I love music.

This last year I’ve been experimenting with Spotify and Apple Music subscriptions. I think, despite my love of Apple – Spotify have won this battle.

But as much as I love music, I think I’m stumbling into a realization. Music is best when it is fully appreciated. And we rarely fully appreciate something that is always there.

So I’ve stopped putting Spotify on in the background whilst I’m working, despite its: “music for concentration” playlists. And I no longer automatically opt for music accompaniment on my commute.

Working in silence, and walking with just my thoughts, is surprisingly refreshing. The experience is no longer hi-jacked by whatever emotion is induced by whatever song comes on. (True, I feel less like a badass when ‘gonna fly now’ doesn’t usher me into the office with Rocky.)

But then, when the moment comes to actually listen to music, there is a newfound respect, admiration and appreciation that comes along with.

For people who haven’t tried, I’d highly recommend, choosing to listen to no music for a whole day and then in the evening put on an album.

As the adage goes, distance makes the heart grow fonder

I wonder what else I’m experiencing in excess?

Paul