Monday Musical Moment: MMM: Back to school & The Heart of Life

Happy Monday!

Answer me this question… how is it possible that the school is already here? The end of the previous year seems like only yesterday and now here we are again! This time of year is always full of activity but when I was in school, I remember above all being most excited about the newness of it all. I’ve always loved having the opportunity for a clean slate and a fresh start, with so many chances for growth, and most importantly, that feeling you get opening a brand-new notebook. Ahhh…

As of this past May, although I am officially done with being a doctoral student, I’m excited to start teaching some new private students and beginning my 7^thyear of college teaching at two Lone Star College campuses!

But with all the excitement a new school year brings, it can also bring fear, anxiety, stress, or a feeling of being overwhelmed. I am generally a pretty reserved and introverted person, and when I was a younger student, I was often nervous or scared to meet new people or be in new environments. I always tried to be nice to others, but I sometimes had trouble “fitting in.” You may not be surprised to hear that music was where I found refuge from my anxiety, as many people often do, which has continued to this day.

If you are at all anxious about the start of school, I hope today’s music can be a moment of Zen for you as you or a loved one embarks on a new journey! This song comes from John Mayer’s “Where the Light Is” concert, recorded live in Los Angeles in 2007. You may remember that I shared another song from this concert, “Stop This Train,” this past May, and this is song, “The Heart of Life,” is just as wonderful with effortless guitar playing, genuine musicality, and meaningful words.

To me, the opening verse sounds like a parent consoling their child who is crying on the floor, perhaps nervous about going back to school. Then comes the chorus of the song carrying the child’s lesson, which is:

“Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No, it won’t all go the way it should

But I know the heart of life is good.”

As the new school year begins, I hope that you or your loved ones can find that feeling of excitement of beginning something new, and can take comfort that, whatever the new school year brings, the heart of life is still good.

Have a great week!

Justin