When looking at how COVID-19 is exploding across the globe like a surging tsunami gathering strength as it races across open waters, it is quite normal, and very human, to be held in the grip of fear. In just the last few weeks, we have been hit by the sobering reality that this is real, and that we all are together in the same boat as we weather the stormy seas of these turbulent times of unrest and uncertainty.

As I say, it is scary for everyone as, living in a growing state of increased isolation, many people may be suffering from rising symptoms of raging cabin fever that affords them way too much time to think about things that only a couple of weeks ago were all but invisible to them. What with all of the night spots closed down, and no concert venues available, it’s easy to feel a bit antsy and frustrated. We are all people, and we all need to have face-to-face interaction with each other. Rest assured that we have not lost that forever. It will definitely return, and when it does, we’ll all welcome it back like an old and absent friend who has been missed dearly and has been in our thoughts. For today’s reality is that this new and different scenario that we are all living in is only temporary.

Nothing, be it good, bad or indifferent, lasts forever in this life, and there is something that is readily available, and easily accessible, that may be helpful in getting people to feel better. Its name is music, and it has the unique ability to trigger a wide range of emotions in all who listen. It’s that old friend that, in its way, whispers in your ear, “Hey, relax. Let me takes this off your shoulders for a little while. Really, it’s going to be OK.”

Certain songs can indeed be the vehicle that transports us to a time when life seemed so much easier, and the world was a kinder place. For me, music has the power to tame my stress, quell my fears and calm my feelings of uncertainty. Music offers people a temporary safe harbor from the storms of life, and as I say, we are now charting a course that is taking us on a rough and trying journey across life’s stormy seas.

For the most part, I believe that most of us really enjoy music. We find it compelling, thought-provoking, poignant and profound. What is almost universal is that when asked what music people enjoy, who their favorite artists are, or what musical genre they prefer, they will spit out a list of bands and solo performers like a lumberjack’s chain saw going through an Oregon tree farm a month before Christmas.

Given the power of music to breach the emotional walls we might now be building around us to stave off the harsh reality that is creeping into our lives, just sitting in a quiet place, and let’s face it, our world has grown eerily quiet in recent days, and letting your favorite form of music wash over you, might be an amazingly effective way to help people cope.

As I say, we are definitely not alone in facing this demon from which there is no place to hide, but it is only temporary. The best medical minds in the world are working to knock it down, and at some point, they will do that. They will know it out of the ring.

In the here and now of these tough times, perhaps finding that safe harbor that provides shelter from the storm may be as close as your hand held device, your desk top or your trusty CD player. Music is just waiting for you to give it a chance to work its constructive magic. So whether you listen to hip hop, heavy metal, some old Beatles album that has the power to take you away to a safe place, a country song that is a vehicle to those half-forgotten days that put the smile back on your face, a timeworn Sinatra album, or maybe even just some vintage tunes from New Hampshire native son, Tom Rush, music resonates with all of us.

In its unique way, music has the wherewithal to assist people by providing a healthy distraction that lends them a hand, if only for a brief moment in time, by affording them the opportunity to focus on something else. As I say, we’ll get through this. However, for right now, I believe that in order to alter our mindset, and find something positive to occupy our thoughts, we first need to find something that will change our mood. There is something that can help, and its name is music.

Paul Collins is a freelance writer from Massachusetts.

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