different seasons. Some of the songs featured on my summer playlist include: the hazy, dreamy “4ever” by Clairo that perfectly encapsulates a warm summer afternoon; the timeless, intricate harmonies of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain," which always feels like a wide-open highway drive with the windows down; the anthemic singalong energy of "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes, and "Spring Into Summer" by Lizzy McAlpine, a beautifully transitional piece that bridges the gentle awakening of spring with the full bloom of summer. And so many more hidden gems! I share all this to give you an idea of the feeling this playlist inspires. The vibe is unmistakably summer: imagine leisurely beach days with the sun warming your skin, the exhilarating feeling of driving with the windows down on a hot and sunny day, the magical twinkle of lightning bugs at dusk, and warm evenings spent on the porch with a light breeze providing just enough comfort to make it perfect. The mood is one of profound relaxation, peaceful stillness, and a sense of calm. The feeling is like the deep relief that washes over you after taking a deep, cleansing breath.
Does this sound and feel like summer to you? Perhaps your personal summer playlist leans more towards the twang of country music, evoking images of open fields and starry nights, or maybe it’s packed with the raw energy of classic rock, perfect for cruising down scenic routes. Then again, your playlist might be bursting with the bright, infectious energy of bubblegum pop, the ultimate soundtrack for carefree days. The wonderful thing about picking songs that feel like seasons to you is that there are absolutely no wrong answers! It's a deeply personal experience. To share a piece of my summer with you all, I’ve generated a playlist of songs that remind me of summer. I proudly present to you, Summer Breeze & Ice Cream, yes please! I sincerely hope you enjoy these songs and perhaps feel inspired to create your very own summer vibes playlist! It's a wonderful way to encapsulate and relive those cherished seasonal feelings.
Remember that captivating conversation Cassadi and I had in the car about how songs can evoke different emotions and sensations within us? Well, that very phenomenon is actually the scientific reason why music therapy is so incredibly effective! Our brains respond to music in a unique way, unlike almost anything else we do. While most tasks typically use one side of the brain more than the other, music has the amazing ability to get both hemispheres of your brain working at the same time. This bilateral activation is key to its power. When we're just listening to music, something cool happens: our hearts literally start beating in time with the song's tempo, and our breathing follows suit But the impact doesn't stop there. When we actively make music with other people, our brain waves actually start firing at the same time and in similar patterns – a beautiful result of the shared musical experience.
Beyond these physiological responses, music has an unparalleled power to unlock and retrieve memories. Have you ever heard a particular song and immediately been transported back in time, reliving a defining moment in your life where that song was playing in the background? Or how about this – have you ever heard a song and could instantly smell a specific scent that you hadn’t encountered or thought about in years? This incredible phenomenon is a testament to how music and the brain profoundly enhance each other's functions. Music is a tool that supports working memory, helping us to retain and recall information. It consistently improves mood, lifting spirits and fostering a sense of well-being. It unquestionably decreases stress, offering a powerful emotional release and a pathway to relaxation. Music inherently fosters creativity, inspiring new ideas and encouraging imaginative thought. It inspires communication, often serving as a universal language that transcends barriers. Ultimately, music supports and enriches our everyday experiences by providing our own personal soundtrack to life.
Author: Kelly Weaver, MT-BC
Editor: Cassadi Kulak, MT-BC