Embrace Your Destiny: Take on Piano Lessons

Starting my lesson with Annett

My destiny has taken a big right turn for the better during the past three years. I consider physical and other therapies to be my work. This work is not laborious or tedious. It's actually stimulating and fun to do, but it takes time. It's worth it! I believe that I am 90% better now than I was at the beginning of the journey 17 years ago. Why, you would ask? My evidence is this:

My walking has improved to become less spastic and more fluid and strong.
Pain and stiffness in the hips and leg joints is minimal and mostly just after sitting.
I am quicker doing routine activities around the house.
I have learned to handle stress through breathing.
I have energy again.

I believe that all the alternative therapies I do are working together to support my immune system, my neuromuscular system, my digestive system, skeletal system, and mental systems. For example, I have been taking piano lessons for three years. When I started, I discovered that my fingers were as spastic as my legs and arms. I had no idea the spasticity extended into the hands. I should have figured that out because my handwriting had really deteriorated significantly.  The regular, daily practice of piano is slowly improving this area of spasticity. I believe the physical therapy work I do has helped looses the shoulders which helps keep the hands soft and pliable. I am grateful that I am able to do piano therapy. My neurologist said it is recommended as a therapy, but he had another patient who didn't have enough strength in her fingers to work the piano keys.

My piano teacher, Annett Hudson, patiently works with me to identify problems and how to correct them. Music is the tool. We work on technique more than anything else now. Each piece I work on requires something a bit different. Some of the specific, fundamental things she reminds me of every week are:

• Keeping my fingers moved up into the black notes
• Relaxing my hands and keeping a dome shape when playing
• Relaxing my arms and using them to help press the finger on the key

The music pieces are fun to work on and challenging. I'm convinced that playing the piano works my brain in a way nothing else does. It's also a great stress reducer. Annett keeps talking about doing a recital next Spring. The jury is still out on that challenge. I've got a long way to go before feeling ready to perform!