The Power of Music
Every Christmas, my cousins and I would all go to Nana and Pa’s for a magical few days together. I still remember Nanas stories for every sparkly glass ornament on the tree. Upbeat, joyful music filled the air for three days, and the best of every Auntie’s dishes laid out for all of our culinary delights.
Then came the magical hour of gathering to open our presents! My grandfather would sit in his chair with all the cousins’ names in a mysterious container that must have been in the stuffy old basement for decades. If you’ve ever been in an old cellar in New York City, you know what I’m talking about.
He would choose a name that meant that cousin’s turn to stand up in front of everyone and perform a song, dance, or ‘other.’ We would all join in and dance together, and the music lasted all through the night. Although the premise was, ‘perform for your present,’ the magic was actually in the music. I guarantee that few of us, if any, remember any of the presents we got, but ALL of us remember the music and performing. I would sometimes practice an entire year for this event.
Thirty years later, I appreciate and understand the groundwork my parents paved for me with music. A lover of Billy Joel, I found a great quote of his:
“I think music in itself is healing,” He once said. “It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
A majority of us would wholeheartedly agree with this statement. This universal bond with music has led researchers across the globe to investigate its actual healing potential.
Just as bread and other foods trigger responses, which in return, create kinder moods, fond memories, etc., music also triggers emotional responses. The very nature of music and the elements of rhythm, melody, etc. are echoed in our physiology, functioning, and being. It is wired into our system and can be very healing. Songs trigger memories, elicit emotions, even help decrease feelings of loneliness and depression.
I always sing or hum tunes around the house. It is a strategy our ancestors used as a boundary of sorts. When young children realize they no longer can hear their mother, they tend to seek her out, if even just a visual. It is also used as a strategy for maintaining a sense of calm around the house. A couple of years ago, my adult daughter and I were eating out, and a song came over the radio that triggered a response.
She asked out loud, “Where have I heard that song before?” I quietly smiled and said that I used to hum that tune around the house when she was little. It provided an opportunity for a sweet memory shared.
*Picture was taken from Music Together, musictogether.com, the holder to the rights of May All Children.
And we can’t say, ‘I’m not musical!’ Every one of us is musical – we’re born that way! All children can grow to love music and be active music-makers if exposed to musical stimulation at a young age. That exposure helps them become more comfortable with expressing themselves. And if you did not have this exposure, sing anyway!
Back to the research, did you know that we have discovered a direct link to music and its ability to heal joint pain, etc? Apparently, music triggers the release of opioids in the brain, the body’s natural pain relievers!
I love music!
