Music Therapy

Anyone who knows me reasonably well knows that I have been through hell, that I lost everything in my life save my breath, and that I have nonetheless managed to persevere and overcome a multitude of obtacles that seem to multiply with each slaying. The one thing that makes me able to continue this Sisyphusian adventure called My Life is playing, writing, listening and studying music. Although I am not as observant in my religious practice as I would prefer, music is communion with the divine, and a purer prayer and exhaltation than the rote recitation of particular prayers at particular times of day. Beautiful music is the one thing the entire world can come together in with peace. Music is the one thing that elates my soul when darkness surrounds me.

When I was suffering from my deepest depression, I wrote most of my best songs. Through music, there is a catalytic conversion of pain and sorrow to beauty and light, a sublimation and transformation so powerful, it's amazing modern psychology does not prescribe music therapy as a first treatment option. While not everyone has talent to play an instrument, most everyone can sing or dance or otherwise simply enjoy music. We all need more music, more creative energy in our lives. Because it makes us happy. As a societal whole, we are low on true happiness. I think John Lennon was trying to make that point to us all.

Tonight I helped a friend write a song, and had some good fun fiddling around. I really need to have more small group songwriting sessions. I'm not as confident when I'm in a big group of pickers because it is hard for me to find a nice melody to add when a dozen people are all noodling around. But I come out of my shell more when the group is small and there is space in the song. Maybe that says something about my introverted nature, or my inhibitions from my lack of knowledge or training, but at least I recognize my limitations and struggle to overcome them. Learning to play the fiddle well, a daunting task in itself, is easier than overcoming the mutitude of other Life problems I have. But you have to start somewhere, might as well be with something that makes you happy.

Fiddle Therapy: How I Learned to Forget About Taking the Bar and Learn to Love Myself

But I really don't want to forget about taking the Bar, because law is one of my primary passions. And I'm really good at what I do, I help people, and I have a great sense of self value from knowing that I have made a difference through my work. I just need the time and money to climb Mt. Everest again after falling from its peak. Anyone know how far it is to base camp?