The Netflix series Stranger Things has been nothing short of a phenomenon over the past five years. It masterfully captures the spirit of the 1980s, serving as both a nostalgic trip and a love letter to the era’s pop culture—particularly the works of Stephen King and the golden age of horror. With its gripping characters, thrilling storylines, and unashamedly fantastical elements, it keeps audiences hooked. My wife and I are both huge fans!
One of the standout aspects of Stranger Things is its powerful use of music. In Season 4, my wife noticed how music isn’t just a backdrop—it’s seamlessly woven into the plot as an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) anchor.
A perfect example is the use of Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush. This song becomes a lifeline for Max as she battles the terrifying Vecna. Acting as a mental anchor, it connects her to a strong, positive memory, breaking Vecna’s psychic hold and pulling her back to reality—ultimately saving her life.
The Science Behind Music as an Anchor
In my work with clients, I use NLP anchoring techniques to help them access positive emotional states. This often involves a physical anchor, like rhythmically pressing a thumb and finger together. Another powerful anchor is smell—have you ever caught a whiff of a familiar scent and been instantly transported to a past memory?
For many, music is an especially potent anchor. A single song has the ability to whisk you back in time, reconnecting you with a moment of pure happiness.
Try This Simple NLP Anchoring Exercise
Choose Your Song – Pick a track that holds positive memories for you (avoid breakup songs!).
Close Your Eyes – Let your subconscious take you back to that joyful time.
Engage Your Senses – Notice what you can see, hear, and feel in that memory.
Turn Up the Joy – Imagine a dial increasing the happiness, allowing it to flow through your body.
Add a Physical Anchor – Press your thumb and finger together in a rhythmic pulse to reinforce the feeling.
The more you practice, the stronger your anchor becomes. Over time, simply hearing the song or using your physical anchor can bring a sense of calm and happiness—especially in moments of stress or anxiety.
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