Why I stopped listening to music

The last time I listened to music was exactly 14 days ago.

I always come up with new ways to develop my willpower.

This particular one was humbling.

I love listening to music when I’m driving, lifting, or writing.

After 3 days

I noticed that my brain waves became more stable and consistent.

I gained more clarity and mental composure.

You may have noticed this

But your cells respond to the vibration of the songs you listen to.

This is why sometimes your body dances to a beat without your consent.

I realized something important -

If you can resist the urge to listen to music

You can break any addiction.

Other urges excite certain body parts

But music infects your head with brainworms.

The mind loves entertainment - visual or auditory.

It never wants to get bored.

This compulsion further fuels its restlessness.

Break the pattern.

Train your mind to love silence.

Don’t stare at screens every time you are free.

Take time to look within and around you.

Close your eyes and gaze into the core of your being.

Listen to the subtler music of life -

To the rustling leaves of the trees or the chirping sounds of birds.

Conserve your mental and sensory energy as much as you can.

Test these out when you can

My personal 5-minute meditation techniques

1 - Shut out the world

You observe the world through your senses.

Your brain receives and interprets these sensations.

The problem is you are always analyzing the outside world, never allowing your brain to enjoy gaps of silence.

Meditation has been scientifically shown to refurbish the brain’s neural links.

When the brain is well-rested

It becomes more sensitive and receptive to higher vibrations.

You can have a solid meditation session in only 5 minutes.

Take a piece of cloth and wrap it around your head.

Make sure it covers your ears, mouth, and forehead.

Close your eyes or cover them with another piece of clothing.

You will immediately notice that your sensory energy starts flowing inwards.

Try to feel your skull from the inside.

A space and stillness will start growing within you.

That state of Being or Presence is your Consciousness.

2- Into the void

Your breath is the source of life.

The breath releases its healing powers when attended to with care.

Amazingly the average human has little regard for the very thing that sustains his life.

If you can binge-watch Netflix series for hours

You can take 10 minutes out to watch your breath.

Shut your eyes halfway.

Watch the breath flow in and out gently.

Don’t try to force it into a steady pace.

Just watch it with patience and mindfulness.

The act of watching is enough to slow it down.

Try to find the point in your navel when the in-breath becomes the out-breath.

Fill up your tummy on the in-breath

Empty your tummy on the out-breath.

Do this for 5-10 minutes.

You will notice a change of air around you.

The modern world is full of instant gratification and excessive stimulation.

Embrace the bliss of silence over the excitement of dopamine.

A calm mind is one of life’s greatest blessings.

You will gain unparalleled insights into your thoughts, habits, and compulsions.

This self-awareness can not be found in any book

Yet it will be the best investment of your time and energy.

Random note: I got an idea for a new book as I wrote this email - meditation for people in a hurry. I already have lots of content and products lined up. Time will tell.

Ly 🖤