Finding Calm in Music and Breath
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete”
In periods of instability and heightened tension, staying connected to community, breath, and grounding practices can make all the difference. When life feels uncertain, feeling alone or unheard is even harder. It is lonely when it feels like no one understands what you are going through.
When that loneliness creeps in, it’s vital to find ways to bridge the gap between our rich inner worlds and the reality around us.
Sometimes, that feeling of isolation comes from within. You might find yourself asking, “Why do I feel like I don't deserve to be sad when other people had harder childhoods than mine?"
That’s such an insightful question, and it reveals something important about you: you care deeply about other people. The fact that you can recognise others’ pain and feel empathy for it says a lot about your compassion. Many people compare their struggles to others’ and think, “I shouldn’t feel this way because others had it worse.”
Emotional pain doesn’t work on a scale. Comparisons can give us perspective. They can remind us to be grateful or help us recognise privilege. However, they’re not meant to be used as weapons against ourselves.
What you are going through matters, and your feelings are always valid. You don't need to have a bad enough past to earn the right to be sad. Sadness is just your way of showing that something was important to you. It is possible to care about the struggles of others while still being kind to yourself about your own pain.
Your sadness isn't proof that you are ungrateful or weak. It is proof that you are human.
When you can't find the right words, music and breathing help you express how you feel. They remind you that your emotions are real and that you aren't alone.
Music Validates Your Heart: Whether it’s a sweeping orchestral piece or a bit of soulful indie, music helps bridge the gap between your inner world and reality. It tells you: "Your feelings are real, and they are beautiful."
The Breath Grounds Your Reality: Just as a song can shift your mood, a single conscious breath can shift your nervous system. It is the most direct way to tell your body, "You are safe in this moment."
A Shared Experience: Somewhere out there, an artist felt what you feel. Thousands of others are practising the same breathwork. You aren’t alone in the dark; you’re part of a symphony of people simply trying to find their way back to peace.
I’m a firm believer that we should curate our wellbeing rituals with intention. Here is how you can ground yourself today:
Listen to Music: Create a collection of songs that make you feel heard. If you feel misunderstood or lonely, music helps bridge the gap. Don’t worry about what’s cool; if it resonates with your spirit, it belongs there.
Active Listening & Breathing: Try combining the two. Sit with a cup of tea, play something soul-stirring, and focus on the rise and fall of your chest. Let the music wrap around you like a warm cardigan.
A Little Reminder for You
Instead of judging yourself for feeling sad, try listening to what that sadness wants to tell you. Compassion for others is beautiful, and remember, you’re one of the people who deserves it, too.
Take a deep, nourishing breath, press play on a favourite track, and remember that you are connected to a community that cares for you. We are all in this together, one note and one breath at a time.
