Sing!

              “Don’t you know that singing is really good for you?” pleaded our church’s music director as he tried to interest people into joining our church choir.  I had never heard of that idea, so I went to Google and learned some startling and interest facts: Singing is a natural anti-depressant and lowers stress.  Singing strengthens the immune system and also the throat and palate muscle which help stop snoring and sleep apnea.  Singing improves mental alertness and blood circulation.  An oxygenated blood stream allows more oxygen to reach the brain.  Singing releases endorphins, the feel-good brain chemical that makes a person feel uplifted and happy.  The social benefit of singing includes a wide circle of friends, boosts a person’s self–confidence and sustains a long life according to the findings of a joint Harvard and Yale study

Singing is the art of producing musical sounds with the voice and augments regular speech by the use of sustained tonality, rhythm, and a variety of vocal techniques.  Erik Contzius writes, “From the time we are born, human beings have the inclination to sing.  Even before we utter words or full sentences, we seem to be predisposed toward making simple melodies, giving voice to our young hearts.”  Everyone who can speak can learn to use a singing voice, but not everyone will have a great voice.  No matter, we sing in joy and sorrow; singing expresses words and thoughts that cannot be communicated in any other way.  So if a singer is tone deaf and cannot carry a tune, he or she can still express her or her emotions through singing. I am reminded of a man in our church who, before his death, was completely tone deaf; he could not carry a tune even if someone stood him by a piano and played each note for him.  But, wow, could he sing.  And sing he did!  What a joy to hear him because every word and (out of tune) melody came from his heart.  On the other hand, I have a friend who has a wonderful voice. (I have been envious of her for many years.)  She sings most of the time, every day. Thus she had kept her vocal muscle pliable and in tune.  Her singing is as lovely as it was over fifty years ago when she began to sing publically.  She still blesses all those who hear her.

I share with you some great thoughts about singing. 

“He who sings scares away his woes.”

              Miguel de Cervantes Saasvedra

“If everyone started off the day singing, just think how happy they’d be.”

              Lauren Myracle

“Those who wish to sing always find a song.”

              Swedish Proverb

“You don’t need a reason to sing.”

              Marty Rubin

“The human voice was the first instrument and remains the most powerful and effective method of musical creation and emotional transference,”

              Deke Sharon

“Singing is the sound of the soul.”

              James Runcie

              I invite you to sing in your home (and shower), especially when no one is there.  Belt the song out; you’ll be surprised and delighted for how good you will feel.