LIFE ON URTH - Episode 082

Augmentation (from Latin augmentare, “to increase”) means enlargement, amplification, or extension. Examples:

• Flashlights: enhancing our ability to see in the dark.
• Bicycles: expanding our radius of movement.
• Paintings: creating atmosphere and telling stories

One exciting new development is so-called augmented psychotherapy. Here, classical therapeutic approaches are complemented by consciousness-expanding methods. This includes not only substances such as psilocybin and MDMA, but also methods like breathing techniques, meditation, and hypnosis.

My most frequently used emotional-psychological augmentation is music. As a result, creating Spotify playlists for a wide range of moods and situations has become a hobby of mine. Here are my five best creations from the past year:

Visions

Visions • Adrian Schug Dea Omnium • IOTO PREVIEW   ​

This playlist is responsible for space music becoming a top genre in my Spotify Wrapped 2025. It all started with IOTO (“known for his synth-driven, cinematic, and deeply immersive sound”). I quickly realized that these hypnotic songs needed their own playlist.
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I listen to Visions while writing, reading, thinking, and dreaming. The music has no vocals and hardly any drums, making it ideal for entering deep flow states and staying there.

Mind Avenue

Mind Avenue • Adrian Schug Ecstasy • eenspire, leah jul... PREVIEW   ​

The guiding idea of this playlist is a journey into darkness. Whether you are walking through the forest, driving on the highway, or traveling by spaceship to another solar system, Mind Avenue accompanies the journey with experimental drums, rumbling basses, and a dystopian atmosphere.
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It is also well-suited for diving into your own mind. I mainly listen to it while walking, but also while studying and writing.

El Pachuco

El Pachuco • Adrian Schug White Country • Sweet Tempes... PREVIEW   ​

Inspired by the tapas bar of the same name in Barcelona, whose music I Shazamed all evening. The focus is on modern synth and goth pop with a bit of house. The music is light and chill, while still retaining a touch of melancholy.
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I listened to El Pachuco almost everywhere in daily life this year: while cooking, cleaning, showering, and traveling.

Florida Core

florida core • Adrian Schug next to nothing • cloudyfiel... PREVIEW   ​

My playlist of the year specifically for bad moods. I generally prefer art that engages with the depths and challenges of life. Florida Core brings together various indie genres, but above all, modern metal.
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This was my music for feeling sad, hurt, and angry this year. It helped me to feel these emotions all the way through and to bring situations to a close.

Organic Chill & Heal

Organic Chill & Heal • Adria... Suen?o en Paraguay (El Bu?ho... PREVIEW   ​

Originally intended as a music collection for another project, this playlist has since become a favorite for good vibes. It contains downtempo and instrumental tracks with a focus on organic instruments.
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I listen to Organic Chill & Heal (unsurprisingly) to chill. The music slows me down and reliably reduces stress.

What was your favorite playlist this year?

Journaling:

As always, at the end of the year, I recommend this list of 40 questions to reflect and capture memories.

✒️ Quote of the Week: “Only that day dawns to which we are awake.” -Henry David Thoreau

🎧 Song of the Week: Planet Urth - Emergence is one of my favorite songs on my new album "Journey to Luyten"!

If you like cinematic music, I made a playlist with all my songs:

Epic Music (Planet Urth) • A... Uroboros • Planet Urth PREVIEW   ​

I want to expand the format of this newsletter by responding to comments or questions from readers.
Of course, I’ll need some comments and questions first 😂 So I’d love to hear from you!

Did something in my writing catch your attention?
Was there an idea you found particularly intriguing?
Or is there a question that’s been on your mind related to these topics?

Just reply to this email or write to me at mail@urth.blog 👈

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All the best,

Adrian / Urth

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