When Life is Hurting - Play Your Piano.

There are many times in life when things just seem to overtake us, our emotions, our energy, and our time. 

Sudden illnesses or injuries, a death in the family, a change in our personal lives, a new job - these are a few of the things that pop into our journey here that seem to literally obliterate our passion and ability to practice and play our pianos. 

Slowly, our piano playing disappears for either a short or a long time. 

About 5 years ago, I spent a month in the hospital due to a ruptured colon. When I returned home, I couldn't play my instrument because of the healing still needed. About 8 weeks later, I was finally able to sit down and play for the first time. Tears just rolled down my face because I was hearing "my own voice". It signaled that I had made it and was alive and healing. It was totally different from hearing my "vocal-spoken" voice. It was the voice of my heart and being. 

In my situation, I was physically prevented from playing, but there are other examples of when we can actually still practice and play; we just don't "feel like it" because of the specific situation we find ourselves in. 

This could be anything from suddenly becoming a caretaker for a parent or spouse, or having to provide ongoing care for a sick child, the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss...there are many. 

In situations like this, we find ourselves (at the risk of sounding dire) totally in a state of stress, sometimes panic, fear, sadness; any number of feelings that are strong and very powerful. And usually these feelings and experiences take of most of our energy. Sometimes we may even feel guilty if we want to take a few minutes for ourselves to play music for a release. 

When you find yourself in a time such as this, I'd like to suggest that you run to your piano, instead of running away from it. 

Certainly, if you are going through something that is physically preventing you from playing, then you must walk that one out until you're able to play again.

However, if you are still physically able to play...then try doing these to keep the connection with you and your music/piano alive and growing. 

• Look for the least demanding part of your day and set aside some time to sit down at your piano and play. 
• Don't try to keep up your "normal" practice rate and schedule. Instead, limit your time so it won't seem like you're taking too much time away from your other responsibilities. Try playing for just 10 minutes instead of 30. 
• Call a friend or family member to come over and help with your situation so you can sit down and play for 15 minutes. 
• Don't practice - play. There are times that you will want to practice, but if it's been an exceptionally hard day or week, use your time at the keyboard to nourish yourself and play music that you like and that makes you feel better. 
• Let go of guilt...taking care of yourself is a huge part of being a care-taker. Feeding your soul and inspiration through your piano playing is going to help everything else. 
• Notice what specific music helps you feel lighter, more encouraged and that brings you a sense of release. Play that music when you need it the most. 

Using your piano playing in these hard and stressful times can actually help you, even if you feel like you can't take any time away from your responsibilities to actually play and get something out of it. Even 5 minutes will make a difference.

What's really neat about this is that it's because of your previous work and practicing that you can do this when you need to. That will also make you feel more empowered to handle the situation at hand. 

When life is hurting, let your music heal you. 

Stay Tuned to pianolessonsontheweb.com to learn much more and achieve your dream of playing the piano!