Bigger Than...

During my (intermittent) periods of distance running, I listen to high-energy music to keep me motivated (bless those who run in silence or with podcasts, I need encouragement!). High BPM tunes help translate into more energetic steps! Within this genre, a song that has resonated with me lately is “Bigger Than” by Justin Jesso & Seeb.

I loved it a little more when I finally saw the music video, which includes kids drawing pictures of what they want to be when they grow up (the 3-year-old who wants to be a rainbow was a personal favorite!). What struck me was the part where Justin bursts the balloons representing his fears, and confetti rains down. “A life that's bigger than… Bigger than the fears I have.”

Imagine doing this kind of exercise where you pop all of your fears as balloons, and they go poof. Indeed, you ARE bigger than your fears, you ARE more than anything you desire, fear, or feel an aversion to. All of these feelings and emotions arise and pass away. As real as they might feel in the moment, they more like a temporary balloon, full of air— they do not limit you or define you.

Once we recognize these feelings more as passing weather patterns with the occasional low-pressure systems or chaotic storms, we can hold those experiences and ourselves with more lightness, kindness, and understanding. And while we all try to become better inner meteorologists, listening to music and moving (walking, skipping, running, dancing, as you can) is a great way to proactively de-stress and promote endorphin release.