I find it kind of odd that we say "I listen to this band" or "I listen to that band".
Listening, (other than only meaning "to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear") can also mean "to pay attention; heed; obey".
We don't usually equate the phrase, "I listen to this band" to "I listen to my parents" because they mean totally different things.
Or do they?
When we are listening to a song, we are paying attention to the music, the beat, and the words. We are allowing those things to inhabit our minds. If we are listening to music of a particular style with certain words being said, we are bound to react to it. If we listen to sad and depressing music, we will start to feel sad. If we listen to music that has anger, we will become angry. Oprah Winfrey said, "I know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become." Our minds and bodies will eventually heed or obey what we are constantly subjecting them to.
Because we can be so impressionable, it is important to consider what we are listening to, to pay attention to what we pay attention to. We should be conscious of what influences us and make an effort to focus on the things that will make us better people.
Remember the three wise monkeys, the first covering its eyes, the next covering its ears, and the last covering its mouth?
See no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.
The people we spend time with can also affect us. They can be very encouraging and uplifting or they can be discouraging and bring us down. Their influence can sometimes be very subtle, but it still affects us.
It is important that we are aware of the thoughts that enter our minds on a day-to-day basis. Are we internally criticizing others or holding grudges? Do we use profane language in our heads when something bad happens? Are we regularly mentally kicking ourselves for every mistake we make? Do we frequently think that we just don't measure up? Are we chronically anxious and stressing over a hundred different things at once?
Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Negative thinking can be one of the least beneficial things that we do. It hinders us from living life to our fullest potential.
What would you do if you had no fear? How would you live your life if nothing was impossible? What would you accomplish if you had no limits? If you dwell on positive and hopeful thinking what would be the result? Thinking about these questions is important because "once you expect something to happen, your behaviors, thoughts, and reactions will actually contribute to making that expectation occur" (Psychology Today).
Constantly having an optimistic outlook can change your life. The "impossible" becomes possible. Your fear and doubt will fade away and nothing will be able to stop you from accomplishing your goals.
It all depends on who and what you listen to.
