Both sides now

CEBU, Philippines - Long before the mind-boggling technological marvels of our modern time, we humans have invented something that's just as magical and very useful - music. Interestingly this art form, which we now mainly associate with entertainment, has once belonged to the area of science. Studies reveal that classical music

began mainly as scientific therapy to put the royalties of old in certain moods or

emotional states - to appease them when

they were agitated, to cheer them up when they were down, to make them feel romantic.

Recently, a so-called music therapy has been found very helpful in assuaging the physical and emotional suffering of patients, especially cancer patients. It is, of course, not new knowledge; it seems we are only re-discovering a "technology" that was known to work ages before. That music serves a very practical purpose in our lives - whether for mere entertainment or for therapy - cannot be denied.

Last night I brought home a CD of the European musical group Gregorian. I got it from the downtown store that was holding a special sale, near our office. It was a purchase I did not plan, but something I do not regret, either.

As the music played while I was preparing the meal for my two dogs, my usually tense end-of-a-workday senses became calmer and calmer. It felt like I suddenly had the wisdom to see everything in the right perspective. The composed and peaceful voices made me realize that there was no need to rush or to be bothered by imaginary concerns.

All the more when the song "Both Sides Now" played, the old advice "Never get your nose too close to the grindstone" struck me as very practical indeed. The melody was familiar, the message was refreshing, the singing was soothing.

"But now old friends are acting strange,

They shake their heads, they say I've changed

Well something's lost, but something's gained

In living every day."

True, many times people who love us and want only the best for us do not welcome certain changes we espouse - in our choices, in our ways, in our lives. Maybe their view of things is different from ours. Maybe they're looking at it from another side.

Yet while we are told to take heed of our innermost yearnings - to rely on our own concept of things - we must also remember that there are always other angles from where to view anything. Elders tell us that it is wise to observe some degree of reservation on an issue - until we get to know both sides of the story.

It is also true that when we get down on the ground working in our own yard, we lose sight of the rest of the neighborhood.

Music makes us feel. It can also make us well. These are at least the two things that I know about music so far - but, for sure, this potent art form has other sides still. (FREEMAN)