Today, I found myself driving to the hospital for another day’s work during pandemic times and I let my Spotify playlist just stream itself. I did not want to think about a single thing, I just wanted something to keep my soul company as the traffic was nil and the city was quietly quarantining.
Most of the time, I let the songs play and I feel whatever emotion comes to me at that moment. This time though, I noticed every time a Beatles song would play, it sparked so much more in me. I connected, I felt uplifted, and I purposefully reflected.
I first learned the power of empathy at a young age, not by reading books, but by reading song lyrics. I was so immersed in song lyrics that it sparked my desire to write and express myself. I would feel so moved by the stories and emotions in every song that I would memorize them and bask in the melodies that carried them through from my eyes to my ears.
The first song to play was Yesterday – do I need to say more? Just the word itself triggers so much self-awareness, which is what makes the Beatles so brilliant. The simplicity of their lyrics and the shortness of their songs, provokes deep thought and meditation.
While I feel Yesterday is more about love and regret, it made me reflect on everything I took for granted just over a mere week ago – going to a crowded gym, sitting in heavy traffic, standing in a long waiting line at the grocery store, giving my 79 year-old mother with COPD a hug and a kiss, going out to restaurants or events, and hopping on a flight across the world without a single thought. “How I long for yesterday…”
Second, Help! I absolutely love this song because of its loud and fast-paced rhythm, implying the urgency to reach out, connect, and help raise someone up NOW. Reaching out can be harder than helping out – so I told myself I would simply ask how others are feeling today as this in itself is creating a moment to offer recognition and support to someone in need.
The lyric, “My independence seems to vanish in the haze” resonates so much with me because of how life inevitably changes quickly – and because of this – I was feeling deep gratitude for the constant love and support of those in my world who I can count on through my hardships.
Third, All You Need Is Love – was so uplifting and made me realize that there is nothing that can’t be done, felt, or understood in this world if you feel love and belonging. Love for yourself, love for humanity, and love for the life you live. I believe those who struggle most in this world are those who feel unloved in some way. And so, I made it a point to tell someone I loved them today.
Finally, the piano prelude to Let it Be was a beautiful way to stroll into the parking lot. I actually played it quite loudly, attracting the eyes and ears of those nearby who instantly connected.
Let it Be is harmonious, spiritual, and hopeful. There is power in faith and letting go – faith in the departed, faith in your God or Source, and faith in one another. I trust that you are doing what you can to live your most healthy life right now and I know that you trust me to live mine. Trust your guiding whispers more than the noise that surrounds you, and there will be an answer. Just let it be.
If you want to reach out and connect, please get in touch at jennifer@jennifergeorge.co for support.