Friday, March 11, 2011

The Magic of Music

Music has always been a big part of my life. It can make or break my mood. I can be sad, distant and brooding. Or I might be cheerful, lighthearted and childish. It all depends on the kind of music on the player. I've been known to grab a candle as a makeshift microphone and sing – or try to sing – with the music or dance around the room unreservedly. On the other hand, I've been reduced to tears or moping for hours just from listening to one song that brought back painful memories.

I might even listen to a certain kind of music on purpose, knowing it will make me sad. I believe that, sometimes, we all need to “wallow,” and that’s not so bad. I think a certain amount of wallowing helps us get things out of our system quicker than trying to hold it in. It can’t be healthy to hold things in and pretend to be happy when we are so miserable we feel like we’re going to burst.

My daughter says, “If something bothers you, just don’t think about it.” And she doesn’t!  If she has a problem she can’t easily solve, it goes on the back burner and there it stays until it either resolves itself – or it doesn’t. What worries me is that someday, all that stuff she has on the back burner will come rushing out at the same time and she’ll have a nervous breakdown, or worse. A little mood music wouldn’t hurt her. Perhaps I’ll suggest it.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, music is curative and restorative for a wide variety of conditions, even as aid to help with physical rehabilitation and assisting those with disabilities. Music therapy can ease the pains of chemotherapy, lower anxiety or lift a depressed person's spirit, and as you may already know, help insomniacs get to sleep. As cited by the American Cancer Society, music is unable to cure cancer or chronic disease, but it can relieve aches and symptoms while enhancing a patient's joy and general wellbeing.

“Music has charms to soothe a savage breast – to soften rocks or bend a knotted oak,” says English playwright and poet, William Congreve. And yes, that’s “breast,” not “beast.” If you don’t believe me, look it up.  

And then, why not put on some of your favorite music and enjoy this lovely Friday evening! That’s what I plan to do!



3 comments:

sam said...

Of course it's breast! we all know that peg. nice little post. sam

Anonymous said...

not only entertaining but also informative. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I like music too. couldn't do without it. thanks for this.