| Perhaps you have seen majestic pedal harps in | | | | reduced when listening to the calming sounds of the |
| symphonies and movies and wished you could play | | | | harp. Harpists are now found playing in hospitals, |
| one, or you had a harpist at your wedding. Or, you | | | | nursing homes and at the bedside of hospice |
| associate the lovely sound of the strings with heaven | | | | patients, as well as in rehabilitation and working with |
| and angels. | | | | children. Recorded harp music is providing calm in |
| Have you said, "I have taken care of everyone else | | | | office, school and healthcare settings. |
| all my life, now it is MY turn to discover what I | | | | The harp world is wide and wondrous. Harps come in |
| LOVE!" | | | | all sizes, shapes and even colors. Just as you carefully |
| Do you realize that a creative outlet is NECESSARY | | | | choose a pet, you would want to be well-informed |
| for your health? Your favorite hobbies, enjoying | | | | about the types available to be sure that you find a |
| nature, or anytime you can get "out of your head" | | | | harp that suits you -- that fits your body and your |
| and "into your body" can make a huge difference in | | | | pocketbook and makes your heart sing. Choosing the |
| your state of mind and physical health. You may say, | | | | right harp for your body is important to avoid any |
| "I am not a musician (or artist or cook)" but that is | | | | physical strain. |
| the voice of the adult. As children, we just explored | | | | Warning: Because I care about your desire to have a |
| our environment taking joy in our discoveries. | | | | satisfying, joyful experience playing a harp, avoid |
| "Playing" with a harp can be like playing in a sandbox. | | | | carved rosewood harps that are made in the Middle |
| You can play a harp, anyone can, but few know that | | | | East. They look lovely, but many of them are |
| harps can be held in your lap, sound beautiful, and can | | | | unplayable because the strings will not hold a tune. A |
| melt away your stress. Just pushing your fingers | | | | "good deal" on a harp could mean you have just |
| across the strings makes the sound of a wind chime | | | | purchased a decoration instead of an instrument. |
| and transports your weary mind or body to a place | | | | When beginning the harp, it is so important to find a |
| of instant peace. | | | | harp teacher who honors you -- your goals, interests, |
| Since medieval days, storytellers and harpers played | | | | learning styles and challenges. The harp is a wonderful |
| small harps similar to the lap harps we play today. | | | | first instrument, at any age. You need not have any |
| During Biblical times, David played the harp to calm | | | | previous musical background or know how to read |
| King Saul. | | | | music. |
| Harp therapy is a growing field and offers distraction | | | | I encourage you to follow your Dreams, whatever |
| from pain, anxiety and depression. Research has | | | | they are! You deserve it, and your body, mind and |
| shown that blood pressure and heart rate can be | | | | spirit will be grateful (so will your family and friends). |