For me depression is all about feeling numb. Music on the other hand makes me feel… something… anything… everything, even when I didn’t want to, even when I didn’t think I needed to, even when I couldn’t get out of bed.
Music helps me celebrate, it gives me permission to feel my sad emotions, as well as my happy ones. Music gives me hope. Music makes me remember and it makes me forget. Music is the healing that occurs in the silence between the notes, the pauses in the piece of music. Music is the beauty that you can hear in the melody, the vulnerability that is experienced during a solo by both the performer and the listener. There is also beauty in the silence after a song, in the contrast. It is powerful, inspiring, it gives the heart room to breathe.
Music connects us all regardless of geography, race, status, beliefs. Music is international, it is equalizing. Have you ever wondered why you can be moved when you listen to a piece of music in a foreign language? It is more than the lyrics, it is more than the notes, the healing is in your interpretation of what you are hearing. The connection is in the emotion that you feel, the feeling of acceptance deep in your soul.
Music connects people. Music welcomes you when everyone turns away and there is no one left. Music helps you feel your feelings, music is therapeutic, music is a leveling ground it can help tame emotions, anger and despair. it can put thing into perspective.
Music can move you in ways you didn’t think possible. It can raise your spirit, it can heal your pain and express your joy more than words alone. A single note depending on how it is played, can express and convey struggle or elation. Music is trusting, it doesn’t let you down, it has no limits, no boundaries, no rules.
Music can make you feel vulnerable, music can be your friend. It can be your therapy or just plain fun. Music is there for you like a loyal friend who doesn’t interrupt and who is there from beginning to end. It doesn’t give you advice or tell you how to feel, it just is.
Music can bring back old memories and create new ones. It brings the human race together. Music does not make you feel alone with your thoughts and doesn’t let you stay in your head, it understands, it listens, it helps to release your demons. Music is forgiving, it is trusting, it can help set you free. It is magical, transforming, simple sounds can heal your soul.
Music boosts dopamine, it soothes, calms fears, it is safe. For me music played a huge part during times of grief, it was my saving grace, it gave me an outlet for all that I was feeling, sadness, anger, regret. Music was as necessary for me as medication, counselling, support from family and friends. Music is a gift.
Join me in bringing joy and happiness and the power of healing to people around the world regardless of geography. Music brought me back from despair.
Music can save a life. It helped save mine.