Whistle While You Work
Growing up in a family with six kids and a father who I think secretly wished us to to be an American version of the von Trapp family, music has always been a big part of my life. We would jam together in the living room, sing together in nursing homes and carol at Christmas in our neighborhood and in the hospital. I’m grateful for the way music has always been there, and that shows up in such different ways. When I need a little extra push to keep running when I’m ready to give up, I change the song to something with some driving BPM like “Greenlights” by Krewella or “Glorious” by Mackelmore. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, Alexi Murdoch’s “A Song for You” or “Comfort” by Deb Talan paired with a cup of hot tea and a cozy blanket can help sooth and support. Female french cafe style jazz greats like Stacey Kent, Madeleine Peyroux, or Cyrille Aimee are perfect for background music for photoshoots, cooking, long drives….anything, really. :) We saw Max Richter when we lived in London at the Blenheim Palace, which is just outside of Oxford. I was teary, and so moved when we he played the songs from his album where he’s recomposed Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. I often listen to this album, and of course the memory of that magical evening flood.
When I work, and need to focus or get into the flow, I find that the right music can be like a magic potion, making a brain environment ready to get in the groove. (It’s almost as powerful as the meds I take for ADD ;))
I thought I’d share my current favorite playlist for work & focus, which I’ve added to throughout the year, and will likely start a new one as we move into 2022. Here’s a link to the playlist on Spotify in case you’re keen to have a listen. And if anyone reads this, I’d love to hear about your favorite tunes, for work or other activities, as well!
Image by Lee Campbell
P.S. I wrote most of this musing from the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie, but forgot to get a photo while I was there! So, this photo from google will have to suffice.
