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The Sound of a Suitcase: Bon Jovi's Wake-Up Call to Cherish What We Have
We often hear that old saying, "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." This week, I want to explore that very human experience through the lens of a song we've been journeying with, "I'll Be There For You" by Bon Jovi. We'll be looking specifically at how this painful realization can become a powerful, albeit harsh, teacher of gratitude and humility – two cornerstones of mental wellbeing.
May 13


Can't Buy Back Yesterday: Finding Mindfulness & Letting Go in Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There For You"
Welcome back to the space where we unravel the threads between the music that moves us and the mental wellness journeys we navigate. Today, we take another look at a power ballad that, on the surface, might seem all about holding on, but I want to explore how it can surprisingly guide us toward the crucial practices of mindfulness, being present, and the art of letting go. The song on our minds (and in our ears) this week is Bon Jovi's epic 1989 hit, "I'll Be There For You."
May 12


Dirty Hands, Open Heart: What Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There For You" Teaches Us About Showing Up
Here on the blog, we love exploring how lyrics can resonate with our inner worlds, acting as mirrors or even guides. This week, we're throwing it back to the late 80s, turning up the volume on a classic power ballad: Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There For You." This tune was the soundtrack to my joys, the comfort in my sorrows, and sometimes, the unexpected voice that helped me understand my own feelings a little better. Let's explore it together.
May 11


Lullabies for the Soul: The Comfort and Healing of the "Brokedown Palace"
Greetings again, fellow travelers on the road to well-being! Today, let’s settle in and explore a song that is not just a classic, but also a balm for the soul: the Grateful Dead's "Brokedown Palace." This song, with its gentle melody and deeply evocative lyrics, has a way of finding you wherever you are on your journey, whether you're celebrating a victory or weathering a storm. It's a song about finding peace amidst the wreckage, a theme that resonates deeply within the rea
May 10


From Anxious Descent to Mindful Movement: A Deeper Look at Phish's "Julius"
Music has an uncanny ability to tap into the deepest recesses of our emotional landscapes. Sometimes it’s the melody, sometimes the rhythm, and often, it’s the lyrics that resonate, offering reflections of our own experiences, struggles, and triumphs. For fans of the improvisational rock band Phish, their catalog is rich with complex musical journeys and often enigmatic lyrics. Today, we're diving into one of their high-energy, horn-driven anthems, "Julius," from their 1994 a
May 9


Living Through the November Rain: Bipolar Disorder, Resilience, and Finding Your Way
Music has an incredible way of tapping into the deepest parts of our emotional experience, sometimes reflecting feelings and struggles we can barely articulate. Today, I want to explore a connection that might seem unconventional at first glance: the swirling emotions and narrative within Guns N' Roses' epic rock ballad, "November Rain," and the lived experience of managing bipolar disorder.
May 7


An Unexpected Grace: Gratitude, Humility, and "November Rain"
Let's explore another layer of meaning in "November Rain", this time focusing on gratitude and humility. It's interesting how a song can speak to such different aspects of the human experience! sometimes for what was, It's easy to focus on the drama and heartbreak in "November Rain" (and there's plenty of that!), but underneath it all, there's a current of appreciation – sometimes for what is, and sometimes for the mere potential of connection.
May 6


Even Cold November Rain Passes: The Unexpected Mindfulness of a Rock Classic
I want to dive back into a song that soundtracked a portion of my youth (and maybe yours too?) – Guns N' Roses' magnum opus, "November Rain". Let's take another look at our Song of the Week and explore how its themes resonate deeply with concepts like mindfulness and being present in our own emotional landscapes.
Music has this incredible power to tap into our deepest emotions, often articulating feelings we struggle to name ourselves. Profound insights come from the most un
May 5


Holding a Candle in the Rain: A Mental Health Reflection on "November Rain"
Okay, grab a warm drink, maybe put on some headphones, and let’s dive into a song that’s as epic and emotionally layered as life itself. I’m talking about Guns N’ Roses’ masterpiece, “November Rain.” I know what some of you might be thinking – GNR? Hard rock? What does that have to do with mental wellness? Stick with me here, because I truly believe music speaks to us in ways we don’t always expect, and sometimes the most profound insights come wrapped in distortion and soari
May 4


Ringing the Bell: Hope, Resilience, and Mental Wellness in Franklin's Tower
Okay, grab a comfy seat, maybe put on some headphones, and let's journey together into the warm, swirling sounds of the Grateful Dead and the surprisingly deep wells of wisdom we can find there for our mental health.
This week, I want to dive into a song that’s long been a personal favorite, a staple of countless Grateful Dead shows, and a piece rich with evocative imagery: "Franklin's Tower."
May 3


Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame on You!
We all have experienced shame. The question is why and what can we do about it? Let's explore this powerful but difficult emotion.
May 3


My Life, My Mind: Decoding Mental Health in Billy Joel's Anthem
Billy Joel's hit "My Life", with its confident stride and unwavering declarations of independence, has always felt like a personal anthem for many. But as we listen through a mental health lens, particularly considering the nuances of conditions like Bipolar II disorder, some interesting themes begin to emerge. Let's dive into this classic that resonates with a spirit of self-determination.
Apr 30


Challenge Week 4: Weaving Mindfulness into Your Everyday
Welcome to Mindfulness Challenge Week 4! You've made it this far. Let's keep looking at further integrating it into your daily life.
Apr 30


Living "My Life" Mindfully: Billy Joel's Wisdom for Mental Well-being
Explore insightful, inspirational nuggets of mindfulness and being present found in the Billy Joel classic anthem, "My Life".
Apr 28


Mastering Mindfulness: How to Expand Your Focus with Week 3 Meditation Challenge
Alright, mindful friends, welcome to Week 3 of our meditation challenge! You've already laid a fantastic foundation in Weeks 1 and 2,...
Apr 23


Mood Swings & Rock Anthems: My Unbreakable Playlist
So, today I've been thinking a lot about a song that always seems to pop into my head when things get… well, a little extra. You know the feeling, right? That rollercoaster that sometimes decides to take a few extra unexpected dips and climbs? Yeah, I'm talking about living with bipolar II. And the song that keeps echoing in my mind? Tom Petty's classic, "I Won't Back Down."
Apr 23


Standing Your Ground Within: Mindfulness Lessons from Tom Petty and “I Won’t Back Down”
"I Won't Back Down" is an anthem that isn't just about standing your ground against external forces; it can be a mantra for our inner selves
Apr 21


Tears and Smiles: Exploring Bipolar II in The Rolling Stones' "Shine A Light"
Welcome back to the blog where we explore the beautiful intersection of song lyrics, mindfulness, and mental well-being. This week, we're diving deep into a classic that resonates with raw emotion and a yearning for something better: The Rolling Stones' powerful ballad, "Shine A Light."
Beyond its soulful melody and Mick Jagger's heartfelt delivery, "Shine A Light" offers a poignant glimpse into the struggles of someone navigating what appears to be a difficult mental or e
Apr 20


Level Up Your Meditation Practice: Week 2 Challenge
Welcome back! It’s time for Week 2 of our meditation challenge. If you missed last week, you could always go back to last Wednesday's...
Apr 16


Shine A Light Within: Using Mindfulness to Navigate Life's Darkest Alleys
The Rolling Stones' "Shine A Light" is a song about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. In the darkest of times, there is light.
Apr 14
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