Singing - Balm for the Soul!

A repost because I luv to sing and it's good for me and good for you!!!

"I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing." ~ William James

It feels good - while in the shower, while at work, while at play, when we're with others - children, family, friends, large groups - whenever and wherever - it feels good and we've been doing it forever. Although I think instinctively we've always known that "sound therapy" works, researchers are paying more attention to the many health benefits to our bodies, spirits and overall well-being that singing provides.

According to www.hitchedmag.com/artic
le.php?id=857 ,

"Research published in the Journal of Music Therapy in 2004 claimed that group singing helped people cope better with chronic pain. In many senior centers singing as a memory trigger is being studied, specifically for slowing down mental decline and emotionally building self-esteem. For example, Alzheimer's patients who can no longer carry on a conversation are able to sing all the lyrics to songs from their past!"

and

"Scientists from the University of Frankfurt in Germany tested the blood of people who sang in a professional choir before and after an hour-long rehearsal of Mozart's "Requiem." Concentrations of immunoglobin A (antibodies) and hydrocortisone (a stress-reducing hormone) increased during the rehearsal. In contrast, the following week when they asked members of the choir to listen to a recording of the "Requiem" without singing, they found the composition of their blood did not change significantly. The conclusion: singing boosts the immune system while it reduces stress."

It's been determined that "Sounds can influence brain wave frequencies and promote well-being, specifically:

* Reduce stress and improve mood
* Lower blood pressure
* Boost the immune system
* Improve breathing
* Reduce perceived pain
* Improve a sense of rhythm
* Promote learning in children
* Forge comforting memories
* Promote communal bonding
* Provide comfort
* Motivate and empower"

Pretty darn impressive, eh!!!

This brings to mind a favourite "oldie, but goodie" song that was originally created for Sesame Street and became a hit for The Carpenters in the 70's - check out Elmo and friends singing "Sing, Sing A Song" - this will definitely put a smile on your face!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=
sU0MIJI-iio&feature=channel

And The Carpenters version

www.youtube.com/watch?v=
2LYekeK0HWo&feature=related

Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things, not bad
Sing of happy, not sad.

Sing, sing a song
Make it simple
To last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough
for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.

Sing, sing a song
Let the world sing along
Sing of love there could be
Sing for you and for me.

Sing, sing a song
Make it simple
To last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough
for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.

(Words and Music by Joe Raposo)

YES, don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear JUST, SING, SING A SONG - it's good for you!!!

"He who sings frightens away his ills." ~ Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote