Zen Playlist

Music is a form of escapism. It has a way of transporting its listeners to different states through the use of lyricism and beat. Which is why we all should be mindful to the music we choose to consume. What we listen to can play a hand in how we view and take in the world around us.

Dealing with anxiety, music has been one of my saviors. When the world feels a bit too loud, I sometimes use music to shut it out and try to re-center myself. I don’t know what I would do without it. I feel like there is rarely a day I go without listening to at least a couple of my favorite songs. Which is why when I saw this challenge, I became really intrigued; I felt like it was right up my alley. Although, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little reluctant as well. Making a playlist is an art form. Every single song should flow into each other and tell a story. In order to have a truly good playlist, the positioning of each song should be powerful and intentional.

– Which can be a lot of pressure. I mean generally speaking, no one wants to create a bad playlist. Sharing music can be very intimate. Yet low and behold, a few days before submissions were set to close, I choose to accept the challenge. I made the playlist on Apple Music, so it may change from time to time. I can be a bit indecisive at times and I like to listen to my playlist all the way through to make sure that they make sense – So I may switch some things around during this process, but by the time this story is published the final edit should be published. Please be kind, it usually takes me over a week to settle on a playlists order.

The playlist that I have curated incorporates a peaceful blend of R&B, instrumentals, and a bit of alternative, hip hop, and jazz. It sounds like a lot, but all of the music shares similar themes. Right now, some artists who help keep me grounded are Kali Uchis, Jhene Aiko, Frank Ocean, Little Dragon, Kendrick Lamar, and Frank Sinatra. If you like any of those artists, I think that you might enjoy my playlist. I tried to make it very inclusive. As much as I love songs about women empowerment, I figured women wouldn’t be the only ones who stumbled across this post. All of the songs are fairly neutral and have positive notes. As I said before, the music that we choose to listen to can have an effect on us. I didn’t want to include any sad music in this particular playlist.

Now, this is not a meditation playlist. I wouldn’t listen to it if you’re trying to focus on something specific, this playlist is more so something that will help soothe you when you need to escape for a while or when things start to feel overwhelming.

Before I embed my playlist, I would like to set some ground rules. Everyone has a different set of rules when it comes to curating/listening to playlists; For example, when it comes curating most people don’t think that you should repeat the same artist. Disclaimer: I repeat artist with no shame. I think that the most important aspect of a playlist is that it flows and maintains the energy set for each section. Anyways, the list is short but here are my rules for you all.

#1 Listen to it in order at least the first time through. I worked really hard on this playlist, it’s the most enjoyable that way.

#2. Only shuffle the playlist after you’ve adhered to rule one.

Alright, I think you’re ready. Sit back, relax, and enjoy my Zen Playlist.