Mixtape

To me the concept of a mixtape brings so many memories to the surface. Young, hopeful memories. Memories that remind me of my childhood, my adolescence, my young adult life. I haven't made a 'mixtape' in years. I only have one cassette player now and it doesn't record. I do however, have a large collection of mixtapes that I haven't seen in years. They reside at my parents house. Every once and a while I pull them out, pop one in, and I am instantly returned to a time in my life that was magical. Just listening to one of my mixtapes I pull out every thought and emotion I was experiencing during the time I created it.

It's imprinted. The power exists at a cellular level. It's cellular memory. It's powerful

One of my favorite activities to do with kids in therapy or group is have them make a mix. I learn so much more about a person when I ask them to make me a mix. I know how deep or shallow their work is. I get a better sense of how they are feeling. I can tell when they put a lot of thought into it and when they just slap some shit together. To me, that speaks volumes about our therapuetic relationship.

The exchange of a mix is like a dance. It's the best way I know how to gauge a relationship. Does this person get as excited as I do? Does it get tossed in a glove box and never listened to? Does it get played over and over as the listener deconstructs it?

Power. Mighty power.