Philosophy of Listening

How many people really listen to music today? I know frustrated worker bees sit in traffic with the Clear Channel radio stations replaying song after song.  I know MTV still plays videos from time to time.  I know it's in every movie we watch.  But most people are sitting in an elevator, humming to a melody that travels in one ear and out the other.  No chance to absorb.  No thought.  Just something to tap toes to.  Just background sound to preoccupy the space of real thought.

Give me headphones.  Eyes closed.  Full blast.  Let the sound fill every crag of my mind.  Let the body fade away until all that remains is a head swimming in the sounds of melody, harmonies, lyrics.  Relax all thoughts until they melt away.  Every worry, love, hate, emotion dissipates until the warmth of musical connection is the only feeling traveling through muscle, nerves, bone.  Then, pure meditation through music can be achieved.

A single second may be all that a mind can muster.  Brain tends to kick in.  But practice, practice, practice can extend this enlightenment.  Reeelax.  Take it all in.  Don't think.  Just feel.  This is what it is to listen.