Music has been one of THE most therapeutic elements in my life.
We are exposed to music as early as in the womb, and it permeates every stage of our lives. From nursery rhymes and lullabies, to fun & silly educational songs, then all the way towards the end of our lives when we start contemplating death and what beliefs we may have, if any, about the existence of an afterlife or what we may leave behind.
Music is not always a focal point, but it is always there. In fact, most of us may not even notice how constant our exposure to music is, until we notice its absence.
Music has been one of the only constants in my life. Due to the nature of my health complications, my circumstances change drastically on a frequent basis. This pitch-black rollercoaster not only surprises me with dips and twists that cannot be anticipated, by my life is very much turned upside-down so frequently each year, that it is impossible to find a true sense of 'routine'.
The disturbances in some of the most basic human experiences brings to the forefront the issue of control - specifically that we only have the illusion of control.
But with every change, music is still there. It doesn't matter if you are producing music, listening to music, reading music, reading lyrics, watching the movements of instruments, studying the wavelengths and frequencies of music, or even feeling the varying vibrations that music creates. Regardless of whether you are blind, deaf, mute, physically or mentally handicapped, incarcerated or committed, rich, poor, privileged, discriminated - NONE of this matters -> you can still experience, create, enjoy, and be surrounded by music. It is a true universal language in which we can all be united.
There is music for any situation, any age, any difficulty, and absolutely any emotion that we experience. Its effects can also be felt and seen in the animal kingdom, and it even has a particularly specific (and not quite well understood) effect on memory.
Music is something that any individual can turn to at ANY point in his/her life. It can, however, fade so much into the background that sometimes its influence is extraordinarily underrated.
I have, and will always be, grateful for the constant exposure and access to music. Music has helped me get through all of my tough moments - from feeling like a failure, bullying, break-ups, grief, motivation, and healing, music is a major reason why I have been able to fight so many personal battles.
In specific terms, with illness, I know that no matter what kind of deterioration I may face in the future, there will always be a way to turn to music. From singing and playing instruments, learning new pieces, resurrecting past favorites, humming, whistling, singing along to jingles, to a simple toe tap, music as therapy plays SUCH a major role. As our bodies age, we are forced to switch or give up hobbies and activities, we are forced to rely on the kindness of others, we lose independence completely, control, and many of us will lose our entire identity.
It is comforting, then, to know that there is something - something tangible and perceivable - that is truly constant. Even for those people who have lost everything - family, possessions, health, dignity, everything - you still have music.
I am grateful for how prominent music has been in every moment of my life, and I am grateful for the ability to share music and to provide this comfort and influence to others.
I don't know about any of you, but if I ever find myself in a state of solitary confinement (lost, injured, ostracized) for any unforeseen tragic reason, to maintain my sanity, I will continue to sing (even just in my head) and go through melodies and lyrics to every piece of music that I can think of or come up with.
:)
Check out www.youtube.com/karissadianetunes
to listen to music that has been influential in my own life as well as in the lives of those that request song covers. Be sure to send in a song request if you feel so inclined:
Karissadianequestions@gmail.com
And don't forget that when words fail, when sentiments cannot be fully expressed, if you feel as though you are utterly lost, and if your surroundings offer you no sense of comfort, there is music.