As a child I was never fond of classical music or opera, though my father used to blare opera music throughout our home. He would sit on the floor with my sister beside him, singing and explaining what the arias were all about. I had no patience for it.

In my early 20s a cousin took me to see Turandot, shorter than many operas and very entertaining. The music hypnotized me, and I began to sway and to hum the arias that I already knew by heart because I’d heard them my whole childhood.

I rediscovered classical music once my children were born and I wanted to introduce them to these composers. As I listened over and over to the music, I fell in love. I could feel my heart opening and lifting up, being brought to another plane. Somehow I felt inspired and peaceful all at once.

I’d like to share a video I recently encountered by the Korean violinist Ji-Hae Park in which she speaks of how music lifted her out of a prolonged, severe depression. It’s a moving tribute to this woman’s great talent and determination, ending with her entreaty to all of us to “play your life with all you have and share it with the world.”

Opportunities for inspiration and growth are all around us! Find what inspires you and share it with us.

Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.

Note: If you have problems viewing the embedded video above, click here to access it directly from the TED Talks website.