Listening

Since relocating my system to a dedicated room the only thing I do when music is playing is to listen.  It wasn't always that way, and sometimes I wish it was like it was before.  

I most definitely cannot read and listen at the same time.  Either demands enough of my concentration that it cancels the other out.

Back when I had my system in the living room, I used to do other things (like get ready to go to the gym or barbecue) and rock out.

Listening "dry", the dopamine released from music alone is never going to be quite what it once was

I can relate, @mulveling .  For a few years I used to enjoy sipping brandy or bourbon or rye or scotch or sour mash or drinking (not sipping) wine while I listened and as the night grew later and later the music sounded better and better.  Back a few years ago, '21 I think it was, the lab results from my annual VA physical came back showing liver enzymes slightly elevated. I took that as a message and modified until my LFTs  were  showing normal parameters, and I must say that besides the normal lab results, I was feeling better. I might drink a couple of bottles of extra light beer when I listen, but that stuff is seriously so light I don't even classify it as drinking. 

 BUT a few years dry now, my natural dopamine has recovered a LOT and it's a pretty easily enjoyable thing again to just sit and listen,

But I just cannot get to where you are with the brain chemicals yet.  At least not most of the time.  It can be good, but it's never been as much fun.

Truthfully, if I was in a better place, both mood wise and actual location, I'd take up THC products again as that used to truly make my listening experience magical.