I have been trying to be more present recently so I have been not using my airpods for the last week because thinking your own thoughts is good for you as opposed to snuffing them out with movie podcasts and post-rock.
If you’re craving a bit more sauce in your life, I implore you to exit the figurative bubble that is noise cancelling headphones, and allow your environment to soundtrack your inner monologue — you’d be surprised how it affects the themes and tone of your inner world. Some brief background on this theory... In my experience, my music selection would often colour my thoughts, and unfortunately I have a penchant for sad boy shit. And sad boy music = sad boy. Conversely, if I made the deliberate choice to listen to “happy” music when I was feeling off, my mind would try to manufacture happiness through sheer will, exposure, and a repeated “happy thoughts” mantra. But this process rarely felt authentic, and all the more isolating. Instead, I found that inviting the randomness of worldly sounds would take me on a crazy-eyed, spontaneous journey — internally and externally.
If you’re within an hour walk from home, you should just walk home.
I understand taking public transit or an Uber there to be on time, but you’re not rushing to get home. Thus, walk.
