self-hypnosis through music

It was in 2008 when I left my comfort zone and risked time, money, and job security to try my luck in New Zealand. I may say that things didn't turn out well because I didn't get what I came there for... but, I may also say so otherwise as it was there where I became enlightened. During my visit, I learned a lot of things. I learned how to be independent (almost) and I learned how to adjust to a different kind of culture. Despite not getting the results I wanted, I enjoyed my stay. It probably helped that the scenery and the people were a great help in my "soul-searching." But what made my visit significant was hearing the music of a local band called Opshop. It was on that year that they released their "One Day" single which probably is one of the best songs I've heard. It was love-at-first-hear for me. That song alone is reason enough for my visit to be considered "worthwhile."

Opshop's Second Hand Planet

I'm greatly affected by music. Hearing a familiar song that I like, even once, can alter my mood. I have songs that I associate with happiness, sadness, and even anger. I even made the mistake of associating songs to a video game that I played as a kid. It was a mistake because I can never ever play any song from Green Day's Nimrod album without imagining my avatar walking along the 2D streets of Britania. (I was playing a ported version of Ultima - can't remember which version.) Anywaaaay... on my way to work today, I shuffled my playlist a bit and Opshop's "Saturated" was the first on queue. I don't know why, but I just feel happy whenever I hear this. I always picture myself relaxing on a bright, sunny, and calm afternoon. So, despite the traffic and the unruly drivers, I was smiling happily as if I was on a beach front basking in the warmth of the sun.

It was also timely that I saw "Now You See Me" before I headed off for work. One of the characters in the movie, the mentalist played by Woody Harrelson, was able to manipulate people through hypnosis, which I was very skeptical of. 

The hypnotist from Now You See Me

Now that I think about it, hypnosis can actually be real. I may have been hypnotizing myself using music without me even knowing it. Hmmm... 

So, okay... more happiness then...

Opshop - Saturated