The word Recession comes from the root word “Recess”. Remember Recess in school? That’s when we got to go out and play! What is so bad about that?

My father, who grew up during the Depression, said the reason he worked so hard to attend college – at a time when money was very scarce – was because education was the one thing that could not be taken away from you. You can lose money, but knowledge is there forever. As long as you use it, of course!

Someone in construction suggested to me that in a recession, people would cancel their extra-curricular activities, such as music lessons, to save money. Well, you know what? That has not happened! Except in a few cases, where someone had a severe loss, people have elected to continue. Of course, this is a blessing, for me! But also, I think it shows that people have a greater interest in developing their mind and spirit, rather than simply surviving. I think this is a great testimony to the people in the Bay Area! And I think it is especially a great testimony to the many parents who bring their young children to me for lessons. Knowing that these parents work tirelessly to raise their kids, and also value giving them music lessons, speaks highly of their dedication to the arts and education.

Education is essential to having a healthy mind. Not long ago, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that people over 75 who spend lot of time reading, playing a musical instrument, working puzzles, and taking part in discussion groups are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than people who are mentally sedentary.

In my own life, I am now reading more books, and studying more music than ever before. I got so tired of reading the depressing “same old” stuff in the newspapers, that I had to find something more creative to do.

So, it’s Recess Time! C’mon over and play!


© 2009 Ernie Mansfield