Making Music

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened. 
Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading.
Take down a musical instrument.
~Rumi

We humans are a musical species no less than a linguistic one.
~Oliver Sacks

Making and listening to music is a universal human activity. And for good reason. Music is a way to communicate and build social bonds. Most importantly for us in these trying times, music can lift mood, lower anxiety, aid in emotion regulation, help cultivate resilience, and further healing in the wake of deep distress and traumatic experience. This is so whether we listen to music or make it ourself. From the heartbeat we heard in the womb, to the sounds of nature, to the music of our life, rhythmic sound is all around us. And our bodies and hearts seem tuned to it.

Do you ever make music? If you don’t sing on key or play an instrument, that may seem a stretch to you. But there are so many ways to make music, and it turns out that doing so is a great way to treat your brain well. According to OHSU neuroscientist Dr. Larry Sherman, “Playing musical instruments has an amazing effect on brain structure and brain function.”  You don’t even have to know how to play the instrument. The simple act of playing fully engages the brain. Whether you practice a song on the piano or simply play notes that please you; sing; hum; whistle; clap rhythmically; or do anything else to make rhythms that sound good to you, you are giving yourself the benefits of “making music.” 

Myself, I used to make music all the time when little Cedar was able to be at our house every week. We sang, “played” the piano, clinked finger cymbals and tapped on the xylophone, and sometimes I drummed while Cedar played the harmonica or blew on a clay whistle. I miss our musical parades in the kitchen. But I can still make music on the piano or on the toy instruments, and it all makes a positive difference for me. 

As usual, Rumi was on to something. In this time of fear and stress, we will gain more comfort and relaxation from making music than from trying to think our way out of our fears. How can you use music to soothe yourself  — and perhaps others — today? 
Here’s a simple idea: Glass Harp    
And here’s what you can do with it: Tchaikovsky   
Good luck!  And for those who missed it, here’s another example of making music together across the world by Playing for Change:  Global "Chan Chan"

Until tomorrow, take good care. Stay healthy, and make some music if you can. Humming works!

Love,
Nancie/Mom/Mimi/Grandma

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