When considering what in my life I could live without, boredom would be right near the top, but one of the last on my list would be music. I cannot imagine this world without music. Boredom seldom visits me, but if it does, I take it as a message to slow down, enjoy life and rest! Music, on the other hand, has so many good effects on me. I can’t name them all, but the ones I can think of include changes in my attitude, emotions, and telling me to get up and move … exercise! I love music for the enjoyment and drifting to another place while I listen.
Music has always been a part of my life and became my ‘go-to’ cure for almost any ailment. Music is all around us, at home, church, schools, and in our cars. I started dance class at age 3 and am still dancing. Sometimes a shag or jitterbug with my bedpost! (Probably what attracted me to my new four poster bed.) I didn’t think of that until music came on while making my bed and presto, there was a tall handsome dance partner.
Music was a big deal to my parents. A lot of dances were held back in the ‘40’s to entertain the troops when they were home. Dances continued, helping the morale in future times. My parents had music playing every night and I’d watch them dance, sometimes I’d dance between them with my feet planted upon my daddy’s shoes. I remember them winning a dance contest one time at the officer’s club. As young as I was, I learned my love of music and dance from those days. I inherited my parents record collection of 300+ records.
As a parent, my children were entertained in their home with my music and dancing from babyhood until they escaped into their own worlds. They also learned to love music and dance.
I still remember my antics while twirling around to make them laugh as they sat lined up on the sofa, a captured audience. My two girls followed my lead and studied dance. My son loved to attend dances and participate in sports in his youth. Years later he married a woman who teaches line dancing.
Having music and dance has been a true blessing to my life. Music will certainly erase boredom, help you navigate grief, and bring fun exercise into your life. There is so much good derived from music and dance. Relieving stress is an important benefit that I forgot to mention.
Music has held my hand during hardships and grief. When I would step into sadness, I would play music to cheer me or allow me to release my grief. It sounds counter-intuitive, I know. Every human has to grieve over losses, especially losing our loved ones. There are different ways to travel through grief, and you can find yours. Therapy is excellent with the right therapist. I certainly do not ignore feelings, thinking they will disappear. I choose to face it and get through to the other side and understanding. To do this, I choose music and dance. I will give myself a “pity party” day and do whatever will bring memories to the surface and an understanding of my loss. Music can always do that. Then, when I say “my pity party is over,” back to earth and this life, I feel a release of emotions by facing them and working through them. This is not a selfish act at all and those around you will benefit too!
A friend’s mother gave me this advice as I was going off to college “Get involved in all you can.” I immediately signed up for the Freshman talent show, rented a bright 20’s Charleston dress and presented a pantomime and dance to Teresa Brewer’s Music! Music! Music! Remember, “Put Another Nickel In,” in the Nickelodeon. What fun that was. My love for dance and music gave me a great start to meeting new friends at college.
I wish I could write songs, sing or play an instrument, but, alas, I cannot. All I can do is dance and I hope I never stop until it is mandatory.
Turn off what stresses you and turn on the music. If you cannot physically dance, clap your hands, strum your fingers or tap your toes. Let that music in!
