There are several reasons why I have always loved playing the piano. I remember when my parents bought a second hand piano so my sister, who was older and taking piano lessons, could practice at home. As soon as it came into our family home, it captured my attention and it started an incredible learning journey and ignited a passion within me.
Music is such a huge part of my life and has connected me to some amazing people along the way and given me a career that has given me so much pleasure.
One aspect of playing the piano that has been consistent for me all these years is that when playing the piano it that I have been taken on a journey and temporarily left the challenges and difficulties of life behind. At times, when life has been tough, it has been both my refuge and escape. While other people have dealt with their problems in differing ways, when I have had a need to escape the trials and tribulations that life brings, I have used playing the piano as my escape.
Even as a kid, when I was having a tough time at school, or when there were family members having an argument, that I really wanted to tune out, I would go and play the piano. It worked out that the piano was situated pretty much in the middle of the family home and I often felt that things could go on around me but as long as I was playing the piano, all was right with my world.
I find playing the piano a healthy escape, rather than relying on unhealthy escapes like alcohol and drugs. I also find playing the piano is like visiting and old friend from the perspective, that I can choose to express my emotions and I do this in what piece of music I choose to play. If I am feeling angry, there is one piece of music that I play that if full of really big, loud chords that require me to be very heavy handed. On other occasions, if I am feeling sad or a bit depressed, I often play something that is light and delicate. I can always find something to play to suit my mood.
Playing the piano is certainly not for everyone, but it is for everyone that has the desire to play. It is not just for learning and achieving, although these are good reasons, but it can also provide an outlet and a temporary escape from the troubles of life. I think it can be a great way of maintaining good mental health.
Having the skills to play the piano has certainly been a huge blessing in my life, even just from the aspect of being a way to weather the storms of life.