by Chajuana Thompson

Created on: April 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Music is a miracle of life. So many songs and sounds filled with instrumental, lyrical harmonies that enhance human emotions frequently. Music possesses a simplicity that lifts us to the highest levels of peace and happiness and moments of sadness. How many of us start our day by turning on our favorite music to prepare for a hectic agenda; turn on the radio in our cars to commute to work or school, and while we cook or clean? How often have we used it to motivate us to exercise, or to help us reflect about loves lost or found? Music is certainly the soundtrack to our lives and how thankful I am for that.

Illness can cause such a negative effect on our spirits. Dealing with the physical aspect of healing is only one component, but the depression and stress that often accompanies any long-term or life altering illness can be relentless. Many researchers have found that the vibrations and sounds from music can stimulate the brain and positively affect the process of healing in patients that suffer from cancer, stroke, epilepsy, and many other diseases.

Music therapy is considered a viable component in many health care plans. When I was hospitalized for nearly six months three years ago, my daughter put all my favorite play lists on her iPod and demanded that I keep it with me. My depression lessened, I did my physical therapy with more zest and ease, and I smiled more. My music made my hospital stay bearable.

Music has the power to change your mood in the first few notes of a song. The day of day use of music as a motivator, companion, or to relax is a common factor universally. Our playlists includes our favorite tracks, and is important as any other tool used to navigate throughout life.

When I think about my past love or just feeling somewhat melancholy I listen to every Sade album I own. When I feel that not often urge to exercise, Pat Benetar, Kanye West, The Go Go's, Beyonce, and The B 52's blast out of my headphone, invade my ears, and provide me with the enthusiasm and drive to push myself for twenty to thirty minutes of physical torture.

Household chores require hardcore beats and tons of energy provided by a mixture of Hip-Hop, Rock, and a little R &B. Setting the mood for an intimate evening is no problem with my playlist of Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Chante Moore, and Brian McKnight. I work better when music is playing, I feel better when it surrounds me. The prowess of music is commonly known to many. Music is everywhere. In supermarkets, department stores, elevators, on the telephone to increase our patience while we're on hold for the rest of the world. We never should underestimate or ignore the greatness of music in our lives, it does so much more than soothe the savage beast; it unites us all as one melodic human force.

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