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

Top Five Reasons to Cultivate Your Creativity

Cultivating your creativity is more than spending time with a... Read More

Codifying Creativity

Can we codify creativity? Within these few words are a... Read More

Five Steps to Higher Creativity: Engaging the Human Spirit

Unleash Your Creativity! Creativity has often been the misunderstood... Read More

Art, Artists and Money

Practical money tips for people in the arts.1. Sock it... Read More

Sharing Our Creative Work with Others

In my "Roadblocks to Creativity" e-course, I ask the question:"What's... Read More

Creative Memory Tricks

What's the biggest problem with memory tricks? Remembering to use... Read More

Mindfulness and Creativity: The Wow of Wonder

You are so creative.Don't deny it. Whether or not you... Read More

The 7 Simple Steps To Harnessing Your Creative Power And Achieving Incredible Success

Let me repeat what I believe is the most powerful... Read More

Get Creativity?

Creativity is central to the management of our individual lives,... Read More

Should You Quit Your Job for Your Dream?

The next time you're moodily sitting in your office, wishing... Read More

Creativity Management ? The Value Of An Idea?

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Stress VS Creativity

Now when I use the term "creativity", I mean the... Read More

Art of Creation with Attention

Attention is the greatest creative power in the world. If... Read More

My Work Is My Play - The Journey From Survival to Creativity

"For the love a' creation!", my father was fond of... Read More

Creativity Management ? Its All About Routine

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Being Creative is Essential for Online Success

Do you have a strategy that ensures your online business... Read More

Creating Reality ? Discovering the Magician Within

We all create our own reality each and every day,... Read More

12 Ways To Boost Your Creativity At Work

As workplaces continue to rightsize and downsize, we all find... Read More

Make EVERY DAY An Artist Retreat Day

What do you enjoy most about going on an Artist... Read More

Art, Artists and Vocation

"If you really want to upset your parents?go into the... Read More

Forget Thinking Outside The Box....GET Outside The Box

I happened to overhear a conversation the other day between... Read More

Business Innovation ? Personal Creativity

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Magic In Your Spice Rack

Variety is the spice of life, but spices, historically are... Read More

Finding A Little Adventure

I have had more than my share of exciting times... Read More

How To Master Your Game

Learn how to master your area of endeavor the right... Read More