Personal Growth
Founder and Psychologist
by Dr. Elisha Goldstein
“Deep listening isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection. When we truly listen, we tune into ourselves, regulate our emotions, and create space for healing.” – Josh Brill
We discuss:
2:01 – Josh’s Journey from Berklee to Healing Through Sound
5:54 – Experiencing a Transcendent State Through Music
9:57 – The Power of Deep Listening & How It Affects Your Mind
14:01 – A LIVE Demonstration of Music as Meditation 🎸
19:56 – The Science Behind Vibration & Sound Healing
27:30 – Slowing Down: How Music Helps Combat Modern Overwhelm
36:46 – Why Certain Sounds Are More Healing Than Others
45:12 – Can Anyone Learn Music? (The Answer Might Surprise You)
54:51 – How to Use Music in Your Daily Life for Emotional Balance
In this episode of The Emotional Longevity Podcast, I sit down with Josh Brill, a musician, mindfulness teacher, and expert in the healing power of sound. We explore how music is more than just entertainment – it’s a tool for emotional regulation, deeper connection, and even stress relief. If you’ve ever felt calmed by a certain melody or energized by a rhythmic beat, you’ll love this conversation on how intentional listening and even playing music can shift your emotional state and improve well-being.
The Science of Deep Listening
We often think of listening as something passive—music plays in the background while we work or drive. But Josh explains that deep listening is an active practice. When we slow down and truly immerse ourselves in sound, we engage our nervous system in a way that helps regulate emotions and reduce stress.
“We’re living in a time of continuous fractured attention,” Josh says. “Deep listening is a way to counteract that, to bring us into the present and create internal harmony.”
Research backs this up: studies show that music influences heart rate, lowers cortisol levels, and stimulates brain areas associated with emotion and memory. But the key isn’t just listening – it’s how we listen.
How Music Helps Regulate Your Emotions
Josh shares a personal story of how music transformed his relationship with stress and self-awareness. After years of training at Berklee College of Music, he found himself disconnected from the joy of playing. It wasn’t until he truly listened to music – allowing it to guide his emotions rather than control them—that he reconnected with its power.
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to regulate emotions through music is by tuning into slow, intentional sounds. Josh describes how lower frequencies, such as the deep vibrations of a bass guitar or the resonance of an acoustic note, can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
“If you’re feeling anxious or overstimulated, playing or listening to lower-pitched, slow-tempo music can actually help regulate your system” – Josh Brill
Tuning Into the Present: The Power of Slowing Down
Many of us struggle to slow down. We live in a culture that rewards speed, multitasking, and efficiency. But as Josh explains, music can help us reset our perception of time.
“When we engage with slow-tempo music, we shift from a state of urgency to a state of presence, it’s a way to retrain the mind and body to embrace stillness.”
A simple practice Josh recommends is playing a single note on an instrument and allowing yourself to fully hear it. Let the sound fade into silence, then play another note. This process not only trains your brain to slow down but also creates space for relaxation and self-awareness.
How Anyone Can Use Music for Emotional Healing
You don’t have to be a musician to benefit from this practice. Here are two simple ways to incorporate music mindfulness into your life:
1. Passive Deep Listening: Find a quiet space, put on a piece of instrumental music, and close your eyes. Focus on each note, allowing yourself to feel the vibrations and rhythm in your body.
2. Active Sound Meditation: If you have an instrument (guitar, ukulele, or even a simple drum), try playing a single note repeatedly, listening deeply as it fades into silence. Notice any shifts in your mood or tension levels.
The key is to approach music not as a distraction but as a tool for tuning into your emotions and inner state.
Embrace Music as a Path to Connection
Josh emphasizes music has always been a deeply social experience. Before the era of streaming and earbuds, people gathered to sing, play, and connect through sound. Today, music is more accessible than ever, yet we often listen passively – missing out on its full potential to bring us closer to ourselves and those around us.
“When we play music with others, we sync up—not just in sound, but in emotion, it’s a form of nonverbal communication that fosters presence and connection.”
Music is more than background noise; it’s a bridge. A way to regulate our emotions, reclaim our inner rhythm, and deepen our relationships. Whether you choose to listen with intention, hum a melody, or pick up an instrument, music has the power to transform your state of mind. The next time you press play, take a deep breath, listen fully, and let the sound guide you home.
If this conversation resonated with you, I invite you to explore music as more than just entertainment – but as a path to emotional healing and resilience. You can find more of Josh Brill’s teachings on Music Mindfulness through his website.
And if you’re looking to take your emotional health to the next level, my Emotional Health Coaching Program, Uncover the Power Within, provides personalized guidance, mindfulness techniques, and practical strategies to help you thrive.
Share this blog with someone who could benefit from it, and subscribe to The Emotional Longevity Podcast to continue exploring ways to enhance your emotional well-being through science-backed and actionable insights.
Take care of yourself, inside and out.