Flatbed Ford to Focused Mind: Mindfulness Lessons from the Eagles' "Take It Easy"

As a part of our “Never Miss A Sunday Show” series, we looked at “Take It Easy” by the Eagles and went through a few of my favorite lines and the lessons that I’ve gleaned from them. How can we take these lessons and turn them into actionable items that will have a meaningful impact on our lives? What is something we can do to find the balance and mindfulness we all seek?

Let’s go back into the lyrics and lessons of “Take It Easy” and find our answers there. There is no simple solution, or one size fits all. Here are five things to think about as a part of your journey for continuous self-improvement.

1. Quiet the Mind Chatter: The song reminds us not to let "the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy." Today, take some time to unplug and disconnect from the constant stream of thoughts and worries. This could involve meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply spending some quiet time in nature. The goal is to create space between yourself and your thoughts, allowing for a sense of calm and perspective.

   
   

2. Embrace Joy and Laughter: "Lighten up while you still can" is a powerful reminder to prioritize joy and laughter in our lives. Today, make a conscious effort to engage in activities that bring you joy. This could be anything from listening to your favorite music (imagine that suggestion from me) to spending time with loved ones who make you laugh. Even small moments of levity can have a significant impact on your overall mood and well-being. Life is about perspective. If you project joy and a sense of humor, you will find the feelings are reflected back to you.

   
   

3. Practice Acceptance: "Take It Easy" encourages a more relaxed and accepting approach to life's challenges. Today, try to let go of any resistance or frustration you may be experiencing. This doesn't mean giving up or being passive but rather choosing to respond to situations with a sense of calm and understanding.

   
   

   Acceptance can help reduce stress and allow you to navigate difficulties with greater ease. Not everything is a fire drill. Very few things are worth the amps going to eleven for. Choose your battles, or even more importantly, sometimes choose not to battle. Our trip here is short. Accept what we cannot change and work to impact that which we can. This mindset allows us to appreciate what we have rather than constantly striving for more. Contentment is a breeding ground for gratitude. When we're content, we naturally appreciate our current circumstances.

4. Appreciation for the Simple Things: The song emphasizes not letting "the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy." This suggests focusing less on anxieties and more on the present. By quieting the mental chatter, we become more receptive to the simple joys and blessings around us, fostering gratitude for what is rather than what could be. Take the small wins. Be grateful for what you have, as there are others that would trade everything for your circumstances. Find clarity in regards to the things that really matter in your life. Here is a hint – it’s not how much money you have, the size of your house, or the car you drive.

   
   

5. Living in the Moment: The overall vibe of the song is about slowing down and appreciating the journey. This mindfulness of the present moment is essential for gratitude. When we're fully present, we're more likely to notice and appreciate the good things happening around us, fostering a sense of thankfulness. We've heard it our entire lives but it really is about the journey, not the destination.

These are just a few of the themes that you can carry you through your day. This will help begin to cultivate a more balanced and joyful approach to life, part of which might be inspired by the timeless wisdom of "Take It Easy." However, this is only the first step. Let's dive a little bit deeper.

Now, the question you are probably asking yourself is: how do these thoughts turn into actions? What can we do to bring actual change into our lives. Here are three things that I’ve tried that I’ve aligned with these lessons from “Take It Easy”. Hopefully this will allow your inner self the space to express gratitude or practice mindfulness:

1. "Sound of My Wheels" Journaling: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the "sound of your wheels"—the thoughts and worries swirling in your mind. Then, intentionally shift your focus to the good things in your life—things you're grateful for, small joys you experienced, or positive aspects of your present moment. Using a Gratitude Journal and getting in the practice of writing these down can help you cultivate a habit of noticing and appreciating the positive. You’ll be surprised at the amount of positive things you see when you intentionally go looking for them.

   
   

2. "Easy Feeling" Meditation: Practice a short, guided meditation focused on cultivating an "easy feeling." This could involve focusing on your breath, releasing tension, and visualizing a peaceful scene. As you relax, recall a few things you're grateful for. Mindful meditation involves emptying your mind and mentally observing yourself as you exist right now, in this very moment. You should notice the parts of your body that are in contact with the chair or the floor. You should feel your chest rising and falling as you intake a breath then slowly let it out. That intentional focus on the here and now is as close as we can get to understanding the world around us in the most present moment possible. The combination of meditation and gratitude can deepen your appreciation for the present moment and the good things in your life.

   
   

3. "Lighten Up" Activity: Engage in an activity that brings you joy and laughter. This could be anything from spending time with loved ones to pursuing a hobby you enjoy. Music is something that moves me constantly. It is a resource I use to pick myself up when I’ve been knocked down. As you find and engage in these activities, consciously notice and appreciate the positive feelings it brings. This mindful enjoyment of positive experiences can foster a deeper sense of gratitude for the good things in your life and your ability to recognize and enjoy them.

   
   

Improving your mental health is not easy, nor will the progress be linear. It will come in fits and starts, highs and lows that test your spirit and your will. We are all in charge of ourselves, and that includes the feelings inside us. Use the concepts and tools that have been discussed to shine a more positive light on the life you have, not the one you think you are supposed to have. We all are walking our own path, at our own pace. We all need to not let the sound of our wheels drive us crazy. It is simple but timeless advice – take it easy

CHALLENGE: Each day for the next week, write down three things that you are grateful for. It can be anything in your life -- family, pets, or the flowers blooming in your yard. It is your gratitude, so express it. Tell us how you feel afterward.

I'm also going to challenge you to incorporate meditation into your life. Starting Wednesday, I will post 7 days of meditation exercises for you to do. All I'm asking from you is 10 minutes a day of intentional mindfulness. I'll do this each week for the next month and if you really stick with, I promise you will notice a clearer head and a purified soul.

Please take care of yourselves and each other.

Disclaimer: While music can be a powerful tool for emotional well being, the information in this blog should not be a substitute for professional advice or therapy. The information provided in this blog post is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or professional advice.  I am not a trained mental health expert, and the content shared here should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please do not hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency services. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line