Sound is a neurological phenomenon. In the air, it’s just a wave form. It’s only a sound when your brain decodes it, and then your conscious mind assigns it meaning. What mechanisms, then, allow a series of sounds to express melancholy? And how much of that experience is "real" versus an illusion? Commusings is our format where we take a moment to think deeply on the topics of spirituality, philosophy, and culture. For more musings and quotes, connect with us on Instagram at @onecommune or @jeffkrasno or sign up for the Commusings newsletter at onecommune.com.