A Year in Music:

As the year comes to a close, I find myself thinking about how music guided me through this season of transformation. In a world filled with noise—opinions, judgments, and countless voices—sometimes real peace comes not from hearing more but from hearing less. My journey this past year was about finding silence in unexpected places, about learning to reset through music without words, and about reconnecting with the inner peace I’d long neglected.

The first defining soundtrack of my year was, surprisingly, Mozart. a foster dog—a calm and loving companion I named after the great composer, partly for his gentle temperament, and partly as a nod to the peace I was hoping to cultivate in my own life. We spent countless hours together, his quiet company reinforcing the soothing, word-free compositions I played in the background. Mozart’s symphonies, free of lyrics, allowed my mind to wander freely, breaking away from the sometimes overwhelming stream of outside noise. In a way, he—both the composer and the dog—became a comforting anchor, providing a steady rhythm that soothed my soul and reminded me that not all healing required words.

Music played a role beyond just the sound itself; it became an essential tool for my practice of Buddhism. The chanting of “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” served as a daily ritual, a grounding element that allowed me to focus inward. This form of mantra meditation doesn’t require complex lyrics or emotional intensity. Instead, it’s a simple, profound practice that aims to cultivate peace and happiness from within, without the influence of external opinions or emotions. The steady, repetitive nature of chanting allowed me to silence the constant mental chatter, bringing me closer to a state of balance and mindfulness. I began to appreciate that words could be powerful even in simplicity, and that silence held its own wisdom—a truth that felt refreshing in a world full of complicated narratives.

Looking back, I recognize that much of mainstream music was absent from my life this year. Songs with heavy lyrics or overly intense emotions often felt more distracting than supportive. It wasn’t a judgment on the music itself, but rather an acknowledgment of where I was in my personal journey. I didn’t need the emotional weight of popular music during my healing process; instead, I needed space—mental and emotional room to process, to reset, and to realign. Mainstream music, with its potential for emotional highs and lows, could often pull me out of my balanced state, leaving me to deal with the residue of someone else’s emotions rather than focusing on my own growth.

This journey through music led me to write a piece of my own, a short lyric that attempted to capture the turbulence I’d faced. It was a way of articulating the experience of pushing forward alone, enduring misunderstandings, judgments, and external pressures. Writing this lyric was cathartic, a creative expression that allowed me to voice the internal struggle of fighting to build a life on my own terms. The words were simple but resonant—a reminder to myself that my path was valid, even if it wasn’t understood by everyone.

As I reflect on this year’s personal soundtrack, I realize that it wasn’t defined by the latest hits or even by a genre, but by the moments of intentional silence, the timelessness of classical music, and the simplicity of Buddhist mantras. In a world that often demands more—more opinions, more noise, more productivity—I found peace in less.

With Mozart, I discovered the art of peaceful companionship; through chanting, I cultivated inner resilience; and with each silent moment, I found the space to rebuild. Looking ahead, I know that music will continue to be a refuge, a place where I can return to myself even amid life’s inevitable noise. This year has taught me that sometimes the most powerful sound is the one that allows us to hear ourselves, to heal, and to grow.

Title: Silence Speaks

Verse 1

They all had their say, words sharp as knives,

Twisting truth to fit their lives.

Tried to explain, but they just spun,

Left with silence when words wouldn’t run.

Chorus

So I let the quiet be my guide,

In the shadows, I learned to hide.

When voices fade and noise is gone,

I find my strength, I carry on.

Verse 2

They thought they knew what’s on my mind,

Judging paths they’ll never find.

With wealth and pride they measure worth,

But some things don’t fit what’s shown on earth.

Bridge

In the calm, I find my way,

Where empty words don’t hold sway.

Not here to prove, or show, or boast,

I walk alone but know I’m close.

Chorus

So I let the quiet be my guide,

In the shadows, I learned to hide.

When voices fade and noise is gone,

I find my strength, I carry on.

Outro

Maybe someday they’ll understand,

But till then, I stand, just one man.

No need for show, no need for fame,

Silence whispers my name.