I recently read that the most popular course in the history of Harvard University was one on happiness and positive psychology. That makes a lot of sense. Besides learning how to make more money, people seem to want to know how to feel happier.
The Harvard course highlights many factors such as having a spiritual practice, relationships, exercising, sleeping and eating well, and intellectual well-being, the latter of which includes, “learning something new that really triggers your mind,” says Yuval Kutz, a co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy.
Learning a new skill like playing the piano certainly triggers the mind. In fact, it triggers the entire brain, activating every region. That contributes to us feeling more energized, and encourages healthy neural activity.
As we stick with learning a skill like playing piano, and acknowledging our progress along the way, we feel good about our accomplishments and more confident, which increases happiness.
The Harvard course talked about the importance of cultivating positive emotions, as well as learning how to deal with the inevitable negative ones.
Playing piano is a healthy coping skill and an effective way to express ourselves emotionally.
Music has helped humans throughout history process a wide range of feelings – from loss and grief, to joy and celebration. There is a plethora of songs for every emotion under the sun.
When we’re at a loss for words or don’t want to talk about what we’re feeling or going through, sitting down at the piano and pouring ourselves into music is one of the best ways to cope emotionally and to feel better.
Here is a simple, effective, and easy-to-learn (or just to listen to) piano piece that is great for emotional processing and expression: