How Music Became My Own Personal Mantra In My Life

For as long as I can remember my personal mantra has been, “If God brings you to it; he’ll bring you through it.” While that still rings very true, music has also been a mantra of sorts for me. In particular, the band Jonathan Jackson + Enation. I have been a fan of Jonathan’s since I was 11 years old, since his days on General Hospital. When he and his brother Richard decided to start a band together, I was ecstatic! Now, I am sure you’re all thinking, “How are mantras and music the same thing”?

If you ever listened to some of your favorites songs – if you strip away the melody and beat – you can hear the powerful message that the song has that you immediately connect to. That is where you find that line where you say to yourself, “Yes, that’s exactly what I was trying to say but I couldn’t find the words until I heard this song.” And just like that, that song becomes your personal mantra to help you deal or get through whatever life has you facing at that moment.

On July 14, 2017, the band released their new album, Anthem Of The Apocalypse. This was also an important day for me and my family as well,  It was the very last day of my dad’s chemotherapy. And I was listening to the entire album on repeat that day to try and keep my mind occupied. As I listened to the final song, which happened to be the title track for the album, the lines in the song really resonated with me – especially this line: “If you look me in the eye, you have nothing to fear. The storm will clear. I will hold you in the night. My love, the darkness will not touch you.”  I was so moved that I went onto Facebook and personally wrote them a thank you note for that song and for helping me during one of the most difficult times of my life. My family and I have always been extremely close. And in times of adversity, we draw even closer. We always say that whatever we go through; we go through it together as a family. My nerves were on high alert that day as you can imagine. But from the moment I had put that final song on the nervousness and uncertainty washed away. and I knew with without a doubt that whatever course of action was next, that we would get through it. The Hill may get steeper, but the battle never becomes impossible.  Not when the battle is for someone you love more than life itself. I truly believe that’s what the power of music does, it reminds you that you too can fight whatever battle is in front of you. Jonathan’s music has always reminded me to keep holding on to your faith and your hope. That as long as you have those two things; you have another shot; another opportunity to conquer life full force tomorrow. 

Art can and does imitate life and I believe that particular song is proof of that. It truly is amazing how we can cling to something and have it become our mantra to help us manage or deal with whatever is troubling us. It’s also amazing how clinging to something, such as a song, can restore your attitude and strength, and suddenly you’re this unstoppable force. That is something rare and magical. If you can find something to relate to like that of a simple line from one of your favorites rock bands and turn into a mantra that can, in turn, to help you push through to the side of hope again.

If you don’t think that holds any truth, then listen to one of your favorite musicians or bands and see if you can hear a line or lines in it that song that doesn’t instantly stick with you. To me, this is where words can truly hold their power. When words are put to music. In all honesty, you can adapt pretty much into a mantra for yourself. That’s when life can surprise you and show you a “sign” that things maybe not be okay now, but they will be eventually.

I believe music can be a universal mantra in itself that everyone can find common ground, and familiarity in. All the while, music is teaching us unity. We’re all the same, bonding on music that speaks to us allowing us to take away our own personal stories, memories, and mantras from it that all have special meaning to us. And in this day and age, I think when you find that kind of comradery and connection, and meaningful message as something as simple as music that; that is a truly beautiful thing. I am very fortunate to have also experienced this as well.

My advice to anyone who may be having a difficult day, who may be struggling with something on the inside that no one knows about, but you. Take an hour for yourself and listen to some of your favorites songs. Because I can pretty much guarantee you that; that music will not only change your state of mind or mood, but you could stumble upon your own personal mantra that could help you to remain on whatever road you’re on with a renewed spirit, and strength to get through whatever challenge or obstacle you’ve been struggling with and can’t seem to get to the other side of. Turn whatever song you adopted as your own mantra and turn it into a light to help you navigate your own dark moment in your life.

Jessica Niziolek

Jessica is the founder of and writes for The Abler - a blog that deals with topics with far too much stigma, and not enough education or knowledge. She is an advocate for the disability community. Jessica is also a contributing writer for MEDIUM.COM. Lastly, she is a coffee and chocolate junkie who loves heavy metal and rock music.

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