Melancholy Moods

Do you ever get those melancholy moods which seem to create an apathy and lethargy in you? The end result being you just don't want to do anything. That makes just about everything seem to be more effort than it's worth?

I do, I'm in one right now. I normally have a few things I can do to get myself back out of these moods, once I can convince myself it's worth the effort to do so. I've found in the past that creating a cathartic situation will normally snap me right back out within an hour or so. The most common ways I managed to do it involve movies, or at least specific scenes from them, and music. My recent story 'The Audiophile' was the result of one of those moods. As I was coming out of the mood I found myself thinking, Wow, I wonder if anyone has ever intentionally designed their music to alter people's moods. and as such, the kernel of the story was born.

Anyhow, these are a few of my favorite catharsis inducing movies and songs. These work for me most of the time. My biggest problem is when I hit a mood that none of these will get me out of. It happens about once a year and then the hunt is on for something else to induce catharsis in myself.

Note: When I say catharsis, this normally means a good crying jag (for me at least):

Movies:
Dances with Wolves: the scene where Kevin Costner charges the enemy lines on horseback, trying to commit suicide instead of having his leg amputated.

The Postman: The scene where Kevin Costner turns his horse around to grab the letter from the child at a gallop.

(yes, there is a Costner theme there, sorry but those are the two that cause catharsis for me pretty reliably)

Immortal Beloved: The Ode to Joy scene

Music:
This is a somewhat more eclectic list as my musical tastes widely vary

Bethoven's 9th Ode to Joy: That is the title of the nearly thirteen minute version I have with a magnificent version of Ode to Joy in the middle of it.

The next song is very specific. It is a version of 'When the Tigers Broke Free' that is done by the Royal Philharmonic with David Palmer conducting. The CD name is: 'The Music of Pink Floyd - Orchestral Maneuvers'. The first half of this song brings me (and my husband) to tears anytime we hear it.

Various and sundry religious based Brass Band pieces (yes, like the ones referenced in The Son of a Minister Series)

These are just a few that work for me. What works for you, if you have this issue, could be different but the one thing they have in common for me is that when I am not feeling down, they tend to cause a warm fuzzy feeling for me. So if you know of a scene or song that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, try watching or listening to it the next time you're down and see if it helps.

If you know of something that helps for you when you're in this kind of mood, please add it to the comments and maybe it will work for me, or someone else, also.

Feb 12, 2013
A. Morrel