Sing & Be Well
When people find out that I'm a music therapist, the comments I hear most often are "I wish I could sing!" or "Oh, I love to sing, but I'm not good enough to do it in front of anyone". Some of these people tell me that, as children, a parent, teacher or someone else told them that they should just mouth the words because they didn't have a good enough voice.
Singing is our birthright! Singing is a natural and pure expression of how glad we feel to be alive, and the way we show our love of music. Here are my top five reasons to sing:
1. To connect with your body: We sing with our whole bodies. Because singing is so connected to closely with breath, singing helps us "be in our bodies" and let go of the thinking (or worrying) we do much of the day. Singing can be a joyful activity and can release endorphins (those feel-good chemicals that the body creates).
2. To connect with yourself: Meditative toning, singing along to a favourite song or simply humming to yourself are all ways to tap into your inner landscape and see what's going on in there.
3. To connect with others: Singing with other people - in meditation, prayer, at a sing-along, at a concert, gathered round the piano or at the bedside - helps us experience in a very deep way that we are all truly connected.
4. To express your feelings: Many times a singer, songwriter or composer has expressed our feelings in a way we could never have - if there's a song that expresses what you want or need to say, try singing along (keep in mind that this is just for you and it's not about "sounding good").
5. To boost your good feelings: Whatever you focus on, you'll invite more of into your life. You can choose uplifting, joyful and celebratory songs to sing.
So sing out! Be proud of your own unique voice. Experiment with what works for you - keep a journal of what you notice in your mind and body when you sing specific songs. Then you can choose the right song for the right moment and make use of the power of singing in your own life.
(c) Copyright 2005, Genuine Coaching Services.
Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, helps artists enhance their creativity by addressing their unique self-care issues. To receive one of her free monthly newsletters, subscribe at http://www.genuinecoaching.com/newsletter.html
MORE RESOURCES:
NASA Explores Kid Creativity For Spacecraft's New Name KETV.com, NE - And the space agency is exploring the expanses of kid creativity in an effort uncover it. In a nationwide contest that began Tuesday, NASA encouraged ... |
People Lack Creativity Examiner.com - I’ve come to the solid conclusion people as a whole lack in creativity, and when I die, ha you will all know it. |
Ditch toxic toys, awaken child's creativity Arizona Republic, AZ - Now comes the fun part: exploring the creative play options that can awaken a child's mind (and rest easy on ours, too). • Wooden planes, trains and autos. ... |
Dandelion Gold: A melting pot of creativity The Daily of the University of Washington, WA - If you’re willing to branch out for music that is wholly distinct and creative, look no further than Dandelion Gold’s One and Asarnow’s Sweet Potatoes. |
Give the gift of creativity Staunton News Leader, VA - One of the showcases of downtown shopping during the holidays is the Art for Gifts exhibit at the Staunton Augusta Art Center in the RR Smith Center on New ... |
Scope Out Black Creativity at the Museum of Science and Industry BlackEngineer.com, MD - Since 1971, Black Creativity has presented numerous exhibits exploring medicine, film, aviation, music, architecture and other topics from the black ... |
 Bleacher Report | Weary Garcia's 'creativity' does in Vikings Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - "He's a creative player, and his legs are his ally,'' Gruden said. "We need his legs and we need his scramble ability, his elusiveness in the pocket." Same story as Vikings are killed by mistakes |
Leo Burnett Mumbai ranks 19th in Ad Age's Creativity Business Standard, India - With a tally of 180 medals collected over the year at the top 10 awards show across the world, Leo Burnett Mumbai now features in the top 20 creative ... |
Isaacson: Creativity required for success Princeton University The Daily Princetonian, United States - By Reilly Kiernan Intelligence is not enough to really distinguish oneself: Creativity is critical, biographer Walter Isaacson told an audience in a packed ... |
Creativity can help ease stress of holidays The Reporter, WI - This year, especially, many shoppers are trying to scale back and get creative on purchases. They'll consider more practical gifts or gifts that are ... |
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