Recently, I’ve been watching a lot of Disney short films. They’re perfect for when I’m feeling overstimulated and my attention span is shot. Since 1921, Disney has created hundreds of short films so there are plenty to choose from. There are classics— my personal favourite being “The Goddess of Spring” (1934), and more modern ones like “Piper” (2016), which is about a little bird gaining the courage to explore the world and hunt for food on a daunting beach.
Most of them are musically-centred and dialogue free so I can shut my brain off, listen to a short melody, and watch adorable animations play across my screen. Who doesn’t love personified flowers and smiling suns? There’s even a whole subgenre collection called “Silly Symphony” (1929-1938) featuring classical music, which is clinically proven to relax the brain. These peaceful, animated shorts with happy endings soothe my mind, ease my anxiety, and remind me that there are still simple pleasures in life to be enjoyed.
Darien Johnsen is a UFV alumni who obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with double extended minors in Global Development Studies and Sociology in 2020. She started writing for The Cascade in 2018, taking on the role of features editor shortly after. She’s passionate about justice, sustainable development, and education.