Music! The Universal Language

     Playing the piano can be therapeutic. If you have had a stressful day, go home and pound those keys. Before you know it you'll be having such a good time you will have forgotten all about how bad your day was.

     And what's true of the piano is also true of most any instrument, from guitars to drums to flutes to trumpets to singing.

     Come to think of it piano playing could become your best therapy. If your boss gets you steamed go home pick out the loudest and rowdiest song you know and have at it. Imagine that he/she has to sit there and listen. Play it 10 or 12 times if you have to but by the time you're done you will be smiling.

     This therapy can work when you're sad about something too. Just try not to pick sad songs. Upbeat songs can do wonders for lifting your mood.

     A favorite uncle of mine was a self taught piano player and he could play anything. On many occasions when he couldn't sleep he would be at the piano. It didn't matter if it was 3:00 a.m. He derived comfort from playing.

     Whether you have picked up piano playing by ear or had lessons at one time it is so much fun that you will never lose the desire to play at some time or another. Many piano bars have an open night where anyone can play. If you're sitting home, lonely and feeling sorry for yourself, look one up, and go play.

     It will make you feel better and people love to listen and sing along to the songs you play. It can help you meet new people. Piano playing is a great ice breaker. Anytime you sit down and start playing you are going to get requests. Great way to start a conversation, wouldn't you say?

     Try giving lessons to neighborhood children. It can be so much fun to teach children. You will get a great sense of pleasure from seeing the look on their faces when they learn to play something as simple as 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'. They are so amazed with themselves that the mood can carry right over to you.

     Churches are always looking for someone who can play the piano. Filling a need for a small church group could be extremely rewarding in terms of both satisfaction of serving as well as the benefits of making many new friends in the process.

     Christmas holidays are a really wonderful time for getting family and friends together for an evening of relaxing and playing songs on the piano. People tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and don't get the time to just relax and enjoy. An evening spent together doing something you love with the most important people in your life will be a memory you can cherish.

     Christmas is not the only time that has a monopoly on socializing and enjoying playing and singing to the piano. Birthdays, anniversaries, and engagements qualify too. So you don't have to limit yourself to a one time a year get together. If you want it doesn't even have to be a special occasion. It can be anytime you feel like getting everyone together and having a good time.

     Everybody needs some time to themselves and if you can play the piano take that time and play your heart out. Don't forget to use this talent that you have been given. Not everyone has this ability. Some people are all thumbs when it comes to playing the piano or any musical instrument.

      The music you play does not have to be standard music. Make something up. Compose songs that fit your mood. Everyone feels better when they are doing something that they enjoy and love to do.

     The joy of playing the songs you love on the piano can be a hobby or it can be something you do for extra income. Regardless of the reason this is a very special talent that you should never give up. It doesn't matter if you never play for anyone but yourself. The benefits that you receive from playing are what matters.

     Look at it this way. It's cheaper than a therapist. It doesn't require prescription medications that you can't afford. It is a great anger management tool. You can't be put away for playing the piano. Banging on the keys in the middle of the night might get you a complaint from neighbors. Running down the street in front of traffic screaming at everyone can have dire consequences.