Music is the Best Medicine

My younger sister passed away suddenly last week and nothing could take me out of my depression except for music. I had to cancel so many gigs because she was in the hospital. Half way through her two week stay we knew she was not going to make it. My other younger sister and I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible so we both cancelled work to be with her. I was becoming more and more depressed. It is not natural to lose someone younger than you. As the oldest, I kept feeling like it should be me in that bed instead of her. I didn't realize that the one thing I needed to get me through this sadness was music.

When she finally passed last week, I still cancelled gigs. I could not face seeing anyone or hearing how sorry everyone was. The depth of my grief was too much for me. When I finally forced myself to go to my first gig, I started to feel some relief. I could see how my voice was helping to uplift others. With each gig, I felt a bit better. Last night a family friend took me to see an uplifting musical called The Choir of Man and it was like a light switch for joy turned back on in my mind. I am still sad but I can feel again. I had. been totally numb and walking around like the living dead. I think the numbness was a protection tool but it was also a deadening tool. 

I know how important music is for Alzheimer's patients but it turns out it is important for all of us. It activates centers in the brain that can activate joy and happiness. When you are down, put on your favorite piece of music and sit in the energy of it. I know you will feel so much better, I sure do.

Fact: One of the only activities that activates, stimulates and uses the brain is music. 

Music is all around us so take advantage of its healing powers.