Without overthinking, take a few minutes to write down how you would define music. Is it difficult for you?

Think about your cultural background or how you were raised. What role does/did music play in your culture or in your way of life?

Think of a song or series of songs that help you feel relaxed, empowered, or rejuvenated. What is it about the song that is special to you, and what are the words you can use to describe how that song makes you feel? If possible, spend the next several minutes mindfully connecting with the song. If your thoughts should drift elsewhere, bring them back to the song and stay mindfully aware of your listening experience.

Choose one of the themes listed above (soothing/calming, empowering, or motivating) and list 5 to 10 songs or sounds that you would include on this playlist for yourself. If you want to take this exercise a step further, create and add this playlist to your portable music device or make a CD.

Spend a moment reflecting on the concept of empowerment. What songs or what styles of music most empower you? What songs would you would put on a playlist to access during various times of need?