First, this is not a debate on whether vinyl is the ultimate form of music listening. This is solely how the format has helped me learn a lesson in living simply.
Now, I don't personally own any records. My roommates have a good number and that's how I've been exposed to them. Vinyl has many disadvantages in terms of living simply; they are big, they physically breakdown from repeated listening, the players themselves require a good amount of maintenance, etc.
However, one thing I have learned from them is how to be "in the now." What do I mean by that? There is far more commitment in listening to a vinyl record than playing the same album on [insert favorite online streaming service here.]
Compare the two:
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Vinyl - Possibly clean the player; take out the record; place it on the turntable; apply the needle; hit play.
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Phone/Spotify/Laptop/Etc. - Open app; find album; hit play.
There is far more to do in playing a vinyl record. I've found myself becoming more into an album that I play via that format. When my roommate puts on a record, I don't touch my phone or do anything except sit and listen because the experience of choosing an album from his collection and putting it on the player, while reading the notes on the case, forces me to be more involved with the activity. I've been more appreciative (and critical) of the albums I've listened to this way.
This lesson of being "in the now" can be applied to an infinite number of activities; reading, film, painting, writing, tennis, etc. In our fast-paced modern world, it can be challenging to focus on one thing and just one thing for longer than 10 minutes. Our attention spans have gone to nothing and actively trying to focus on one activity that you enjoy is the essence of Simple Living.
I won't be buying my own vinyl records anytime soon as I feel the format has too many realistic disadvantages. However, the lessons I have learned from it I am grateful for.
Submitted July 10, 2017 at 09:10PM by MayThePepeBeWithYou http://ift.tt/2ucb3xM
