I have a toe infection. As a result, I have to soak my foot for 30 minutes every morning. I can't just sit there, pondering life. I have to do something, so I've been sitting there with my foot in warm water (oh, that does feel nice) and a fiddle, guitar or banjo in my hands. My toe is getting better (very slowly), but I have found that 30 minutes of music at the beginning of the day, sets the day off with a whole different feel. I have to play quietly, so I don't disturb my neighbors, but being able to play and sing first thing in the morning has been really nice. I have known for a long time that music is a powerful force - on both community and personal levels. This 30 minute time is a personal time for me. A time when music gets a little deeper into me. It is a time when music can build some strength, remind me of who I am and what I am really passionate about, help me focus on some of the larger, foundational things. I am told i have to do this 21 times in order for it to become a habit. It should be ingrained in there by now. And I do hope I can continue even after my toe has healed (toe/heal/heel, get it?). I hope that you can find time during your day to let music do its thing with you. Peace, Rick