Song 1: My favorite things from Sound of Music

  

  After a long introduction of my Musical Express in the last week’s blog, it is time to commence the journey on a rhythmic note. Sit back and enjoy this musical tour as I take you through some of my favorite songs for their interesting choice of words.

    The Sound of Music was undoubtedly one of the most famous musicals dated back to the early 1900s. Set against the backdrop of a young woman who takes care of seven children, the musical was characterized by melodious songs and wonderful lyrics. Though The Sound of Music is an old musical crafted years ago, it has managed to spread its charm even today. Each of its songs were marked by meaningful words from the English literature that left an impact in its own way.

   But, if this Sound of Music was created several years before my birth, how did it gain entry into my collection? The answer lies in my family, as The Sound of Music held some close memories in my household.

   I was introduced to this wonderful musical through my father who has been my English teacher since birth. Though he never exhibited any keen interest towards music, his distinct inclination towards this musical has always surprised me.  While, I am still hunting for the reason that made him enjoy this piece of music, I have clear memories of enjoying every single song from the collection. For a little kid back then, listening to such English music meant sincere efforts to master the language! Little did I know that years later, one of the songs from this musical will hold a significant place in my blog?

  Though every single song from the musical was entertaining, colorful, enjoyable and melodious, one particular song has always caught my attention. Describing a list of simple, favorite things as the singer expresses her affection for them, it describes the joy of simplicity. Though these favorite things are routine objects or incidences in her everyday life, the lyrics point towards their significance during sad times. When life presents thunder storms and heavy rains along the smooth patch of road, thoughts about our favorite things can bring some elements of happiness.

   The lyricist highlights the significance of happy memories and fun-filled remembrances as our favorite things can clear gloomy atmosphere in matter of minutes. When challenges and difficulties block our vision with clouds of worries, our favorite things can come to the rescue. Though the song talks about ‘things’, it does not emphasize over materialistic aspects alone. It expresses happiness over occurrences such as dew drops on roses, whiskers over kittens, melting snow in spring and girls dressed as fairies. The song focuses over happy things around us that can replace tears of sorrow. When situations seem uncertain and out of reach, it is beneficial to look around for moments of happiness. By thinking about our favorite things and colorful memories, we can eradicate sorrow in one way or the other.

    Favorite things are connected with positivity and charm, solving negative puzzles during cold and dark days. Though thoughts about these favorite things may not dissolve the mountain of worries, the song reminds about their influential power that can definitely help. They can certainly lower sadness in their own unique way, brightening the atmosphere with hope and joy.

    After thoughtful analysis of this wonderful song, I am prompted to add my unique shade to its lyrics. Listing down set of my favorite things will bring perfect justice to this tale, as lyrics tend to bring out the best of my words.

These are a few of my favorite things…

1.       My sister’s messages delivering my cute nephew’s images and videos

2.       Colors of leaves as they change their shades along diverse seasons

3.       Rain fall with their cool breeze

4.       Clear blue sky with white cotton ball of clouds

5.       Rising and falling waves on a beach

6.       Blue waters of the calm sea

7.       Laptop with draft of my articles

8.       Favorite food items with their delicious aroma

9.       New clothes in the closet

10.   Half –read novel with a gripping story

11.   Birthday cake

 The list can go on but it must be concluded. Think about your favorite things that mean the most to you. What is their significance, while you hope to erase cloud of worries, even though for a short while!

 Truly unique in every way, this song will always stay close to the writer and dreamer in me. After one memorable song, there are six more to go. Enjoy this musical express as I hop from one song to the next.

  

The Musical Express

    

    To state that music forms an essential part of our lives would be an understatement. Without doubt music has always played an integral role in our journey with its melodious tunes and rhythmic flow. Crossing boundaries of age, religion, culture, nationality, gender and lifestyle, music unites us all within its large umbrella. Divided by the choice of songs, yet united by the love for music, this art holds an essential position in our lives. Whether you enjoy fast beats or swing to smoother notes, whether you enjoy dancing to its tunes or just relaxing to its lyrics, music has diverse roles during diverse moods. With its variety and diversity, it manages to fit into every occasion. With such obvious factors, there is no doubt about our love and affection towards music.

    Music has the power to appeal to its listeners over several domains. Musical instruments, notes, rhythm, flow and lyrics tie around a common pole to offer perfect outcome for the ears. This amazing charm of music can never fade away in any manner. Songs are always designed to mesmerize its listeners offering pearls of surprise, every single time.

    Another interesting aspect that surprises me is its easy connectivity with the listeners. You may not comprehend the art behind creating melodious songs, but you can understand its charm as soon as it hits your ears. All you need is a happy heart and energetic mind to enjoy every single note of your favorite songs.

    With strong musical background from my maternal end, music always came across as an inherited asset. Though I am nowhere close to playing musical instruments or singing at a professional level, I always admired this gift that ran along in the family. While my musical talent is restricted to the walls of our house, there is something in its charm that drives me towards eternal happiness. Though music is more about tunes, melody, notes and rhythm, my love for words has pulled me towards the lyrical end. As I admire the beauty of songs, I am prompted to think about their lyrics first. While words do play an important role as they define the feel of songs, this attraction towards lyrics has paved way for more appreciation.

  Lyrics are the primary elements that can enhance a song. Meaningful lyrics that can touch your hearts tend to succeed for several years, leaving long-lasting impression forever. The flow of such lyrics enter into our mind as permanent records, staying safe for numerous years in the future. After recognizing this new-found love for lyrics, it was time to include it within the scope of my blogs. As my posts mirror thoughts, experiences, feelings and adventures, I was prompted to explore this domain under a different light.

  Successful amalgamation between my literary love for lyrics and rhythmic affection for music has given way to this new series of blogs. Taking the title forward, this series ‘The Musical Express’ will feature some of the most memorable songs from my list. Though these songs have melodious tunes, the primary reason for their inclusion is to celebrate the lyrics. Lyrics that have left behind some interesting memories or that mean something in usual course of my journey, this series will celebrate their existence. Each of these blog posts will explore the relevance of such lyrics in our lives. What do those lyrics mean to me today or what were they meant for, I hope to address it all.

    Spread over a range of seven lyrical wonders starting next week, the series will feature one song along each blog post. Hope you enjoy this musical express, as I strive to offer my love for music in a lyrical way!

P.S: I was tempted to list down all the seven songs, but the editor in me has refrained from doing so, keeping it a surprise! Hope you all enjoy as the magic unfolds along the way. 

Why is mind your best friend?

      

     

     Apart from the obvious reason that your mind stays with you all through the lifetime, there are several reasons to label your mind as a best friend. When any single thought enters into your system, your mind is the first recipient to process it. Mind is an essential component of our existence that can influence life in every way. Unless we make friends with our mind, we cannot expect happiness and peace. The first ever critic that responds to any act, the first ever listener that hears our thoughts out, the first ever speaker who talks inside our heads - mind is truly significant by all means. Mind reminds us of our good and not so bad acts. Though we may hide our true feelings and keep them away from our loved ones, it is impossible to act in the same way with our very own mind.

    If you are still not convinced about the thought, how else will you explain the need to stay quiet and spend some alone moments, during certain stressful situations?

Why do we like to be alone for certain moments, as a means to energize our system?

What is the thought behind loving ourselves?

Why do we engage into meditation and spirituality in order to motivate our mind?

  Each of these answers will point towards the significance of our mind. As a core of our lives, mind controls us closely. It strives to take us towards happiness and peace. Though mind can often lead us towards confusion, anger, hatred and sorrow, it is the first element that rejoices in our happiness. Encouragement during failure and motivation during sorrow are some of the tasks of this mind that cheers us up instantly. Even though we are surrounded by a dense network of our loved ones, we need a little motivation from our mind to pump energy.

     This article is not designed with an aim to endorse loneliness in any manner. It is framed to celebrate the love and support of this unsung hero that stays with us forever, yet ignored quite often. In order to strengthen its health and sharpen its role in our lives, it is necessary to invest in positivity, happiness, patience and peace. Positive thoughts pose as fodder for our mind, as they bring the best in our system. On the other hand, negativity does just the opposite, making it essential to stay away from unnecessary worries.

    Many a times in life, when we come across difficult situations, we hope to seek answers from within. Though our loved ones will support us in every way, unless we hear the solution from our own mind, we may not be able to act over the situation. After thorough analysis of the situation within our heart, we can come up with appropriate solutions. Quiet moments with our thoughts can expand our horizon. It prompts us to look beyond the impossibilities, while looking out for answers. Mind addresses our fears, worries, concerns and offers the best possible outcome. 

   We all share a sweet-sour relationship with our mind. Often, we fail to understand its motive, when it takes us away from the things we love or blocks our thoughts behind some unnecessary aspect. Though we may not be able to comprehend, it can lead to some possible positive elements in the future.

     Striking a perfect relationship with our mind can take us towards peace, happiness, satisfaction and unlimited love.

So, what makes mind your best friend?

1.       Motivation: It motivates you to take that fearful step. Though your loved ones may encourage you to step away from your comfort zone and try out various aspects, unless your mind prepares itself, you may not be able to fulfill the task.

2.       Happiness: Mind prompts you to celebrate your success. It offers you the highest level of satisfaction, as you rejoice over your efforts. It enhances your happiness and spreads joy all around.

3.       Boredom: Though boredom is often born as a result of being alone, your mind can benefit from energy and motivation if you toil to change your ambiance. While your loved ones play an important role in taking you away from boredom, it demands equal participation from your mind too.

4.       Sorrow: During times of sorrow, mind may force you to invest into negativity. It may present its sour face with unnecessary thoughts and worries. This makes it essential to move towards happy thoughts and spread motivation all around.

As mind plays an important role in our lives, it is impossible to state its value in every way. Though I have attempted to frame some of its magic, it may not offer a complete justification of its friendship.

Love yourself, talk to your mind, spend quality ‘me’ time and enjoy life- after all life is too short to stay away from this best friend who means the world! 

Finding your way out

   

    Entering into the maze of life is not your choice, but finding your way out is definitely yours. Life is nothing less than an unknown ride filled with its shares of uncertainties, challenges, unexpected events and difficulties. While none of us can choose the customized road map of our own journey, we can only use a navigation system to find our own path. It is essential to stay calm, focused, patient and hopeful, with the view to achieve what you desire. No aspect in life can be well defined with terms, conditions, rules and regulations. Though we may have experiences and knowledge by our side along with accessory factors such as support, guidance and assistance, it is essential to stay prepared and find our own way out.

    Situations and circumstances are two such players that may change their colors at the end. None of these aspects can be trusted which makes it necessary to design a game-plan in action. Though we may not know about the future, we definitely know about the need to prepare for one. No matter how difficult the journey may seem, or how unexpected changes may greet our way, it is important to invest your efforts towards solution.

   Problems do not come with an instruction manual, yet they come with the hope to find their end. Nothing can be predefined with fixed steps to be followed. But one can definitely pump more energy, enthusiasm, hard work and dedication with an aim to resolve it all. One must not be fearful about the troubles that enter into the door, but they must rather invest their energy in finding the solution. Giving up is more dangerous than failure.

    Disappointment that arises due to failure can be easily replaced with promises towards more work. On the other hand, disappointment that arises due to resignation cannot be replaced at all. By refusing to enter into the maze, we may exhibit lack of trust at the first step itself. Instead, it is important to stay strong and believe in our hard work to conquer it all.

   Not making any attempt is as bad as quitting, making is essential to work hard along the way. Unless we invest our efforts to reach the solution, we may not achieve success in any way. Though we may not be able to understand the output right away, we can only hope for a favorable outcome, after taking the right steps. Whether our measures are correct or incorrect can be analyzed along the way, but unless we have invested any efforts, we cannot hope for the result.

   With this let us frame an essential to-do list that will last for a lifetime. The beauty of this list lies in its wide application. Its primary aim is to apply to every single aspect of our lives, while we find our way out!

To-do list for a lifetime:

1.       To analyze your steps in every situation

2.       To accept hard work and dedication as solutions for every problem

3.       To believe in yourself, before accepting failure

4.       To refrain from giving up

5.       To trust yourself in finding the way out

6.       To seek guidance from others, learn from their experiences and plan the action well

7.       To reject negativity and invite positivity in every domain

8.       To stay away from negative aura and stay determined along the entire course

9.       To trust your journey and believe in the saying that everything happens for the good

10.   To understand the reality that this too will pass, while waiting for happy days after the sad ones

11.   To look forward to a new sunrise, while bidding good-bye to the sunset

12.   To understand the significance of situations and circumstances, before taking the right decision

13.   To hope for a better day tomorrow, while preparing for greater challenges

14.   To work hard in every challenging situation and look out for solutions before quitting

15.   To understand the power of hard work, dedication and sincerity

These are just a few pointers from a long list for the journey of life. Live each day to the fullest, trust your course and invest efforts. Enjoying the uncertainties of maze is good, but emerging victorious from such a trap is way better!