The Magic of Music and Finding Peace

"Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears;
it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear."
 Oliver Sacks

by Skip Cohen

If you're new here, a quick note: Sunday Morning Reflections are rarely about business. I use Sundays to share personal thoughts you might relate to, steering clear of the daily hot topics.

At a time when all of us are dealing with the stress of the world, we also have our routines to keep our sanity and love in our hearts. As sappy as that sounds, it's what Sheila and I are doing. Here's something that helps, especially on Sunday mornings...

Sheila grew up with a grandmother who took her to church on Sundays, and her life was filled with old-style gospel music. She started a tradition in our house, Sunday morning gospel music. In recent years, it's evolved into Lauren Daigle, and she plays all morning long. It's uplifting, and while the two of us grew up with completely different backgrounds, we both believe in God and have faith that the craziness of the world right now doesn't belong under our roof.

Music had become the great equalizer, bringing a sense of balance to us both. During the week, the days start out with something new age and mellow. For example, Enya, Yanni, and Kitaro radio, all from Pandora. Mid-day, it all changes, and it'll be contemporary artists, but my point is, there's ALWAYS music playing in our home. We've got six Alexa devices, all synced, and we take turns deciding what to listen to. On any given day, it might be Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Eva Cassidy, CSN, Pink, the Who, even a Broadway sound track or Andrea Bocelli - there's no way to predict what we'll be in the mood for.

Music is a powerful therapeutic tool for mental health, offering solace, emotional regulation, and a way to express the inexpressible when words fail. Key figures like Oliver Sacks describe it as a "tonic" and "necessity" for neurological and emotional well-being, capable of lifting depression and calming anxiety. From Google AI

Whatever your musical tastes, don't underestimate the power of music to help you focus on what's most important in your life. When we've got music in the house, the "drawbridge" stays up, and the trolls can't get in! Yeah, it really has become that simple.

At the risk of sounding like a leftover hippy from Woodstock...I'm wishing you a day of peace, love, and time with the people in your life who mean the most to you. Don't let anything or anyone get in the way of the bond you feel with those lovable knuckleheads whom you cherish. Go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about and keep the outside world where it belongs...OUT!

Wishing you a happy Sunday—or a great start to your week, wherever you are.

"Music sets me free from the prison I feel inside my head." 
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