Music: The Gateway to the Mind

I think most of the Western world, if not the entire world, is aware of the saying, “the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” If I’m being to Americentric in my assumptions then let me briefly explain. Men like good food and will happily fall in love with a good cook. This might be over simplifying things, but that is the essence of most cliches. It doesn’t refute the truths behind the concept though. It is an essential truth that good food can be a comforting thing and make decisions of the heart more pliable. This is, I believe, the reality that leads to this saying. If you are hungry you are on edge and unreceptive to many other things, but if you are full then you are content and open.

Anyways, that truth aside I believe there is an even greater truism. Music can be the gateway to the mind. I say “can be” so my truth is more accurate. Some people are less receptive to music in general and even those that are receptive will not allow all music to enter their mind due to personal tastes, but for most of us the music we listen to can shape us.

Music is the gateway to the mind

There have been many studies into music and how it affects us. The faster the beat the more anxious we become. There are measurable biological reactions in our response to the rhythm of music. One study I read years ago found a definite link in music and road rage like reactions. Interestingly it was established that the beat alone mattered most. Even classical music could cause the body to react with tension, increased heart rate, blood vessels in the extremities narrowing, pupil dilation, and several other “fight or flight” responses once the beats per minute increase to more frenetic levels. Flight of the Valkyrie (and similarly Flight of the Bumblebee) is one song you probably shouldn’t listen to on the drive home if you wish to remain calm. Alternately songs with a much slower rhythm have a very calming effect. For a simple anecdotal evidence to this concept, consider lullabies. They all focus on calm and slow measures to sooth a crying infant. Interestingly it also works to relax the parent.

OK, so I think we can all agree on the principles tying music to certain body reactions, maybe even emotional responses, but how is this the gateway to the mind?

If this song happens to cause negative feelings then guess who is suddenly having a crappy kind of day.

Other studies have been done that show the body’s fight or flight repose, and other powerful emotional reactions, also causes strong ties to events in our memory. This is one of the reasons for PTSD. Basically an event that causes stress or other strong emotions is imprinted differently in our mind. There are more “links” to that data so it is more easily retrieved. In extreme cases the information comes to the surface unbidden and with overpowering vividness. In less powerful experiences it just allows for seemingly unrelated sensory input to trigger the memory.

Now I’m sure you can follow the link, but why should this matter?

Well now, let’s say a person has the opportunity to listen to a high energy song that brings up feelings of depression, frustration, angst … and they like this song. That isn’t terrible by itself, but every time they listen to this song those feelings are reinforced. The song will stay with them and various things in life will help them to think about the song. I think most of us can relate to this. Going through the day, minding my own business when something gets me thinking about some song and next thing I know the song is on some kind of infinite loop in my head.

If this song happens to cause negative feelings then guess who is suddenly having a crappy kind of day.

Now some folks might expect me to go from here and say “you should only listen to Christian music.” Those folks would be wrong.

Actually in my experience there are a lot of Christian songs that can really bring me down. On the other hand, there are “secular” song that are very uplifting. They leave me motivated to get stuff done and even to do good things. I’m not trying to promote a specific genre of music. Instead I would say the rational person, the wise person would think about what they listen to. Catch that? Think. Of course that takes introspection and effort. One must think about how a particular song affects them, not just the lyrics but the whole song. Does it leave you in your misery or lift you out? Can it motivate you to goodness or nudge you toward anger?

Ultimately the stuff we put in our mind guides and shapes our thoughts. I don’t know why so many people will check food labels but don’t really consider the effect their music might be having on them.

So what is your favorite music? How does it make you feel? What thoughts does it leave you with? How might things change now that you are aware of how music can affect you?