Music for the Soul

"I enjoy listening to music".

How often have you heard someone say this statement? Too often, isn't it?

Most of the people I know enjoy music in some form or the other. Some are inseparable from the ear plugs connecting their MP3 device, others enjoy an occasional quiet evening with soft lilting music in the background. However intense the experience there has to be some reason why we all enjoy music, to varying degrees of course.

Music can uplift a dull mind, can soothe frazzled nerves and can even add a whiff of perfume to a perfect romantic evening. I feel music has some divine affiliation into our minds and souls. How else can you explain the curative effects it can have on us?

The best part about music is its versatility. Music can be your best friend in lonesome times and also be there when you want to celebrate or party. The range of music genres is baffling for the uninformed and extremely exciting for the true fans. Although I do not consider hard rock to be music, I do enjoy an occasional head breaking heart thumping song.

Technology is also trying to keep up the pace with the rhythm of music. Music lovers can choose from a plethora of devices today to fire up their passion. I remember the time the walkman came into the market as a blessing in disguise for people of all ages. However, it is the young adults that took to it initially before it caught on for people of all ages. Today every thing you own, from your phone to your jacket can be wired up for music!

It is more accessible today than it was a couple of years ago, with Internet Radio and Music Downloads available on most websites. iTunes has its fair share in the market, though others are catching up. Music albums are available online even before the movies are released. Of course the DRM (Digital rights management) team has its hands full to try and minimize piracy.

However, its a challenge, because...

Music is Everywhere.

Euphemistic Lives

This post is a spin-off from the article I read in Time, Words Don't Mean What They Mean. I started reminiscing on how true this actually is.

Every so often, I have heard people say things that are far too mild compared to what they actually want to say. We rely on euphemisms to soften up the social situation or sometimes to just hint at what we mean to express. Why is it so hard to say something candidly? Why do we play with words instead of unreservedly blurting out what is intended? After all, an onion wrapped in faux rose petals will still be an onion! Yet, we tend to take to euphemisms more easily as compared to the bare truth.

Maybe its easier said than done (pun intended)!

As far as being direct is concerned, we often wish to save face and hint at something instead of saying it unequivocally. It is human nature to be polite, for the most part. We do not want people to dislike us or to think ill of us, at least not deliberately... and hence the politeness.

Socially, this seems more acceptable, right? We don't want to intentionally hurt someone but at the same time, need to word our thoughts, for which this fits the bill perfectly. Moreover, it helps save face in case the situation back fires.

However, these may be a blessing in disguise to appeal to a person's sensitivity. It is easier on the ears to say that someone has passed away, rather than died. It is more agreeable to say between jobs than unemployed. And of course the very common term full-figured or healthy instead of fat.

I guess the eventually we will use the words we feel right, as and when the situation asks for it.