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An article published in The Atlantic a few days ago titled “​It’s Never Too Late to Learn an Instrument” caught my attention. This article highlights the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of playing a musical instrument, even later in life. The article explores how learning and playing a musical instrument enhances mental and emotional well-being at any age. It underscores the benefits of brain plasticity, stress reduction, emotional resilience, and its potential to create social bonds and instill a sense of accomplishment. Despite common concerns like lack of time or talent, the piece argues that the personal growth and joy from engaging with music outweigh these hurdles. It encourages embracing music-making as a life-enriching practice.

I appreciate the musically talented and know how therapeutic music can be in our lives. Sometimes, I watch my son, who spends hours experimenting with his piano. I sense his joy when he improvises a new melody or a rendition of a well-known tune. I feel motivated to invest in a new drum set, but I do not want my neighbors to suffer a nervous breakdown. 

All jokes aside, research suggests that Art Therapy, Aromatherapy, and Pet Therapy can promote emotional expression, reduce stress, enhance self-esteem, improve mood, and provide comfort. However, one of the most underrated methods for achieving emotional growth and resilience is prayer. In Christianity, prayer is viewed as a way to communicate with God. We talk to God during prayer, and He responds to us through the Scriptures. The benefits of prayer extend beyond these direct communications; the side effects or off-label benefits are numerous.

One of the lesser-known forms of prayer is a contemplative Christian practice called Centering Prayer, which aims to foster a deep connection with God. Rooted in ancient Christian traditions, this practice involves sitting silently in prayer for about 20 minutes, focusing on a sacred word, breath, or feeling to center one’s mind and heart. The emphasis is on letting go of distractions and being open to God's presence and action within us.

Unlike traditional forms of prayer, Centering Prayer is less about speaking to God and more about being still and receptive to the divine. This approach allows us to become introspective, explore our inner selves, and integrate the fragmented parts of our being, all while seeking healing with God's guidance.

When we complain, we often assign responsibility to others. We believe that others make us feel or behave in certain ways. However, sincere introspection encourages us to take responsibility for our role in the dysfunction we experience.

If the author of the article mentioned above claims that it's never too late to learn an instrument, I believe it’s equally true that it’s never too late to engage in self-reflection through prayer. We can ask God to grant us the wisdom to recognize our maladaptive patterns of thought and behavior and the courage to make meaningful changes.

Fr. Nareg Terterian