Music as therapy

[evilspicy]

Today I picked up my guitar for the first time in a long time. Most days I see it sitting in the corner and think I'd like to play it but there's no energy in me to actually do it. I spent a long stretch of time not wanting to do any of the old things that bring me joy. It was nice to feel the connection to the music for even a few brief moments. When I set it down, I wondered to myself why it is I can't bring myself to play more often. I LOVE playing. The feeling of the vibrations from the guitar against my body as I hold it is extremely therapeutic. I'm no Jimi Hendrix, but from time to time I can get some pleasing sounds to come out. It does wonders for my heart and soul. Why is it the very things that give us healing and uplift are the very things we can't seem to bring ourselves to do when we're in a rut? Anyway, I'm feeling gratitude for the fact that I have such a wonderful outlet.

[evilspicy]

This was a really awesome exercise in awareness. Just hugging the guitar to me like an old friend. Realizing that I know every inch of it so well, I could probably play it with my eyes closed.... even after not having played it for awhile.

[evilspicy]

My guitar has a great story. It has been with me through some pretty grand adventures and some tough times. Even when I'm not playing, it's a beauty to look at. There have been times in my life when I lost everything, but I've managed to keep him with me these last few years. I've jammed out to him, written love songs with him, cried onto his strings. He really is like a best friend and Im lucky to have him, just like I'm lucky to have the people in my life that I do, and that includes y'all fine folks at this forum.

[evilspicy]

I LOVE that idea!! You're awesome!

[evilspicy]

As a matter of fact, I know how to do calligraphy. I'm no pro, but I think you just came up with a great idea for a project! I needed one, Lol! <3

[Midori]

I think its the 'Covid Effect'; if it is just ourselves, we don't feel the necessity or the urge to make the effort, even though we know it makes us feel 'lifted'.

I think it's a form of low level depression, caused by the restrictions to combat the virus.

Cheers, Midori

[evilspicy in reply to Midori]

I agree that COVID compounds everything and there definitely seems to be a baseline of depression because so many of our needs aren't being met and/or we've struggled adapting to a COVID world.

[Lindyloo53 Volunteer]

If you think of the brain in two parts it might help. There is the ore trauma brain and the trauma brain. They seem to battle against each other and the side we give most head space to will inevitably win. Make a plan and stick to it say maybe playing the guitar for twenty minutes each morning and again before you go to bed. You might be pleasantly surprised how quickly your love of guitar playing returns.

I used to think having suffered traumas I didn’t deserve happiness. That was the trauma brain speaking. Now I know I do.